what is your choice for tires

[py8pointer]

I have to buy a set of 4 new tires for my tt. They are 205/75/14. I just want to know what are you thoughts on what brand tire is the best. And my camper now has goodyear marothon on them and need something better that has a better load rateing, the ones on there now has a load rating B . I would like a D or E. Im pushing max load on there now with very little room for error.

[Lowsuv]

there are no reported steel rv wheel failures due to over inflation .
my first choice in the 14 inch wheel size is the kumho 857 rated to carry a load of 2271 pounds at 65 psi .
the load rating of that tire is reduced if inflated to 50 psi .
the tire itself is rated for the 65 psi of course .
some steel rv wheels have a maximum psi .
more common is the wheels are rated for a pound capacity and the necessary psi needed to achieve that load rating .
the tire is the weak link.
reserve capacity for failure can be acheived by upgrading to a tire with a higher load rating capacity in pounds .
it does not matter whether your axles are rated lower than the tire capacity as regards to tire failure .
of course you do not want to exceed axle capacity and in most cases you will not .
weighing your trailer and tow vehicle is a very good idea .
heavy tongue weight mitigates sway and that is a bonus for weighing your setup.

[Community Alumni]

Sorry for posting on this older thread but I have a related question.

I have standard steel wheels painted white and I suspect they aren't rated to take more than 50 psi but I like the ability of the Kuhmo 857's to exceed 65 mph (which I would only do when passing another vehicle).

Do you you need to inflate the tires to 65 psi to be able to exceed 65 mph.

[LarryJM]

DRSMPS wrote:
I'm in the same boat (maybe the same TT...)

I have Goodyear Marathons in a ST20575R14 load range C that I want to replace.

My decision lies between purchasing Kuhmo 857 in the LT20575R14 size and Maxxis M8008's in ST20575R14 size. I've heard good things about both.

Kuhmo's don't make what you are calling an LT20575R14. The 4 14" KUHMO 857s are the 185R14 load range "D"(1874lb max load at 65psi), the 195R14 load range "C"(1874lb max load at 65psi, the 195R14 load range "D"(2094lb max load at 65psi), and the 205R14 load range "D" (2271lb max load at 65psi)

I know the Kuhmo's have a load range D rating and will fit on my 14" X 5.5" rims. They have an 8-ply tread and 2-ply sidewall

75% correct they also have a 195R14 in a load range "C" so be careful

The Maxxis have a load range C rating, also fitting my rims. However they have a 6-ply tread rating. I can't find any information indicating what side wall ply rating is on them.

Be sure to check you rims since most that have load range "C" tires are only rated for 50psi and not the 65psi that the KUMHO 857s are spec'd at.

For those of you who have made this switch, what is your recommendation between these two?

I doubt you will find many that have actual experience with both. I looked at it this way ... if you don';t want or care for any increased load capacity or increase you speed limitations, just hopefully a better tire go with the Maxxis. If you want to increase your load capacity and or increase you max speed you can't get there in any 14" size w/o going to something like the KUMHO 857's. The 195R15 LR "D" I got have a speed spec of 106mph and I highly doubt I will ever get close to that speed, but have at times with my current GY Marathons been sort of hampered in paying attention to their 65mph rating. While there hasn't been a lot posted about the KUMHO 857's here since the Maxxis is the "TIRE DEJOUR" so to speak, a lot of boaters have gone with the KUMHOs and seem to be happy with them.

Would anyone know the side-wall ply rating for a Maxxis M8008 in the 205 75R14 load range C size?

I responded to your PM in some more detail, but made some comments here on your above post for the benefit of others.

Larry

[spinto]

For what its worth....i have WW FSW2800 tri-axle and i'm using Michelin XPS rib tires.

[DRSMPS]

Thanks JIMNLIN - Good info on the side-wall ratings. This probably explains why I could not find this info on-line.

[JIMNLIN]

All LT and ST tires in the sizes were talking here have a two ply sidewall regardless of ply rating with additional steel belts in the tread. PLY RATING

Tire Rack Load Range/Ply Rating Identification

The load range or ply rating branded on a tire's sidewall helps identify how much load the tire is designed to carry at its industry specified pressure. Passenger tires feature named load ranges while light truck tires use load ranges that ascend in alphabetical order (letters further along in the alphabet identify stronger tires that can withstand higher inflation pressures and carry heavier loads). Before load ranges were adopted, ply ratings and/or the actual number of carcass plies were used to identify the relative strength with higher numeric ratings or plies identifying tires featuring stronger, heavier duty constructions.

Today's load range/ply ratings do not count the actual number of body ply layers used to make up the tire's internal structure, but indicate an equivalent strength compared to early bias ply tires. Most radial passenger tires have one or two body plies, and light truck tires, even those with heavy-duty ratings (10-, 12- or 14-ply rated), actually have only two or three fabric plies, or one steel body ply.

[DRSMPS]

I'm in the same boat (maybe the same TT...)

I have Goodyear Marathons in a ST20575R14 load range C that I want to replace.

My decision lies between purchasing Kuhmo 857 in the LT20575R14 size and Maxxis M8008's in ST20575R14 size. I've heard good things about both.

I know the Kuhmo's have a load range D rating and will fit on my 14" X 5.5" rims. They have an 8-ply tread and 2-ply sidewall.

The Maxxis have a load range C rating, also fitting my rims. However they have a 6-ply tread rating. I can't find any information indicating what side wall ply rating is on them.

For those of you who have made this switch, what is your recommendation between these two?

Would anyone know the side-wall ply rating for a Maxxis M8008 in the 205 75R14 load range C size?

[CKNSLS]

Three whole pages and no one has said the "Mx" brand.

Gee............

[GMT830]

fatboy1450 wrote:
The highest load range tire available can't make the axles and springs any stronger.

What if I use loctite on the lugnuts?

[fatboy1450]

The highest load range tire available can't make the axles and springs any stronger.

[LarryJM]

fatboy1450 wrote:
Before you change wheels and up the load rating of your tires, what are your axles rated for? All the upgrades will be for nothing if they won't hold up to more weight.
Just a thought.

I disagree. Increasing what you feel is the reliability and reserve capacity are generally the two main reasons for changing your tires and rims if necessary. I know that was my case.

Larry

[fatboy1450]

Before you change wheels and up the load rating of your tires, what are your axles rated for? All the upgrades will be for nothing if they won't hold up to more weight.
Just a thought.

[elkhorn98]

smkettner wrote:

elkhorn98 wrote:
are LT tires recommended for trailer use.

Yes LT is always good on a trailer. Many large & heavy trailers come OEM with LT tires. These are the strongest tires made for all positions and use. The load range is already derated ~10% for heavy duty use. Only thing stronger is a full on commercial tire.
JMHO

We agree...I wasn't asking if they were ok with trailers I was saying these kumho are recommended for trailer use by the manufacturer.

[elkhorn98]

GMT830 wrote:
Just make sure they are ST tires.

I would recommend against st if possible. These kumho are a good alternative.