I apologize if this has already been covered and/or beat to death, but I wasn't able to find much using the search function. Please direct me to any existing threads and close this one if it makes more sense...Quick background: Carbon 387 toy hauler, 19,000GVWR per the sticker, triple 7k axles, and currently running ST235/80R16E Trailer King tires that came from the factory.Our previous toy hauler had horrendous issues blowing tires, and I want to do everything I can to avoid similar issues this time around. So my question is, what are the pros and cons of upgrading to a higher quality 16" tire like the Sailun S637 versus going with a 17.5" tire/wheel combo?I understand the load capacities and all of that, but I'm really looking more into the durability and longevity of the tire itself. For example, does the taller sidewall of the 16" make it more susceptible to damage during tight maneuvers like at a fueling station?

In MY opinion, with having a triple axle, I would only upgrade to a good, quality 16" tire. With the GVWR being 19K, if you went to a 17.5, those 6 tires would be good for 24,480#.. Deduct the pin weigh and your overkill or that application. ( IN my opinion only) There are 2 quality, 16" tires that come to mind that BOTH are having good reviews,:16" Goodyear G-61416" Sailun S637-- -- -- MUCH cheaper that the GY, and I have not seen a bad review yet on them. Lots of folks swapping to them with great results

ford truck guy wrote:In MY opinion, with having a triple axle, I would only upgrade to a good, quality 16" tire. With the GVWR being 19K, if you went to a 17.5, those 6 tires would be good for 24,480#.. Deduct the pin weigh and your overkill or that application. ( IN my opinion only) There are 2 quality, 16" tires that come to mind that BOTH are having good reviews,:16" Goodyear G-61416" Sailun S637-- -- -- MUCH cheaper that the GY, and I have not seen a bad review yet on them. Lots of folks swapping to them with great resultsX2 on the Sailun S637s. We've had them on our rig for a year and a half and I'm extremely pleased with them. The Sailuns are popular with commercial truckers.Rob

Look at the new Goodyear Endurance tires.

I can only attest to the longevity of my Sailun S637 tires and they are doing fantastically after nearly 5 years and probably 20,000 miles. They look like they will last a while longer too.These are on a 2010 triple axle toyhauler with a GVWR of 18,000 lbs.

Going from class ST to commercial class tires is moving up about 2-3 rungs in tire classKnow that most all commercial class tires (0.5" dia's) do NOT have a safety bead like the lower class tires.Meaning that you must keep them aired up, as the tapered bead will come off the rim if too low in PSI during side loadingsPersonally, do NOT like ST class tires and my trailers all had them replaced with LT class tiresPlus, ST class tires are mostly rated for a max of 65 MPH. There are some special ST's that are rated a bit higher in speed, but not many

Trailer Tires: High Quality 16's vs. Swapping to 17.5's

ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jan 26, 2018
In MY opinion, with having a triple axle, I would only upgrade to a good, quality 16" tire. With the GVWR being 19K, if you went to a 17.5, those 6 tires would be good for 24,480#.. Deduct the pin weigh and your overkill or that application. ( IN my opinion only)

There are 2 quality, 16" tires that come to mind that BOTH are having good reviews,:
16" Goodyear G-614
16" Sailun S637-- -- -- MUCH cheaper that the GY, and I have not seen a bad review yet on them. Lots of folks swapping to them with great results
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Jan 26, 2018
ford truck guy wrote:
In MY opinion, with having a triple axle, I would only upgrade to a good, quality 16" tire. With the GVWR being 19K, if you went to a 17.5, those 6 tires would be good for 24,480#.. Deduct the pin weigh and your overkill or that application. ( IN my opinion only)

There are 2 quality, 16" tires that come to mind that BOTH are having good reviews,:
16" Goodyear G-614
16" Sailun S637-- -- -- MUCH cheaper that the GY, and I have not seen a bad review yet on them. Lots of folks swapping to them with great results

X2 on the Sailun S637s. We've had them on our rig for a year and a half and I'm extremely pleased with them. The Sailuns are popular with commercial truckers.

Rob
jim1521
Explorer
Jan 26, 2018
Look at the new Goodyear Endurance tires.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jan 26, 2018
I can only attest to the longevity of my Sailun S637 tires and they are doing fantastically after nearly 5 years and probably 20,000 miles. They look like they will last a while longer too.

These are on a 2010 triple axle toyhauler with a GVWR of 18,000 lbs.
BenK
Explorer
Jan 26, 2018
Going from class ST to commercial class tires is moving up about 2-3 rungs in tire class

Know that most all commercial class tires (0.5" dia's) do NOT have a safety bead like the lower class tires.

Meaning that you must keep them aired up, as the tapered bead will come off the rim if too low in PSI during side loadings

Personally, do NOT like ST class tires and my trailers all had them replaced with LT class tires

Plus, ST class tires are mostly rated for a max of 65 MPH. There are some special ST's that are rated a bit higher in speed, but not many
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2018
I have six commercail grade all steel ply carcassSailun S637 ST235/80-16 load G 4080 lbs at 110 psi on my GN triaxle stock trailer with 7k axles. This trailer makes short runs out to 450-500 miles at legal 75 mpg speeds and return the same day. The S637 are L speed rated.
When fully l;oaded I can spin the trailer on the center axle around close spaced loading docks areas. Doesn't faze these 110 psi tires. Now those soft 80 psi rated poly carcass ST tires is a different story.

Sailun also offers a S637 ST235/85-16 G at 4400 lbs the tire is a bit taller than the 235/80 tire plus a thicker tread for more miles of service.

Just make sure your present wheels are 110 psi rated.

JMO... that trailer with just 7k axles doesn't need 17.5" tires and wheels.
eHoefler
Explorer II
Jan 27, 2018
When it was time for me to replace my 16" LT tires, I researched 17.5 options. I found a tire/wheel combination that cost $5.00 more per tire/wheel. Now I am good to 6,005 pounds per tire and wheel.
memtb
Explorer
Jan 27, 2018
With a three axle trailer and today’s improved tires, I’d probably stay with 16’s (depending upon the trailers weight). Concerning the subject of tires/rims, it’s pretty difficult to have “too much”! We’re running J-rated 17.5’s.....and wouldn’t consider going back to 16’s. With the poor roads, potential road hazards, and occasional (off pavement travel) on our menue.....it’s “piece of mind”!

Similar can be said for truck tires. Many HD pick-up trucks have axle ratings far exceeding the tire/rim ratings. For some folks a dually is “not” a practical application for their lifestyle. For our SRW, we upgraded to 19.5” Steel wheels (5000 lb. rating), with H rated tires 4900+ lbs. rating at full pressure). So far....this is an improvement that has worked very well. Again....”Piece of mind”!
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2018
eHoefler wrote:
When it was time for me to replace my 16" LT tires, I researched 17.5 options. I found a tire/wheel combination that cost $5.00 more per tire/wheel. Now I am good to 6,005 pounds per tire and wheel.

What tire are you running in a 17.5 that gives you 6,005# capacity? My GY "H" 17.5's have no where near that capacity.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2018
Know your weights!!! THEN decide if a QUALITY "E", "G" or "H" tire is what is needed.

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Trailer Tires: High Quality 16's vs. Swapping to 17.5's

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