Trailer tires

[Mattman]

Due to the recent blowout ,I am in the market to replace my tires on my fifth wheel. I am really leaning towards replacing with a truck type tire instead of a trailer tire. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Festus2]

You might try doing a forum search as there have been numerous discussions and threads about replacement tires - both truck and trailer. This same topic about using truck type tires instead of trailer tires has also been previously discussed at great lengths.

[Jager]

Humm, well you didn't give us much to go on. What camper do you have? How many axles? How much does it weight empty and loaded? What size tires does it have now? What load range does it have now?

[bobbecky]

According to the specs on your rig, subtracting the listed hitch weight from the GVWR, and dividing by four, you have about 2,600 lbs per wheel. If you have 16 inch wheels, you should have no problem installing LT tires. Just weigh your rig while connected to the truck, with the truck off the scale, to verify the load on the axles, and get tires that are rated to carry the load. If you get LT tires, most will have a rating of a bit over 3,000 lbs.

[CWtheMan]

You’re in a strange position with your Original Equipment tires. The 2011 specs for your Cougar says your OE tires are ST235/80R16E, is that correct? If so, Keystone provided you with OE tires way over “overkill” for your 5200# axles. They should have lasted much longer. Do you know what caused your failure?

From a legal perspective you're not going to like your options because the tire industry firmly recommends using replacement tires equal or greater in size and load capacity when compared to your OE tires. On the other hand, it’s permissible to use ST tires rated at 3420# to replace your OE 3520# tires. That puts Goodyear and Maxxis into play.

I just don’t do options less than tire industry standards but I’m sure others will. Good luck.

CW

[bdaniel]

I put 16 inch LT tires on my 2002 Wildcat and it was the best thing I ever did. You can read about my decision here

[therink]

I have 5200 lb axles and drove off the dealer lot (brand new) with a set of 235/85/R/16 Firestone LTs on my fiver. I wasn't taking a chance. Sure they are rated for 3042 lbs but that exceeds my axle ratings. They are alsoan inch taller, but the fiver rides perfectly level. They work for me.

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by therink

I have 5200 lb axles and drove off the dealer lot (brand new) with a set of 235/85/R/16 Firestone LTs on my fiver. I wasn't taking a chance. Sure they are rated for 3042 lbs but that exceeds my axle ratings. They are alsoan inch taller, but the fiver rides perfectly level. They work for me.

Did the dealer still own the trailer when the tires were swapped out?

Did the dealer change the federal certification label and set new recommended tire pressures for the LT tires?

Did the dealer get a recommendation from the trailer manufacturer before installing the LT tires?

CW

On edit: I'm very curious because of federal regulations being involved.