65 psi tires vs 50 psi

[bogie514]

Very shortly I am going to be replacing the cheap Chinese tires on my new camper. What are the benefits and disadvantages of running a 65 psi tires (Kumho 857) vs a 50 psi tire (Maxxis M8008). My wheels are rated to handle 65 psi tires. The camper came with 50 psi 205 75 14's.

Tom

[gmw_photos]

bogie514 wrote:

tempforce wrote:
be sure to check the sidewalls of your tires.
most tires designed for trailer service have a 65 mph speed limit.
if you use a light truck tire that won't be a problem..

I would consider an LT tire except that my trailer has 14 inch wheels and I haven't found an LT in that size.

The Kumho 857 is a "commercial LT" in 14". As is the Hankook RA12.

As of right now in north america, as far I can tell, the 857 is only available in the 205-14.

The RA12 is available in 185-14, if a person needs a slightly smaller overall diameter tire.

On my trailer, I went from the OE 205/75-14 ST, load range C ( 50 psi ) to the Kumho 857 in 185-14, load range D ( 65 psi ). The 857 made the trailer slightly more stable in crosswinds, they run just a bit cooler ( according to my IR thermometer ) and I gained 120 pounds of load capacity per tire. Coming up on 30K miles on them, they are wearing well. At the time, I went with 185 because I have limited clearance above to the wheel well. I changed to the snap-in, metal, 80psi rated valve stems, and had the wheels and tires balanced.

This is a worthwhile change in my opinion and experience ( going up in quality, speed rating, load rating, valve stems, and balance ).

[bogie514]

Bonb213 - The Kumho's are 27" in diameter, 8.2" wide; the Maxxis' are 26.1" diameter, and 8.1" wide. Is .9" a big difference?

[bogie514]

tempforce wrote:
be sure to check the sidewalls of your tires.
most tires designed for trailer service have a 65 mph speed limit.
if you use a light truck tire that won't be a problem..

I would consider an LT tire except that my trailer has 14 inch wheels and I haven't found an LT in that size.

[bogie514]

WayneAt63044 wrote:
RE: wheel ratings. I emailed the manufacturer of my alloy wheels and they indicated the limiting factor was the valve stem; thus my post about the metal stems.

Good information, would not have guessed that - thanks!

[bogie514]

D_B Travelers wrote:
Along with this topic, how do you determine if your rims are rated for higher pressures? I have looked and can't find anything on the rims; haven't removed them to look inside the hub.

I called the dealer and they are going to call the manufacturer. I called today and hope to hear back by Monday.

Tom

[bob213]

Don't know how much clearance you have but keep in mind that the Kumho 857 is a metric tire so a 205 will be bigger than the ST 205 you have on there now. If you have the room you will not be sorry. I have had great luck on the trailers I have run them on. Current trailer does not have room so I have the Maxxis which has served me well also although at a lower LR.

[tempforce]

be sure to check the sidewalls of your tires.
most tires designed for trailer service have a 65 mph speed limit.
if you use a light truck tire that won't be a problem..

[johntank]

D_B Travelers wrote:
Along with this topic, how do you determine if your rims are rated for higher pressures? I have looked and can't find anything on the rims; haven't removed them to look inside the hub.

Their are difference ways to determine what pressure a wheel can handle if a psi is not stamped on the backside of rim it might be on the inside (need to remove tire to see) or could go by the weight capacity of rim, sorry I can not help with what weights are required/used for the C and D load range, just that a load range E (80psi) starts around 3200#.

[WayneAt63044]

RE: wheel ratings. I emailed the manufacturer of my alloy wheels and they indicated the limiting factor was the valve stem; thus my post about the metal stems.

[time2roll]

bogie514 wrote:
Any additional trailer bounce as a result of the increased tire pressure?

Not on mine. Only rides better. OEM tires are a bit maxed out. Most would improve with more tire capacity.
JMHO

[D_B_Travelers]

Along with this topic, how do you determine if your rims are rated for higher pressures? I have looked and can't find anything on the rims; haven't removed them to look inside the hub.

[bogie514]

Any additional trailer bounce as a result of the increased tire pressure?

[time2roll]

I would get the 857 and run 65 in a heartbeat

[rbpru]

The 65 psi moves my 205 tire from load range C to load range D. Basically that means now my tires far exceed my axle rating instead rather than just slightly exceeding them axle rating.

The tires are rated C at 55 psi and rated D at 65 psi. So I can vary a few pounds on the 65 psi. and not worry about dropping below the C rating that were on the TT for the first six years.

It was a cheap upgrade.