Carlisle HD Tire Review

[bstar1952]

I've recently read several postings questioning the new Carlisle HD tires. Thought I'd provide a little feedback for those interested. Just came back from a 32 day, 5200 mile trip from San Antonio to The Badlands, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas back to San Antonio for a total of 5,200 miles. Had a set of the new HD tires installed and balanced just prior to leaving. TT in 34 feet long and weights in right at 8,200lbs. I use an Equalizer WDH. Tires were aired to 70psi. I visually checked the tires every morning and did an air check weekly. Never saw any signs of wear on the tires and did not have to add air during the entire trip. We traveled in sunny 95 degree "scorcher" weather and 29 degree snowy weather in the mountains. In my opinion, tires performed flawlessly. I'm very satisfied so far with the new Carlisle(s), looks like a good alternative to the Maxxis brand. By the way, this is the first set of TT tires I've had balanced and it does make a positive difference in the ride.

[DrPepper1010]

Good information. I didn't know that about trailer tire wheels.
The wheels I have are alloy wheels. Aftermarket. But I'll talk to the guys at the shop and have them use the lug plate.

[Huntindog]

DrPepper1010 wrote:
Stupid question: what is a 'lug plate'.
I've balanced a few tires in my day, but never heard of a 'lug plate'. Must be something new.
Had 2 done today, on a spin balancer. Used stick-on weights.

The only stupid questioned is the one unasked.

A lug plate is an adaptor that allows a rim to be mounted on the balancing machine using the lug holes instead of the large center hole (commonly called a pilot hole)

On most TT rims, the pilot hole is just stamped out approximently in the center of the wheel.
The lug holes are what centers the rim. This is known as Lug centric. Most automobiles are the opposite.
What this means is that most TT rims cannot be balanced using the center pilot hole. A lug plate MUST be used. If this is not done, it is indeed possible to make the out of balance condition worse than is was without any weights at all.

This is nothing new. But tire shops HATE to use them, as it takes a little more time, and they may not have the plate on hand. You have to tell them that you want it done this way. I have had them go to another location to borrow one. I have also on several occasions not do as I asked. I watched them use the center hole. So they got to do the job again.

I also have an old Blazer with aftermarket white spoke rims on it. It had a vibration that could not be found. Tried a lot of different things chasing it. I had a thought that maybe those rims were lug centric. Discount argued with me, but I insisted they try it. That was the problem all along

[DrPepper1010]

Stupid question: what is a 'lug plate'.
I've balanced a few tires in my day, but never heard of a 'lug plate'. Must be something new.
Had 2 done today, on a spin balancer. Used stick-on weights.

[Huntindog]

Be sure they use a lug plate. Or it could end up worse than.it was.

DrPepper1010 wrote:
OK, I'll balance my tires and1 see if I can tell a difference.

[chr_]

RH's disappointed me in 2 years and about 3,000 miles. I tow in very hot conditions (AZ summer). Hopefully the HD's I now have will do better.

[pointbrze]

I just bought 4 Carlisle HDs last Wednesday and they were delivered to my house the very next day! That was fast! Taking the trailer to my mechanic so he can mount and balance them! I'm so excited!

[DrPepper1010]

OK, I'll balance my tires and see if I can tell a difference.

[n7bsn]

We've been running them for over a year now, with about 12,000 on them.
Zero issues in hot/cold/wet/dry. I check them before every day of driving, and on the road (quick look inspection then).

A TPMS is nice, but it doesn't tell you about bald spots, nicks in the sidewall, bulges, etc. LOOK at your tires often.

Yes, balancing is good.

[bstar1952]

DrPepper1010 wrote:
OP'er, you say that balancing the TT tires made a difference in the trailer ride. How, what was the difference?
I've heard others say that trailer tires should be balanced and I'm considering having mine balanced. So I'm very interested in how you were able to notice a difference in the ride.

Used to feel minor vibration from the TT to the truck at higher speeds - 60mph and above. The main issue I observed was things inside the TT stayed put. For example, I hang a jacket on a door hook, always was on the floor after a days travel. Now, jacket is still on the hook. Also items inside cabinets and still in place. This leads me to believe balanced tires equals less vibration to the TT. This is by no means a "fact", just my observations. I will have TT tires balanced in the future.

[dodge_guy]

I've had the previous RH Carlisle and never had any issues. Carlise is making some great tires now! The HD's will be my next set!

[98coachman]

I just put a set on my trailer also. Made a 3500 mile trip to Palm Springs and back, 104 was the highest temperature I saw, but I'm sure it was hotter on the pavement. The tires performed flawlessly and look just like they did when I left. I also had mine balanced and noticed no shake or movement that unbalanced tires would transmit through the hitch. I also stepped up to 225/75/15 load range E which is overkill for my trailer, but I would rather be over tired than not. I would recommend them Highly and think Carlisle is back bigtime in the trailer tire market!:B
Happy towing!
Bill

[JIMNLIN]

The new HD look like a winner for Carlisle however most any brand ST tire when new will make a 5200 mile trip.
Its going to take several years and 20k-30k miles on a set of the new HD to know how good they actually are long term.

[DrPepper1010]

OP'er, you say that balancing the TT tires made a difference in the trailer ride. How, what was the difference?
I've heard others say that trailer tires should be balanced and I'm considering having mine balanced. So I'm very interested in how you were able to notice a difference in the ride.

[Bears_Den]

Thanks for the review. I'm considering the Carlisle's when the time comes for replacing my tires.