New tires

[davidjsimons]

I'm not trying to start a tire war here. I replaced my Towmax Power Kings today with a new set of Maxxis tires. I upgraded my tires from D to E on the load range as well. All of this was done ahead of my upcoming 2700 mile road trip. Although my tires were less than two years old, according to the code dates, I had already put over 9,000 miles on them during my first season camping. I can say however, my Towmax tires still looked fine. I monitored my pressures with much attention and my tread wear was even. I have read many good reviews with respect to the Maxxis tires, and I hope they prove to be better than the tires that I removed. If my sophomore year camping is as busy as the first, I will get back to you this time next year and let you know.


2013 Cougar 28 RBS
2012 Ram 3500 Dually
6.7 Cummins H.O.
4.10 rears.

[JRTJH]

David,

I hope you remembered to have the new Maxxis tires balanced. It'll make a world of difference.

John

[davidjsimons]

John,
Yes I did.


2013 Cougar 28 RBS
2012 Ram 3500 Dually
6.7 Cummins H.O.
4.10 rears.

[gearhead]

That's the first thing I did after bringing ours home from dealer. Maxxis, and went up to E rating. Then left Houston for New Weston Ohio for USAC races.
One less thing to worry about.

[therink]

I did same on my last fiver, had them balanced too. What a difference from the towmax. The tires didn't even compare side by side. Trailer rode so much better with them as well.
Good choice davidjsimons

[davidjsimons]

Well, I try to take note of much of the good information available from many of the members from this group. As best I could tell, this was the right move. As stated previously, I had good service from my Towmax tires, but all of these people could not be wrong. I'm sure speed and a lack of adequate attention prompted some to fail.


2013 Cougar 28 RBS
2012 Ram 3500 Dually
6.7 Cummins H.O.
4.10 rears.

[crash]

I just had a flat coming home from Hatteras last weekend and am looking for some tires ,Where did you get yours?

[twstdpear]

David,

I was checking out my tires and axles on my 28RBS earlier in the year. IIRC, the axles on mine were rated for 5000lb and the tires were 2540lbs each. That means the existing factory equipment was rated to support 10000lbs. The GVWR is 8200lbs and 1050lbs of that is hitch weight on mine which means that there's a minimum of 2850lbs of spare axle capacity and 3000lb tire assuming I'm running at full GVWR, which I'm not. Yours should be right in that same neighborhood.

While I doubt you'll regret upgrading to LR-E tires, it might have been complete and total overkill given the LR-D tires have more than 25% of their rated capacity remaining.

I do still need to verify that the shackles and wheels are similarly rated, but at least I know I won't have to worry about the issues I've read from others having tire and axle problems because the factory tires/axles were so close to (or over) their rating.

[fla-gypsy]

In my experience I have used GY Marathons (made in USA), Duro's (SinoBombs) and Maxxis. The GY Marathons made in the USA were great tires and lasted many years. Currently they are made in mainland china and I wouldn't trust them. The Duro Sinobombs were OEM on my current trailer and lasted a whole 18 months before cracking into oblivion. I am on my 2nd set of Maxxis for the current trailer. The first set of Maxxis lasted 6+ years and in my experience they are the best ST tire currently available. BTW I also went up to load range E to gain some reserve.

[davidjsimons]

Originally Posted by twstdpear

David,

I was checking out my tires and axles on my 28RBS earlier in the year. IIRC, the axles on mine were rated for 5000lb and the tires were 2540lbs each. That means the existing factory equipment was rated to support 10000lbs. The GVWR is 8200lbs and 1050lbs of that is hitch weight on mine which means that there's a minimum of 2850lbs of spare axle capacity and 3000lb tire assuming I'm running at full GVWR, which I'm not. Yours should be right in that same neighborhood.

While I doubt you'll regret upgrading to LR-E tires, it might have been complete and total overkill given the LR-D tires have more than 25% of their rated capacity remaining.

I do still need to verify that the shackles and wheels are similarly rated, but at least I know I won't have to worry about the issues I've read from others having tire and axle problems because the factory tires/axles were so close to (or over) their rating.

You are completely 100% correct in your calculations. However, the E's were available to me at no extra cost. I'm a firm believer in maximum overkill when practical. After all, my daily commuter is a DRW 3500. As I stated in my original post, my original tires served me extremely well, and most likely due to most of the reasons that you stated, but if you can gain more reserve capacity at no additional cost, why not?


2013 Cougar 28 RBS
2012 Ram 3500 Dually
6.7 Cummins H.O.
4.10 rears.

[abneynormal]

if you can increase your load range do it. if you can increase your speed rating too do it. But to really know how your rig is doing load it to the max and weigh it. that way you know what your rig is not what the mfg says it is suppose to do. my 3 axle is rated for 18,000 on its axles. actual is 14,000. that leaves 4,000 to spare. with this I opted for lt tires rated at 3,045. that way I have a 106 mph speed rating. also note the load on your axle on the tow vehicle. mine was over 9,000. however mine is a truck and is rated for 20,000. weighing is the best way to know your rigs balance. I hope this helps happy rving

[davidjsimons]

I really have no weight concerns, I just enjoy knowing that I have more capacity. My gross trailer weight and axle ratings would not even permit me to exceed a D rated tire, but why not have more reserve if it is available, particularly if it is going to be a no extra cost?


2013 Cougar 28 RBS
2012 Ram 3500 Dually
6.7 Cummins H.O.
4.10 rears.

[fixithud]

where did you pick up your maxxis tires? How many miles so far and are you happy. Getting ready to either go with maxxis or upgrade to 16".

Hud

[gearhead]

I got mine at Discount Tire. Good folks if you have one nearby. Looking at their website, they aren't in VA. But they do have stores in NC.
http://dt.know-where.com/DiscountTire/

[CWtheMan]

As a long time Keystone RV product owner and tire researcher I like to watch trends. Keystone has some very predictable ones.

Because of the way the regulations are written for RV trailer tire fitments, a single tire size and design can be used along a complete model line-up. By being able to do that the manufacturer's production lines can order large lots of tire/rim assemblies that are all just alike. It is a very good marketing tool for them and will allow large quantities to be purchase at lower end item costs. In the past, Keystone has used borderline tire/rim fitments on heavier models in a model line-up resulting in predictable early tire failures.

There are 29 distinct 2013 models in the Cougar Xlite series of trailers (TT & fivers). They range in weight from 6400# GVWR to 10000# GVWR. All are fitted with ST225/75R15D tires rated at 2540# at 65 psi. Most of the heavy trailers are most likely sitting on 5000# axles derated to 4400# or 4500# - look at your certification label to verify. None of those tires are pushing the upper end of their normal operating parameters. So, a big plus for Keystone for tire, rim and axle selections for that series.

CW

[Bluewater]

Originally Posted by fixithud

where did you pick up your maxxis tires? How many miles so far and are you happy. Getting ready to either go with maxxis or upgrade to 16".

Hud

I believe most of the larger tire distributor stock or have access to the Maxxix line so most any dealer can order them. I got mine from a small dealer with a better price than the biggies...FYI.