Two tires: A tough decsion

[davehultin]

Yesterday we returned from our most recent trip, and seven miles into the trip ... kapow! Blowout. 😞

I'm at the point where I want to get fresh tires all the way around before our long trip at the end of the month, but I can't quite decide which tires I should get.

The trailer's GVWR is 7660. The tires are 205/75R14.

The original tires are Kendo Karriers, rated to 2200 pounds at 75 psi.

It seems like the big favorite around these parts is the Goodyear Endurance, but they're rated at 2040 pounds at 65 psi.

Both are load range D, both are 8-ply, so it seems the most significant difference comes down to the load capacity.

Pros and Cons:
* Pro for Karrier: Higher load capacity.
* Pro for Endurance: Seems to be a favorite of many.
* Con for Karrier: I've alraedy replaced two prior to yesterday's blowout. Confidence in Karrier is declining.
* Con for Endurance: I'm giving up some load capacity if I replace all four.

So ... do I get the "better" tire and sacrifice some carrying capacity?

Or, any other tire suggestions? (etrailer.com shows Westlake as another option, which I've never heard of.)

[davehultin]

I went with the Goodyear Endurance. I did some sleuthing around online and I was slightly surprised to find the best deal was Walmart!

Tires from Walmart? I was a little nervous that I'd get something that was deep into the "old tire" pile. But I was thrilled to see that the date stamp on the tire shows they're fresh! They came to life in the 20th week of 2022!

I'm getting them installed next week, repacking the bearings while I'm at it, and then back to our regularly scheduled camping trips without missing a beat! (As long as the repair schedule agrees!)

[98coachman]

Had the Carlisle hd's on mine, loved them. I stepped up a size and went with load range e's, never had a problem with them. Good luck on your decision!

[dodge_guy]

davehultin wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
The Carlisle HDs are one of the best out there right now. Had them on our TT. I would go with the load range E if they are available in your size.

When I started towing I though Carlisle was a swear word when talking about tires. Have things changed?

Yes they have! They really stepped it up and make some of the best trailer tires on the road. They are now stronger and have a speed rating of 81mph!

[MarkTwain]

davehultin wrote:
Yesterday we returned from our most recent trip, and seven miles into the trip ... kapow! Blowout. 😞

I'm at the point where I want to get fresh tires all the way around before our long trip at the end of the month, but I can't quite decide which tires I should get.

The trailer's GVWR is 7660. The tires are 205/75R14.

The original tires are Kendo Karriers, rated to 2200 pounds at 75 psi.

It seems like the big favorite around these parts is the Goodyear Endurance, but they're rated at 2040 pounds at 65 psi.

Both are load range D, both are 8-ply, so it seems the most significant difference comes down to the load capacity.

Pros and Cons:
* Pro for Karrier: Higher load capacity.
* Pro for Endurance: Seems to be a favorite of many.
* Con for Karrier: I've alraedy replaced two prior to yesterday's blowout. Confidence in Karrier is declining.
* Con for Endurance: I'm giving up some load capacity if I replace all four.

So ... do I get the "better" tire and sacrifice some carrying capacity?

Or, any other tire suggestions? (etrailer.com shows Westlake as another option, which I've never heard of.)

Good Year "G" tire is what have used for years:)

[wowens79]

I'd go with the Goodyears, I've been running a set for 4 years, and they have been great.

If you are worried about capacity, if you bump up to a 215/75/14 you get 2200lbs, and they are only .6 inches taller.

[Lwiddis]

So you want the OP to buy E rated tires and run them below maximum pressure thus lowering their weight carrying ability? What does that lower the maximum weight carrying ability to at whatever PSI you recommend, Bucky?

[jmtandem]

Or, any other tire suggestions? (etrailer.com shows Westlake as another option, which I've never heard of.)

Go with Load Range D if you are concerned about load carrying capacity. I would go with the Endurance of your two choices.

[valhalla360]

bucky wrote:
If you go to the E's don't run them at 80 PSI. They'll beat the trailer up.
Have you ever weighed your trailer as loaded? Go from there.

Yes, weigh the trailer. Just because the sticker says 7200lb, doesn't mean that's reality.

Did the tire shop suggest any source for the blowout? If you picked up a screw, tire quality may be a red herring.

Assuming you are below 8000lb (actually more like 9000lb when you factor in the hitch weight), either tire has enough load capacity.

PS: They don't add plys to make tires stronger anymore. So if you cut open the new tire, you won't be able to count up 8 plys. Just go off the load rating.

[davehultin]

dodge guy wrote:
The Carlisle HDs are one of the best out there right now. Had them on our TT. I would go with the load range E if they are available in your size.

When I started towing I though Carlisle was a swear word when talking about tires. Have things changed?

[bucky]

If you go to the E's don't run them at 80 PSI. They'll beat the trailer up.
Have you ever weighed your trailer as loaded? Go from there.

[dodge_guy]

The Carlisle HDs are one of the best out there right now. Had them on our TT. I would go with the load range E if they are available in your size.

[Grit_dog]

Get 215s for more capacity unless they won’t fit. Likely they will.

[time2roll]

I assume the trailer has four tires and the Endurance will cover the full GVWR of the trailer. 7660 vs 8160

The extra rating of the Kendo does not seem to be helping. Quality of the GY is unmatched lately.
This would be an easy decision for me.

[davehultin]

As I was aking Mr. Google for some help I found this:

https://tirepressure.com/st205-75r14-tire-pressure

Looks like a good resource to use to geek out on everything about tires! (But I'm still looking for the knowledge of everyone here on the form!)