I have a 1 year old Jayco TT that weighs a little over 5000lbs loaded. A neighbor recommended I replace the tires that came on it with heavier duty tires to decrease the risk of a blow-out. Is this needed? If it's a common problem, then for sake of safety I probably will. Just hate replacing practically new tires.

First, check the DOT number to see when the tires were made. Then go to www.michelinrvtires.com to read what they state about RV tires.

As mentioned, check the manufacture date. Then check to see what weight rating your tires are, and if needed to weigh your rig at a scale to find a more precise loaded weight. You will also need to check your rims for a psi or weight rating stamped on the inside of the rim, possibly on a spoke depending on the rim style.I plan on replacing our stock tires with a step up to a LR E tire from the LR D for that reason, a little more "reserve capacity".

It's unfortunately "common" that RV manufacturers put on HORRIBLE tires from the factory. When a big 80-85 series tire blows, it can cause pretty substantial damage.Part of it seems to be due to tires that are running close to capacity limits already and then they age (probably dropping max capacity by 10% a year).Tell us the following:Size and model of the tiresGive us the DOT code on the sideWe'll be able to provide further advice.I have a 2015 Keystone 5th wheel. It weighs about 13k unloaded on two axles. I replaced the factory tires after driving off the lot... Provide tire info before you go do it though, it may be unnecessary.

Fnp5150 wrote:I have a 1 year old Jayco TT that weighs a little over 5000lbs loaded. A neighbor recommended I replace the tires that came on it with heavier duty tires to decrease the risk of a blow-out. Is this needed? If it's a common problem, then for sake of safety I probably will. Just hate replacing practically new tires.What size and ply rating do you have? I've had good luck with E rated tires.

1000s and 1000s of trailers never have a blow out. Just because some do that doesn't mean you will. Its easy to get caught up in all the ST fear mongering. Sure there are some really bad ones made. But it's the same with anything. I've put over 20,000 miles on two sets of ST tires. Just because someone else had a blowout doesn't mean I will. My questions are How much do you tow? What size tires do you have?What brand? What's the loaded weight of the trailer?And what's the max load for the ST tires?If you only tow a couple 1000 miles a year or less and your tires aren't maxed out, then if it were me I'd run them. If you're maxed out on the tires, then upgrade to a higher rated tire. If they're some weird brand that you have trouble saying then I'd up grade.If they're a known decent brand and you meet the weight and miles limits then I'd keep em till they are used up somewhat.The only sure fire way you're going to avoid blowouts is to upgrade to LT tires. But since you trailer is only 5000lbs loaded then it's highly doubtful that you'll find LT tires that will fit.One more thing. Keep your speed under 65mph.

Upgrading trailer tires | Good Sam Community

Fnp5150
Explorer
May 02, 2016
Anybody have any experience with putting nitrogen in their TT tires?
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Apr 25, 2016
Fnp5150 wrote:
I have a 1 year old Jayco TT that weighs a little over 5000lbs loaded. A neighbor recommended I replace the tires that came on it with heavier duty tires to decrease the risk of a blow-out. Is this needed? If it's a common problem, then for sake of safety I probably will. Just hate replacing practically new tires.

Your neighbor makes sense/cents.
A few folks pooh pooh recommendations from others especially this forum because they say they have never had a problem with their tires and dismissing the fact many folks have had issues.

Looking in on other rv websites/horse shows/rodeo events/haulers website/dog show websites/atv/boating/ and on and on/etc.....all have the same issues with ST tires on their trailers. So its not just a few members on RV.net that have had ST tire issues.

Only you can make the decision to upgrade tires....but first IMO you need to know which tire brand/type/size/load range be a upgrade in your case. You may have one of the more problematic brands or you may have one that has fewer issues.

Read around all the different rv websites for more input on tires........ or anything about a rv.
scbwr
Explorer II
Apr 25, 2016
hawkeye-08 wrote:
We bought an used 1998 Terry trailer in 2008. It had the original tires, previous owner keep the trailer inside shop for storage, under car port during the season. We had to replace the rubber valve stems due to leaking, but the tires lasted until 2013. I'm not saying all tires will last that long, but they can. Check the pressure each time before you go out, make sure you have a good spare.

Keeping tires on a trailer that long is just plain dangerous. Granted, keeping the trailer stored inside and avoiding UV exposure can extend tire life, but it is much safer to change tires much sooner than that. I keep our trailer stored inside, but I wouldn't think of keeping one set of tires on it for for close to 15 years.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Apr 25, 2016
We bought an used 1998 Terry trailer in 2008. It had the original tires, previous owner keep the trailer inside shop for storage, under car port during the season. We had to replace the rubber valve stems due to leaking, but the tires lasted until 2013. I'm not saying all tires will last that long, but they can. Check the pressure each time before you go out, make sure you have a good spare.
Tequila
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
The OEM load range D Goodyear marathons lasted 3 years before my first blowout. Not bad actually, the trailer has done 2 return trips to california (6000 miles) plus 3 return trips to |Mexico (15,000 miles). Much of that over Topes & rough roads. 3 of them are still intact, but I am replacing all 4 with load range E's. I have room to go to 16 inch, but one advantage of staying with 15 is that a blowout is unlilly to do damage to the trailer body. The key to tires lasting is stay at 60 MPH or under.
lbrjet
Explorer
Apr 24, 2016
The Duro's were a great tire for me. I had 4 years and 9000 miles on them. They held air unbelievably well. I switched them out because of age and mostly because of an upcoming 7500 mile trip. Gave me a chance to go to a higher load range as well.
Clockman
Explorer
Apr 24, 2016
lbrjet wrote:
I would spend my money on a TPMS instead. I too have over 20,000 miles on my trailer and am on my 2nd set of ST tires both made in China. The OEM tires were Duro 2100 radials and the second set I put on are Hercules Power STR. 6 years, 34 states and no blowouts.

Ibrjet, How did you like your Duro's?? I had some on a heavy Utility trailer some years back and they were the best Trailer Tires I ever had, Very nice Profile, and deep black color to them, never had a problem with them.. What was your experience?
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Apr 22, 2016
Fnp5150 wrote:
I have a 1 year old Jayco TT that weighs a little over 5000lbs loaded. A neighbor recommended I replace the tires that came on it with heavier duty tires to decrease the risk of a blow-out. Is this needed? If it's a common problem, then for sake of safety I probably will. Just hate replacing practically new tires.

First Relax. There is absolutely NO REASON to replace those tires. There is NO evidence or logical reason to do so.

Don't be led astray by those that have axes to grind on a particular brand on this forum or those that spend money needlessly out of fear of a blowout that in all likelihood will never happen.

Consider this: (and I have written this several times in these discussions) I am hauling a trailer with 11 year old Goodyear Marathons on it that were there when I bought the trailer. I have pulled that trailer more than 12 thousand miles in the past 12 months INCLUDING a 3 month long trip through the Baja and I am now on my way to Alaska. These tires are doing just fine.

Keep an eye on your tires, keep them inflated at the MAX cold inflation pressure and the chances of a blowout or tire problem are so small as to be insignificant on a statistical basis.

Much of what you read on this topic on this forum is alarmist, not based on fact, filled with prejudice for or against one brand or another and filled with fear and anxiety.

Leave it all behind...save yourself some money and go out and have a good time.
Tachdriver
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
I am curious:

Did you cover your tires while in storage or long term staying at a park?
Did you keep the air pressure at max?

I bought my first TT in 2012 and replaced the tires without question, the date codes were 2008 and being a second owner I did not know how well they were maintained, but they did look okay.

I am going 5 years and doing a complete replacement. You seem to get good service out of them.
Mark_and_Linda
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
I just put 4 new ones on my Puma yesterday. The ones on it were made about 2008, had a little wear. I got radials and got them balanced...can't wait to see how it tows. I never tow above 65....