Tires

I'm on my second set of Maxxis 8008's, and I have been very pleased with them. I also had my axles aligned and have been running balancing beads for several years. How much effect those two things on tire performance cannot be underestimated. But, the original tires were Kenda, and I'll never buy another one. I bought on line and tires were two years old when received, so pretty good for the price. The last thing I need when camping is mechanical issues, tires, brakes, springs, etc. Have been very satisfied with Maxxis performance.

napanee ted wrote:
Sorry to bring the subject up again but I'am in need for some advice on replacing my trailer tires. The trailer is a KZ sportsman 28 ft long. It has China bombs on it now 205/75r 14 c and they have worn down enought that I think they need to be replaced. Any advice would be helpful

Thanks

I've been waiting to see if you would do a follow-up post with more info. Since you haven't I'll just say this; If your trailer is a post 2015 model it's very likely your OEM tires did not have very much in load capacity reserves. Therefore, the best upgrade would be to go with a LRD in the same designated size as listed on your trailer's certification label. Change the valve stems - all steel recommended - and insure your wheels are rated for the 65 PSI necessary to gain full load capacity from the LRD tires.

I would estimate that more than half of the ST tire manufacturers carry that tire size in a LRD.

We replaced the 14 inch Trailer King tires, load C, on our 2017 Keystone Bullet 248rks (28'10" total length, 5100 lb. dry weight) with Goodyear Endurance, load D tires. I also had them balanced. Believe it or not, some tire dealers do not think trailer tires need balancing. Thankfully, my tire dealer, Discount Tire is more informed. I can definitely feel the difference when towing.

For my two cents worth, I just put 22,200 miles on a set of GY Endurance tires. In the two years that I had them, they didn't lose a pound of air. I just replaced them with another set of GY. The thread was down to 3/32" and I didn't want to worry about driving in the rain with that little thread.

Considering your TT is almost 10' longer and 1,500 lbs. heavier than mine, I would look into upsizing your wheels & tires to 15".

So far very happy with them and am glad to have the 87mph speed rating. 65mph will still be my nJust installed Goodyear Endurance on TT and horse trailer. Will keep everyone posted on any issues. So far very happy with them and am glad to have the 87mph speed rating. 65mph will still be my nSo far very happy with them and am glad to have the 87mph speed rating. 65mph will still be my normal towing speed but like having a cushion.

I just looked at the KZ website and didn't find a "Sportsman" that was 28 ft. long. Most likely, you have an older one. That said I noticed that the weights for those close to 28 ft and above started at 6K and went into the 7000 pound range quickly.
If you are running a 14 inch LRC tire I think you need to upgrade a bit. My trailer runs down the road very close to 6,500 lbs. I had the earlier Marathons that I inherited when I bought used. Got rid of them after the first year, 4th on the trailer because I had some noticeable bumps on the tread surfaces of two of them. Got some Maxxis and were happy with them but I did have to have them balanced a few times. I now am running the Carlisle HD with a load range E rating. These are also rated at 80 mph on the highway which gives me a nice 15mph cushion not to mention a very nice weight cushion.

I have had them 3 years now and have just about 17K miles on them. They still hold air too. Fill them up in the spring and might add a few pounds in the fall. Great tires....so far.

Over 30+ rv members have reported issues with Maxxis ST8008. Maxxis says not all their 8008 has the nylon cap under the tread....but they don't say which sizes.
I would recommend a 14" Provider ST in the size you need. They have been around for 10+ years and have a good service record on trailering forums of all types (rv and non rv).
My next choice would be the Endurance from Goodyear.

And then another new gen Carlisle HD.

The Endurance and Carlisle HD have been on the streets for over 2 years and so far seem to be a much better tire than the ones they replaced.

OP you sure don't need a 16" load E tire on that small trailer. Kinda like pulling a single axle pop up with a MDT.

They do not offer Michelin XPS RIBS in your size, 14".

Desert Captain wrote:


X2 though I cannot imagine buying any tire and not having it balanced. :h

:C

If you ever checked the balance of your brake drums or checked your "balanced" assembly, then you would know why I balance the entire assembly at home.

amxpress wrote:
You can't go wrong installing a set of Maxxis M8008 ST tires. They are available in 8 ply rating.
Be sure to have them balanced.

X2 though I cannot imagine buying any tire and not having it balanced. :h

:C