Fifth wheel tire replacement

[Mgr1001]

Hi everyone,

I know this topic has been discussed much on this forum, but here we go.

I have a new (for me) fifth wheel TH, and after my first 2500 mile trip I see a bulge in the sidewall of one of my tires. Needless to say, it's replacement time.

The question is, since my TH is a tandem axle (7000# axles) and is rated for 16,500 GVW, and I have all e rated tires now (235/80-16), can I go to g rated tires such as the Sailuns? (I believe my wheels are rated for 110# of pressure) If I can, and decide to do this, can I do one axle at a time? Is this advised? Anyone know of a good place to purchase. (I'm in southern Calif. At the moment)

Also, I'm considering bumping to 235/85-16 tire size. Same questions?

Any insight and especially any direct experience with this situation will be greatly appreciated.

Miker ??????

[bassgroup]

Do you think the 245/70R 19.5 would be a good tire for a motorhome?

[justafordguy]

You made a very wise choice. I put the same Sailun tires on mine a few years ago and love them so far. Very good tires for the money.

[JIMNLIN]

Sailun S637 also come in a ST235/80-16 G at 4080 lbs capacity at 30.8" diameter which is close to the ST235/80-16 E tires.....if you need the room under the wheel wells.

[Mgr1001]

Thanks everyone,

Made my decision. Checked with the wheel manufacturer, and my wheels are indeed rated for 110 psi. Going with the Sailuns, 235/85-16. Going to do all four. I think it's worth it for the peace of mind. I don't think the profile of the tires being slightly taller (0.9 inches) will make much of a difference, since there is plenty of space in the wheel wells and between the axles.

Thanks again for all the input

Mike. :W:B

[Helmsey]

If you have to replace the wheels as well as the tires make the jump to 17.5's. They wont be much more expensive and you will get more capacity.
If you wheels are rated at 110PSI I would suggest the Sailun tires, thats exactly what I did. I purchased mine locally but they can be found at online tire sites at decent prices.

[bpounds]

Mgr1001 wrote:
... If I can, and decide to do this, can I do one axle at a time? Is this advised? ...

Are you asking if you can jack up one axle at a time, so you don't have the whole trailer up on jack stands, the answer is yes absolutely.

Are you asking if you can do one axle this month, and the other axle next month, the answer is yes absolutely. But you already know those tires are going to fail, so why would you want to risk it? As far as handling, I've done this, and you won't notice anything.

On the other hand, if you'll be sitting at a site for the duration anyway, no problem doing the swap at different times.

[Mark_Heisler]

when i did my tire swap i went to LT
I went from ST 235/80/16 Goodyear Marathon "D" to LT 245/75/16 Toyo HT "E"
it really in improved the ride of the trailer
Also i only run 70 lbs
My trailer loaded is 12000lbs
Plus when you get new tire have them balance it makes a big difference on the ride

[eHoefler]

I wnet to 17.5" tires and wheels for the same money as replacing the 16" tires alone. And increased my tire and wheel capacity to 6005* per wheel.

[Old-Biscuit]

Verify that RIMS are rated for 110# FIRST
Doubt they will be with 'E' rated tires on them

If they are....then go for the Sailun Tires.
All 4 tires.

[Me_Again]

Mgr1001 wrote:
Hi everyone,

I know this topic has been discussed much on this forum, but here we go.

I have a new (for me) fifth wheel TH, and after my first 2500 mile trip I see a bulge in the sidewall of one of my tires. Needless to say, it's replacement time.

The question is, since my TH is a tandem axle (7000# axles) and is rated for 16,500 GVW, and I have all e rated tires now (235/80-16), can I go to g rated tires such as the Sailuns? (I believe my wheels are rated for 110# of pressure) If I can, and decide to do this, can I do one axle at a time? Is this advised? Anyone know of a good place to purchase. (I'm in southern Calif. At the moment)

Also, I'm considering bumping to 235/85-16 tire size. Same questions?

Any insight and especially any direct experience with this situation will be greatly appreciated.

Miker ??????

Contact http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/

If you have 33" center to center or more on your axles then Sailun S637 St235/85R16G will work. Or they now have ST235/80R16G, both have the same weight ratings.

Chris

[fj12ryder]

I don't think I would do one axle at a time. Seems like the handling differences of the tires may be detrimental to them. I would probably go to the 235/80-16 "G" rated Sailun, just because a little shorter can't hurt. 🙂 Four of those will give you about 16,000 lbs. carrying capacity, which should put you several thousand over your actual weight on the axles.

I bought mine through SimpleTire.com.

[MarkTwain]

Your tirel logic is right on the $$. The biggest size tire and highest rated tire that your rims can handle?? More is better! I buy new ties every 5 years??

[donn0128]

Go for 17.5 inch tires and wheels. You wont regret it.