Tires for Fiver

[Tgator1]

We just got back from our planned trip from south Texas to Alaska. We were about 23 miles into our trip when we experienced a low tire on our Titanium fifth wheel (dry weight about 8200 lbs.). Good Sam sent a tow truck who put on a spare and found two small "pin prick" leaks on the flat tire. We decided to return home where we could line up buying a new tire and start out the next day. On the way home (yes, just 23 miles away) we had a blow out to a different tire on the other side of our RV. It took out the trim around the wheel and we are waiting for our insurance company appraiser to assess the damage amount. Both tires were Towmax tires (ST23580R16, load range E) that were purchased new in June of 2012 and had less than 3000 miles on them. I check them regularly and had filled them to 80 PSI before this trip. My question is: are there any good, dependable trailer tires available in this size that are load range E or better? I'm considering Goodyear Marathons, but saw lots of negative reviews on-line (Google it if you want proof!). We still want to make our Alaska trip, but need tires we can depend on.

[SuperDutyMan]

My camping buddy has a 10,000lb+ Jayco 5ver,put Good Year Marathons on,pulled 18,000mi. to Prudo Bay Al.then to Fla. from Pa.to Colorado and back,10,000mi.,then back to Fla. this past winter,I just asked him last week about the GYs,and he said never a problem,always checks the air,and says he never pulls over 65mph......just saying.

[ddschuman]

We had a tire failure about 3 weeks ago after only 1 year and less than 3500 miles with the Towmax tires that came on our 5er. We switched to Bridgestone R250s. They were around $100 (give or take a little) less than Michlin XPS Ribs but reviews and lots of research showed to be a good tire for our 5er. From what I can tell so far, they seem to be a very good tire and we are hoping to get many more miles out of them than the original Towmax provided.

[Cummins12V98]

Slap on a set of GY G's and air to 85# the minimum on the G inflation chart. Will NOT hurt your 80psi rims. Did this on our Avion Platinum went 5 years without a single problem then traded in the rig.

[benbovac]

I also run xps ribs on my 5er. not cheap, but good tires

[JIMNLIN]

FastEagle wrote:

ol Bombero-JC wrote:


XPS Ribs are rated by Michelin for *trailer* use.

~

Can you show us a reference?

FastEagle

As you well know Michelin has recommended the XPS Rib for commercial trailer service in their adds but you do a dis service and like to cut Michelin for your own twisted reasons thats getting old.

This email to me personally from Michelin on the subject.

12/05/2013


Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

In regards to the email you sent stating:
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Michelin ran a add for years that recommended using the XPS Ribs LT tires for commercial trailer service. I don't see the add any more on Michelins website. My question is does Michelin still recommend the XPS Ribs for commercial trailer service.
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Thank you for the contact and for considering Michelin for your replacement tires for your Trailer

Michelin does still recommend the XPS Rib for the commercial trailer service. The features and benefits are listed below:

XPS Rib: Tires offer long wear life with steel casing strength and retreadability.


* Tread compounds specifically developed for commercial applications help tires last longer so your business dollars go further.

* Added strength and ability to retread are just two advantages of steel casing - a feature that keeps trucks where they belong: on the job.

We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin

It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-642-4354 (toll free) between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.



Sincerely,

Barb C
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert

Now before you squeal and holler its a commercial trailer I have several Michelin emails for a heavy RV trailer like this one;

Michelin responce

Posted: 12/14/12 12:14am Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator
I sent an email to Michelin for a response regarding using Michelin XPS ribs on my 5th wheel. Here is the question and their response:

Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Due to recent high email volume and some technical issues that we have experienced, please accept our apology for the delay in this response. Your interest in Michelin is certainly appreciated.


In regards to the email you sent stating:
I have a 2006 Montana 5th wheel Trailer that has two 6,000 lb Dexter axles and 4 deluxe aluminum Rims each rated at 3,042 lbs. I would like to install your Michelin XPS® Rib™ LT235/85 R16/E's on this 5th wheel. Will the tires be fully waranteed in this application?

Answer..---------------------------------------------------------------------
We appreciate your request for information regarding the Michelin XPS Rib. The XPS Rib, size LT235/85R16/E, part number 13080 would be a good fitment for your 5th wheel. The tire carries 3042Lbs at 80-psi max pressure. For best pressure recommendation, run at maximum pressure until you can weigh your axles either call or reply to this email for a pressure recommendation.
It is a good application, so there are no warranty issues. Your tires are covered under applicable warranty.
We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.

It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-642-4354 (toll free) between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 8:30AM and 4:30PM Eastern Time on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Diana
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert

PS: It's important that you get all the safety-related materials that come with the purchase of new Michelin passenger and light truck tires. If you did not receive a warranty book, you can download one at www.michelin.com/warranty/. If you did not register your tires, please take a moment to do so at www.michelin.com. Registering your tires is easy and takes just a minute.

Sorry mod/adm for this being so long. Maybe FastEagle will stop his mis information campaign against the XPS Rib tire.

[NHIrish]

C Schomer wrote:
You're lucky to have big16s on a light trailer. Put on LT Es and you should have a lot of margin @3042 each. Craig

I agree. E rated tires should be more than sufficient for your rig. If you had 110 psi rims and wanted overkill, you could go to G rated but they are expensive and you don't need it unless you are WAY overloaded.

Your problem was towmax tires, and yes, I had them and had issues as did others I know.

[FastEagle]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:


XPS Ribs are rated by Michelin for *trailer* use.

~

FastEagle

[ol_Bombero-JC]

filrupmark wrote:
Go with Michelin XPS Ribs Or Bridgestone R-250 . Both of these tire are steel case tires . They are made for comercial trucks. I have the bridgestone r-250 tires . They are very good and about 250.00 - 300.00 cheaper than the Michelins.

XPS Ribs are rated by Michelin for *trailer* use.

Poster suggesting "G" tires.
"G" rated tires -any brand- are (way) overkill for an 8200# trailer.
(Plus the rims may not be rated for the pressure).

IMO, OP: Believe what you have read about GY Marathons..:W

~

[TXiceman]

First thing to do is get the trailer weight in the trim you normally travel and FORGET the dry weight. Once you know the real weights, you can research load ranges for the tires.

Ken

[nremtp143]

I have G614s on mine, but any of the ones mentioned above will do fine. Michelin, Bridgestone, or even the new kid on the block, Sailun.

[C_Schomer]

You're lucky to have big16s on a light trailer. Put on LT Es and you should have a lot of margin @3042 each. Craig

[gmw_photos]

Pick a name brand LT and head on up the road knowing you have made a serious improvement to your towing safety.

[sdetweil]

I have G614's on my FW, but its GVWR is 15,500.. with 7k axles.

[MrVan]

I would recomend the R250s

[filrupmark]

Go with Michelin XPS Ribs Or Bridgestone R-250 . Both of these tire are steel case tires . They are made for comercial trucks. I have the bridgestone r-250 tires . They are very good and about 250.00 - 300.00 cheaper than the Michelins.