Wheel Problem

Question

I have a 38' Jayco fifth-wheel. I had a lot of problems with tire failures. I went to Goodyear G614RST LT 235/85R16 tires. These tires have a max rating of 110 PSI. This required buying new wheels for this tire pressure. I got aluminum wheels in 2005. Things were going well until this return trip from FL to PA, The first day out I got a flat. When the new tire was mounted they checked the wheel and found that it is was cracked. When I got home and parked, the next day I saw that I had another tire going flat. When it was checked that wheel was also cracked. I am now working with a wheel manufacturer to find out what to replace these wheels with.

Has anyone out there had wheel failures? It was explained to me that the cause was that the trailers are not uniformly balanced from one side to the other. The kitchen side is always heavier. I guess this causes some kind of uneven stresses on the wheels.

donn0128 · Answer

Were those tires and wheels all from 2005? If so you were probably 5 years over due for new tires.
Now, what exactly is the weight on the axles? If your that heavy, maybe you should consider 17.5 inch tires and wheels.

bpounds · Answer

Assuming you are not exceeding the weight rating of the wheels, you probably just got bad wheels. Maybe they were improperly rated to begin with (it's not an exact science) or maybe you had bad castings (not uncommon).

Yes, there have been reports of cracked wheels, here and elsewhere. It happens.

I agree also that upsizing would be smart. Going 110psi in 16" limits your options and availability of tires and wheels.

ford_truck_guy · Answer

When I upgraded to my 17.5's I had a cracked wheel... It was driving me nuts, I was loosing a few pounds each week or so... It was good that I always check them.
Scott at Trailer-Tire and Wheels was great and replaced it quickly with no hassles to me...
He first wanted me to break down the good tire off the bad wheel and he would send me just a wheel... I said I would rather not, so I got a new one complete..

old-biscuit · Answer

That is why I run Steel Wheels.The PSI and weight ratings then toss in the stress/torque being applied to those trailer wheels/tires/suspension when maneuveringAluminum wheels are for showSteel wheels are for GO

12th_man_fan · Answer

I bought a new Holiday rambler in 2005. It had aluminum rims and in a short time they were recalled and replaced due to splitting inside the rim and loosing air. These rims were made in China and I don't remember the brand but yours could have been recalled also and you just didn't get the word. Now 11 years later there probably isn't much you can do but replace them.

Doug

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