Replacement Tires

[Huckleby]

So I need to replace all 4 tires on my 5th wheel due to cracking sidewalls. The size on it currently is ST205/70R14. This size is a bear to find and are quite pricey. I'm looking at going with ST205/75R14. I'm pretty sure I have room for them. Any thoughts on Radial vs Bias plys? Anyone know of a cheap source for trailer tires?

[Irelands_child]

I went through the same ordeal with a TT years back. There are really limited acceptable tires in a 14" size. At this point I would consider going to a 15" wheel and about the same overall diameter tire. If you do switch to a 15" wheel, make sure it's correct for the axle. By that I mean that you do have to consider back spacing. Many if not all axle manufacturers insist that the wheels have a certain amount ranging from centered (zero) and from there, who knows. You can measure your existing wheels but you need to dismount a tire. The lug (bolt) pattern is also another consideration - wide 4 or 5(older Dexter wheels), 4 lugs, standard 5 (4-3/4 Chevy pattern or 4-1/2 Ford). Tire Rack will have tire specs for comparison though Discount Tire may have a lower price though I have yet to find full specs on their site.

[coolbreeze01]

In 14", I'd go with Kumho 857's.

[MarkTwain]

Hannibal wrote:
I always recommend the largest ST tires you can easily fit for the higher load capacity. I've had good luck with Carlisle and Goodyear Marathons.

X1 on the largest LT tire you can use and Goodyear "G" rated tire.

[JIMNLIN]

The current tires are BF Goodrich Lifesaver Radial ST.

WOW...are you sure about the brand and name as BFG dropped their ST tire line many many years ago as did other USA tire makers.

I would stick with a cooler running radial tire. Those old tech bias ply tires ran hot at long highways speeds.

[RedRam]

Now might be a good time to consider changing to 15" rims for a better selection of tires for now and the future.

[Hannibal]

I always recommend the largest ST tires you can easily fit for the higher load capacity. I've had good luck with Carlisle and Goodyear Marathons.

[tinner12002]

What about going to 15" wheels and tires?

[robrose1]

One year. I recently brought the rig home to wax it. I checked the air pressure and they were still at 65 psi from when I parked it in sept.

[jfkmk]

robrose1 wrote:
I have the Carlisle RH tire and so far I am pretty happy with them. I had 2 sets of Maxxis tires on my last rig but they are not readily available wothout ordering them. I did have a Maxxis tire come apart so no tire is perfect.

How long have you had the Carlisles? I'm replacing my 205-14s this spring and the Carlisles are available at the local tire store. I'm thinking those or the Kumho's.

[robrose1]

I have the Carlisle RH tire and so far I am pretty happy with them. I had 2 sets of Maxxis tires on my last rig but they are not readily available wothout ordering them. I did have a Maxxis tire come apart so no tire is perfect.

[Bamaman11]

I don't wish any Chinese tire on my worst enemy, and Goodyear Marathons are just another Chinese tire.

Go to TireRack.com and order a set of Kumho 857's in your 205 size. They and the Maxxis M8008's are in a class of their own for 14" tires.

[FastEagle]

eBay!

FE

[jfkmk]

Discounttiredirect is a good source and offers free shipping. I have the same size (except 75s) and am replacing them this year. Looking at the Carlisle radial rh and kumho 857 as well. Both the Carlisle and kumho are rated for a speed greater than 65, although I normally don't exceed that speed normally when towing.

[MarkTwain]

the bear II wrote:
You might have better luck going to Light Truck (LT) type tires instead.

X1, I want as much extra load capacity under my 5th. wheel as I can get:)