Forum Discussion

losmt21's avatar
losmt21
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013

Tires for Towing with my Fifthwheel

hello, Guys


Just a couple of questions concerning what are the best tires for fifthwheel towing. I currently have a 2012 f250 truck with 20 inchs wheels. The current Size is lt275/65r20 still factory tires on the truck. My fifthwheel is right at 12,000 lbs Total loaded up. Would it be better to replace the tires with the same size and or go up to larger tires with the same rims. I know I need E range tires and 10 ply however will larger tires help and be more safe towing the 5th Wheel. I am not set on any particular brand and Don;t mind paying extra for a good set.
Thanks!
  • BeerCan's avatar
    BeerCan
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2013
    I just put these on my F350 with 20" wheels
    4080lbs capacity but they are noisy. Only have about 400 miles on them so far so no real opinions yet (except noise)


    http://toyotires.com/tire/pattern/open-country-at-ii-on-off-road-all-terrain-tires
  • artguys's avatar
    artguys
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    Chicken or the egg thing or what ever...it's the amount of air pressure in the tires that allows for extra capacities, however a higher rated tire allows for more weight. So! You can use e rated tires but if you don't take full advantage of their load carrying capacities by using proper air pressures then all for naught and down the crapper we go.
  • losmt21's avatar
    losmt21
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2013
    MitchF150 wrote:
    Going to larger tires will only make your effective gear ratio higher (numerically lower) and actually bog you down compared to the OEM size.

    As long as your OEM tires have the load capacity to handle the rear axle weight, you should be good as you are

    Mitch


    Okay that does make sure my tires do have the correct load capacity. So with that being said I will go with the same factory size tires. That helps a lot I prefer larger tires but having a fifthwheel changes that and no big deal it's worth the sacrifice . Steve

    Thanks!!'
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Oct 11, 2013
    Going to larger tires will only make your effective gear ratio higher (numerically lower) and actually bog you down compared to the OEM size.

    As long as your OEM tires have the load capacity to handle the rear axle weight, you should be good as you are..

    Mitch
  • RAS43's avatar
    RAS43
    Explorer III
    Oct 11, 2013
    I have an '06 F350 and am pulling a slighter heavier trailer then you have and also have 3750lb rated tires. They work fine and weights are under the max rating. I'd stay with the same size as they have an adequate rating.
  • losmt21's avatar
    losmt21
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2013
    SWD wrote:
    12,000 lbs! Wow. Seems a tad much for a 3/4 ton. JMHO.


    12,000LBS total weight, the dry #9760 I haven't had a chance to weight it fully loaded which I will soon. The trucks does squat a little however air bags will be installed tomorrow.
  • losmt21's avatar
    losmt21
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2013
    Peg Leg wrote:
    How many pounds are those tires rated for? Sounds to be more show than tow.


    They are rated for 3750 lbs.

    80 psi

    My Fifthwheel is #9760 Dry , I haven't weighted the camper since Its fully loaded. I will be doing that very soon. I was under the impression to keep the Total LOADED weight below 12,000 and I will be okay. It tows very well on the interested crusing 65-70 mile per hour. Just looking at getting the best possible tires.
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2013
    Its not the GVWR of the travel traler but the tounge weight. You factory tires are rated most likely for your axle rate and its just a mater of correct air pressure in the tires. They most likely fine for the payload capacity of the truck.

    Look on the sidewall of your tires and post back the weight rating at max PSI. Then open the door and look at the rear axle weight and tell use that #...
  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2013
    How many pounds are those tires rated for? Sounds to be more show than tow.
  • SWD's avatar
    SWD
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2013
    12,000 lbs! Wow. Seems a tad much for a 3/4 ton. JMHO.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,104 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 23, 2025