Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Fleet | Keystone RV Models > Lite Weight Trailers
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-16-2017, 02:12 PM   #1
wbdvt
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 144
Earliest trip ever!

Well we will be making our earliest trip out in the camper ever! We leave April 26 to go to Ashville, NC from Rutland, VT. First stop will be the KOA in Staunton, VA for the night, then Mama Gertie's in Ashville for a week, then James River State Park between Lynchburg and Charlottesville for a few days then Artillery Ridge in Gettysburg then home.

Can't wait! So last weekend the weather was decent and pulled the cover off and went inside. No mice!!!

This weekend:
washed roof, sides and awning
Treated slide seals
Jacked and adjusted brakes while greasing bearings
Replaced failed LED strip under awning
Verified operation of fridge

Left to do:
Sanitize water system
Check water system for leaks
Replace smoke detector batteries
Clean and organize storage area
Verify operation of TV antenna, TV, stereo, gas stove, hot water heater
Load up supplies and clothing

Am I forgetting anything in my excitement?
__________________
2016 Chevy 2500HD Duramax LTZ Z71 double cab long bed
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (with K&N Air Intake) (traded)
2012 Rockwood 2109S (SOLD)
2014 Cougar X-Lite 21RBS
His & Hers 2016 Vespa Sprint 150's
wbdvt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2017, 02:46 PM   #2
Tbos
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Solomons
Posts: 3,874
Earliest trip ever!

You didn't mention inspecting the tires and adjusting the pressure. You seem to have hit most the other stuff. Explored Gettysburg by bicycle a couple years ago. It was great. Have a fun and safe trip.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalky
__________________
Tom
2019 Alpine 3651RL
2016 F350 CC DRW
Tbos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2017, 02:49 PM   #3
busterbrown
Senior Member
 
busterbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
ADD:

Check the date and condition of trailer tires (including the spare). Make sure they are properly inflated to the max PSI as stated on the tire. Replace if you have any doubt as a catastrophic failure on the highway will turn your trip upside down!

Good luck and safe travels!
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier

busterbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 02:28 AM   #4
wbdvt
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 144
Forgot to mention the tire part. Checked pressure in all tires including spare. Had to add a couple pounds to the tires and 25 lbs to the spare.
Been meaning to check date codes.
__________________
2016 Chevy 2500HD Duramax LTZ Z71 double cab long bed
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (with K&N Air Intake) (traded)
2012 Rockwood 2109S (SOLD)
2014 Cougar X-Lite 21RBS
His & Hers 2016 Vespa Sprint 150's
wbdvt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 03:24 AM   #5
wbdvt
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 144
just checked date codes: 2613. So I have a year left on them and will plan a replacement next year.
__________________
2016 Chevy 2500HD Duramax LTZ Z71 double cab long bed
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (with K&N Air Intake) (traded)
2012 Rockwood 2109S (SOLD)
2014 Cougar X-Lite 21RBS
His & Hers 2016 Vespa Sprint 150's
wbdvt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 05:33 AM   #6
canesfan
Senior Member
 
canesfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Tidewater Area Virginia
Posts: 1,271
Quote:
Originally Posted by wbdvt View Post
just checked date codes: 2613. So I have a year left on them and will plan a replacement next year.
Ugh. Are they the original tires that came on the trailer? If so I'd be replacing them NOW, before your trip. Just replaced my 3 year old tires with less than 3000 miles on them and 2 were bad. One I was lucky to have made it to the tire shop.

Vermont to Staunton VA in one day. Either you really like to drive or... Even when I was younger and liked to drive that would be a stretch for me.

Think I just did my earliest trip ever, first week of March when the SP campground opened. It was trying to be Spring already and I felt the need to get away for a few days. It was worth it.

Have fun and safe travels.
__________________
2014 Raptor RP300MP w/ Rear Patio Party Deck, Folding Side Ladder, 6 Point Level Up, Carlisle Radial Trail HDs
2004 2500HD D/A CC SB - TTT Mirrors, Prodigy BC, 18K Pullrite Superglide, NEW Fuel Injectors 11/2015 (ouch)
canesfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 06:33 AM   #7
wbdvt
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 144
Well, I inspected the tires and they still look in good shape. I keep them covered when not in use and if in CG for extended period, I put the covers on.

I have done that drive in the past, so it is doable for me.
__________________
2016 Chevy 2500HD Duramax LTZ Z71 double cab long bed
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (with K&N Air Intake) (traded)
2012 Rockwood 2109S (SOLD)
2014 Cougar X-Lite 21RBS
His & Hers 2016 Vespa Sprint 150's
wbdvt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 12:14 PM   #8
busterbrown
Senior Member
 
busterbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
Quote:
Originally Posted by canesfan View Post
Ugh. Are they the original tires that came on the trailer? If so I'd be replacing them NOW, before your trip.
I completely agree. The OP's tires are approaching 4 years old. OEM brands are notorious around this age to fail no matter the condition of the exterior of the tire. Obviously, cracking, bulges, and bubbles are indicators for replacement. But damage to internal tire structures will never give spell out an appropriate time for replacement.

I replaced my OEM tires within 12 months of purchasing my trailer. Even the highly rated Carlisle tires (with 25% more load carrying reserve) will stay mounted for no more than 3 seasons. Don't want the hassle (and headache) of an insurance claim.
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier

busterbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 12:26 PM   #9
CrazyCain
Senior Member
 
CrazyCain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Commerce Twp, Mi
Posts: 1,002
"greasing bearings with the EZ lube zerk fitting???
__________________
TOM

2011 Chevy Silverado
1500, HD Tow Package
2017 Keystone Hideout 177LHS Carlisle Radial HDs
:
CrazyCain is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 02:11 PM   #10
JRTJH
Site Team
 
JRTJH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,836
Quote:
Originally Posted by wbdvt View Post
Well, I inspected the tires and they still look in good shape. I keep them covered when not in use and if in CG for extended period, I put the covers on.

I have done that drive in the past, so it is doable for me.
Tread separation is not visible when the tire is mounted and inflated, but it is the "kiss of death" for a tire at speed. Tires can be inspected "on the wheel" for any cuts, wear, cracking, but tread separation (the cause of most tire failure) can only be identified with the tire removed from the wheel. The tread separation can only be seen when looking at the inside of the tire.

Here's a picture of what I found on two of my "Chinese maypops" last year when I replaced them. And, as a side note, they were not yet 3 years old.

Don't be "lulled" into believing your tires are "good to go" because they aren't yet 5 years old.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1.jpg
Views:	99
Size:	205.6 KB
ID:	12330   Click image for larger version

Name:	2.jpg
Views:	101
Size:	196.6 KB
ID:	12331   Click image for larger version

Name:	4.jpg
Views:	102
Size:	197.8 KB
ID:	12332   Click image for larger version

Name:	5.jpg
Views:	105
Size:	221.1 KB
ID:	12333   Click image for larger version

Name:	6.jpg
Views:	109
Size:	226.8 KB
ID:	12334  

__________________
John



2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
JRTJH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 03:38 PM   #11
busterbrown
Senior Member
 
busterbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
↑↑↑ Exactly ↑↑↑

John's pics aren't sensational internet threats. They represent "real world" towing experiences inherent with ST tires. Certain brands can mitigate failure as long as age, load ratings, and inflation pressures are respected.
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier

busterbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 08:18 PM   #12
CaptnJohn
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Ocean Isle Beach
Posts: 1,431
OEM 4 year old tires.... my OEM tires were gone in less than 4 days and less than 50 miles...
__________________

2022.Montana 3855 BR
2019 F350 6.7 4X4 DRW
CaptnJohn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2017, 04:08 AM   #13
BuxCamper
Senior Member
 
BuxCamper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 281
The OEM tires on my last TT lasted one season. At the start of the next season I noticed some deep cracks in the sidewalls especially by the raised letters. I ordered Goodyear's and then cycled one rim at a time through the tire dealership. I think I hitched up and let the pick-up chock the camper as I removed and replaced each tire.

-- Mark
__________________
-- Mark

I used a multi-billion dollar government satellite navigation system to look for a rubber chicken in a tree!

2017 Bullet 248RKS towed by a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L V8 W/ AFM
BuxCamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2017, 06:36 AM   #14
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by wbdvt View Post
Well, I inspected the tires and they still look in good shape. I keep them covered when not in use and if in CG for extended period, I put the covers on.

I have done that drive in the past, so it is doable for me.

Last spring before we left for FL I did a visual inspection of my tires; they looked new. I had the owner of the tire store look at them and he agreed. On departure morning we were all excited, beautiful day, great trip planned, about to see the grandgirls etc. Driving down the highway at about 63 mph. I heard a pop, buzzing sounds and saw "white stuff" blowing out behind the trailer. I pulled it down in short order and checked it out. Right rear completely disintegrated and the underside of the trailer shredded. Two weeks later after CW was able to work out the insurance and get the parts we were able to leave again.

What I found upon inspection of the tire was that the tread had completely peeled off the carcass of the tire - like it had been glued on and the glue failed. This tire had looked brand new 55 miles before and was 2 years old. Just a word to the wise.
sourdough is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2017, 03:25 PM   #15
rwmurphy15
Senior Member
 
rwmurphy15's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New Providence
Posts: 148
We're going to Mama Gertie's in June for almost a week. Hard to get reservation at this campground at least for a 35 footer
__________________
[SIGPIC]2013 Keystone Fuzion 301
2014 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel
rwmurphy15 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:02 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.