Tire pressure

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by Desert185

CWtheMan:

Given your experience, give me a replacement tire recommendation for my signature 5er (235/80-16).

Curious...

I know I'd go with a 235/85/16F, (my wheels can't take the pressures of a G). Curious to hear what his recommendation is.

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Desert185

CWtheMan:

Given your experience, give me a replacement tire recommendation for my signature 5er (235/80-16).

Curious...

What's wrong with the ones you have on there? According to Keystone specs you probably have 5200# axles. If so you have lots of extra load capacity reserves. The only draw-back is the 65 MPH speed limit.

CW

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

I know I'd go with a 235/85/16F, (my wheels can't take the pressures of a G). Curious to hear what his recommendation is.

If you're worried about having to change rims you need to verify what their load capacity is. (It's that value that counts). Then see what the physical differences in size between the ST235/80R16E and the ST235/85R16E are. Maybe even asking Keystone what they think about going to the larger ST tire. Lots of ST manufacturers are now building the ST235/85R16E which is rated at 3640# at 80 psi and goes on a 16x6 rim.

CW

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by CWtheMan

If you're worried about having to change rims you need to verify what their load capacity is. (It's that value that counts). Then see what the physical differences in size between the ST235/80R16E and the ST235/85R16E are. Maybe even asking Keystone what they think about going to the larger ST tire. Lots of ST manufacturers are now building the ST235/85R16E which is rated at 3640# at 80 psi and goes on a 16x6 rim.

CW

My rims are rated for 100 psi which is good for the Carlisle 235/85R16F rated for 3960 at 95 psi. Many people are going with a G rated tire, which usually require 110 psi and 6.5" wide rims. I feel the F load range tire gives me plenty of extra load range at more 3000 lbs over the total weight loaded on them (15,840 vs 13,150 fully loaded, 17% difference). IMO, there is no need to change wheels in order to go with a G tire when I can get that kind of breathing room. I have also had very good experiences with the Carlisle Radial Trail RH in the past. Additionally, there is only 1" diameter difference between the 80 and 85 tire so 1/2" on the top side. I have plenty of clearance for these tires. I was just making a point that a person can step up to an F rated tire without changing wheels (in most cases), but to go to a G rated tire usually requires different wheels.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by CWtheMan

What's wrong with the ones you have on there? According to Keystone specs you probably have 5200# axles. If so you have lots of extra load capacity reserves. The only draw-back is the 65 MPH speed limit.

CW

I hope they aren't 5200# axles. My 326SRX GVW is 12,600#.

What's wrong with the current tires? I don't have confidence in the Chinese tires.

[bsmith0404]

It's very possible that they are 5200 lb axles. Take that times 2 and you have 10400., subtract your pin weight, probably somewhere around 2500-3000 lbs and the axles are "sufficient " for the weight. Most companies will not spend the money for excessive axle weight ratings.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Desert185

I hope they aren't 5200# axles. My 326SRX GVW is 12,600#.

What's wrong with the current tires? I don't have confidence in the Chinese tires.

There is a "sticker" on the front driver's side of your trailer (just above the tire pressure sticker) that gives the trailer GVWR and GAWR. Check that sticker and you'll know exactly what your axle ratings are.

[Desert185]

5200# axles they are. Didn't think of the pin weight relieving the tires of some of the duty, which is somewhat comforting.

[JRTJH]

On my 27RKS, the axles are 5000 lb axles rated at 4400 lbs with a GVW of 10,000. While I'd like to think that the axles are rated to "carry the trailer." the fact remains that in my situation, 1200 lbs of the GVW is intended to be carried by the truck.

Years ago, trailers were "self sufficient" in that the axles were rated at the GVW, but with the "engineering sleight of hand" (magic), now the GVW can be significantly greater than the gross axle capacity. Somewhat "un-nerving" to think about, especially on a "bouncy" road with a full trailer.....

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Desert185

What's wrong with the current tires? I don't have confidence in the Chinese tires.

A lot of people that participate in RV trailer forums feel that way. But, there just isn’t enough official information to support the negative side of all the anecdotal reports we read in tire threads.

IMO once we learn to stay within the normal operating envelope of the ST tire as described by their builders we can expect at least three years trouble free service from them, unless we are high mileage users.

CW

[bsmith0404]

I tend to agree with you. My biggest problem with trailer tires is that the manufacturers put tires on that are already near max capability. Then if our tire pressures get low or road conditions are bad people see premature failures. I personally prefer to have a little breathing room in the tire capacities versus weight they are carrying. My current tires are the original China bombs, but they are nearly two and a half years old so it's time to upgrade

[TDF5G]

I've never had a blowout in 20 years of RVing.

I had two separations exactly one year ago at the same time on my 2009 Cougar 5W, original tires dated July 2008. Took it easy about 50 miles to campground on 3 good tires and the best of the two that were separating, without a blowout. That was a blessing indeed!

I think a tire, any brand will provide proper service if it is used properly by maintaining the maximum recommended pressure,not overloading the tire beyond recommended load rating, and not driving faster than recommended speed rating. Seems to be 65 MPH for all ST tires. I also visually inspect tires during trips at fuel and rest stops and check for excessive heat.

That's my 2 cents.

Thanks