Had a blowout today, looking for new tire recommendations.

[The_LeRoys]

One of our TT tires blew going down the road at about 55mph today. We got the spare on and are continuing our trip home.

I checked the tread the other day and I still had a lot left all the way around and pressure was right, so I'm guessing it must have hit something.?.?.

So now I'm going to have to search for a new tire. I'm not sure if I should buy what I have or get something better. Currently we have Freestar Radial ST tires that are load range D, ST225/75/r15. We usually have about 4,000 - 5,000lbs per trailer axle, so 2,000 - 2,500 lbs per tire.

Just looking for recommendations to look at or avoid.

[CharlesinGA]

belairbrian wrote:
I'm down to The Carlisle HDs or the Maxxis both in Load Range E. Probably go Carlisle as the closest Maxxis dealer is over 1000 miles away in Atlanta

Dang, Atlanta is 50 miles from the GA/AL line on I-20 and about 70 miles from the River on I-85.

I had no idea Alabama was such a large state :B

Charles

[Huntindog]

Just about any tire can be had when you are sitting at home contemplating a replacement set. Time is not of the essence and you can order anything you want from anywhere.

Think about the possibilty of needing a replacement on the road. Then you would a tire right now! Since any tire can suffer a road hazard, this applies to all tires/brands.

Certain tires are harder to get. Maxxis is one of them. For some reason, virtually nobody stocks them. They almost always need to be ordered. When they arrive they seem to often have old date codes.
In spite of the following here, I would not use them for the availability issue alone. The propensity for old dates is just another nail in the coffin.
With the myrad of ever changing ST brands, this problem is not a Maxxis only issue.

This is why LT tires (particularly 16"0 shine. Since they are used on many millions of pickup trucks, they are stocked everywhere in large variety. They also have a well deserved better reputation, and must pass much stiffer govt. testing. They will likely be more money though.
Quality costs.

[time2roll]

I would go MAXXIS 'E' in the same size.
If you need new wheels to go 80psi and have the clearance then 16" LT.

[belairbrian]

i realize just about anything can be ordered. but there are 3 Carlisle authorized dealers within 10 miles of my house. Two of them have sold me tires before and will make things right if there is a problem.

Also a friend from work recently had a Tire Rack tire go bad. They told him he had to buy a new tire, ship the old one back and if they confirmed it was defective they would give him credit towards a future purchase. So I'm a bit turned off to buying tires online.

[bobndot]

Boon Docker wrote:

The LeRoys wrote:



Just looking for recommendations to look at or avoid.

Boy, did you come to the wrong place looking for recommendations. :B

:B



OP, those tires were at (or beyond) the end of their life as well as a possible road hazard as you thought.

I was thinking the same as gmw photos, seems like a lot of weight. If it were my TT, I would measure it out to see if a 16" rim with an LT would fit (diameter without rubbing). Check your wheels width clearance to the frame too.
Generally speaking, the TT might have a harder ride but the weight of it might be enough for you to not feel it. Shocks would be nice if you don't already have them.

[SprinklerMan]

My trailer had 15 in ST tires . I bought it used . The first thing I did was buy 16 in steel wheels , LT tires , and the screw in valve stems . Why ? Mt trailer is a 10K lbs maximum weight . My tires combined have a capacity of a bit over 12K lbs . I have plenty of reserve . Speed , the tires are rated for 95 mph . Dont plan on towing that fast but I have plenty of reserve .

I have construction trailers , tow behind air compressors , utility trailers . I have had enough tread seperations with ST tires . The only trailer I have with ST tires is my " go to the landfill trailer " I am using up what ever ST tires I have left .

Read the discussions on this forum , boat forums , horse showing forums etc . Make the decision thats best for you .

[The_LeRoys]

Based on what I have read on Freestar tires, I should probably replace all 4. Soon!

I think 16" wheels would fit but would be tight, I will have to measure. I have nice 15" rims so I'd have to buy new rims and probably get generic ones, which isn't the end of the world, but definitely adds more cost. Plus I'd need a new spare too.

Maybe a set of load range e maxxis or Carlisle are better.

I will try to see if I can upload some pictures later.

The damage isn't too bad. Probably right on the border of if I should place a claim on my insurance and deal with the $250 deductible. The worst part is that the 12v power to my slide was right over that wheel. I have to open up the bottom of the camper and rerun new wiring. Most of the rest is just some ripped protective plastic and insulation. Right now I'm leaning toward letting the dealer do it.

Should I get radial again?

[fla-gypsy]

coolbreeze01 wrote:

belairbrian wrote:
You mention you are at 2000-2500 per tire. A load range D tire is max weight of 2540 so only 40 lbs to spare at your upper number.

I'm about to buy new tires as well. Increasing to LT's isn't really an option as I already have close overhead clearance.

I'm down to The Carlisle HDs or the Maxxis both in Load Range E. Probably go Carlisle as the closest Maxxis dealer is over 1000 miles away in Atlanta

I had good luck with a set of Maxxis, but had to order them and not many dealers carry them.

The new Carlisle will be easily available, and may carry a higher speed rating than Maxxis.

Maxxis is a proven ST tire used and recommended by many of us. The new Carlisle is getting good reviews but has been around less years. These are the best options at this time. Go to the E load range for sure.

[Huntindog]

No damageto the TT then... You got lucky there.
Often a blowout can do a LOT of damage.Thousands of dollars worth.Andifit destroys some of the waste tank plumbing, it can end a trip real fast.

What I am getting at is the total cost of a blowout is more than just replacing a tire.

So it can pay off to spendsome money on an upgrade. With 6 lug drums you have big head start on making the jump to LTs. You need to do some measuring to see if you have the clearance needed.
I was able to do it on my present TT as a straight swap. 16" rims and tires bolted right up with no clearance issues. You need 3" from the top of the tire to the wheelwell, and 1" between the tires. The between the tire measurement is rarely a problem as most TTs use the same size leaf springs. If the wheelwell room is a problem then a small lift can be installed.

No matter what it takes, it is worth it to do it.
BTDT and bought the T shirt.

[hohenwald48]

I guess RV techs and tire techs go to the same school. :h

[coolbreeze01]

I know they say it isn't necessary, but wouldn't you think they would have aligned at least one dot out of 4 with a valve stem? What are the odds.........?

[Sandia_Man]

Maxxis ST tires are one of the better trailer tires as deemed by the many positive reports. They are good for what they are but LT tires will give better performance and longevity if you have the room. For anybody who may not know, you can have any tire you wish either ordered by a local reputable tire dealer or have them delivered to your front door via UPS. In no way do you have to get the tires a tire dealer is pushing which of course is the one that gives them the highest profit margin. Pay for what you really want, not what someone coerces you to take.

[kyle86]

I chose Hercules Power STR trailer tires based on the lack of really any negative reports I could find on the net. All ST tires are made in china so we have to pick the best china or go LT. The tire shop guy said he does not recall a single failure with hercules and that's what they put on their own trailers. The show was right next to a camping world and does a lot of trailer tires. I got these 225s which are E load rated btw mounted and balanced out the door for $428.

[gmw_photos]

Ouch. that's a whole lot of trailer on 15" tires. I'd go 16's and use Load range E