Blowout !

I guess it was my turn for the blowout. I thought I did everything to help prevent a blowout. I always check the air pressure, as I did before leaving for Va. All tires at 70psi as indicated on the sidewall of my Duro tires. The valve stems have been replaced with high pressure stems and the tires were only four years old. Maybe I pickedup something on the road and the tire lost air and ran low before blowing. I really couldn't see the tire. It was the rear tire on the driver side that went. It also took out the fender but no damage other than that. I feel lucky. Guess I need to order a fender and get the CAT back in condition. I am going to replace these tires with 'E' rated tires. I bought an 'E' rated tire for a spare to get us home. Now I am looking for the best investment in new tires. I might wait until the winter is over and get fresh tires for the upcoming year. I would like to get something that is made in the USA. I just started chechink and so it looks like Goodyear is the only one made in the USA, but I am not sure they make a 225/75R 15 in an 'E'. I called one local dealer and he told me Goodyear doesn't make a Marathon that is 'E' rated. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thank you! Duke

I went with the Maxxis tires in that size and "E" rated. I have had them for over a year now, and very satisfied. I keep them at a solid 80 psi, as recommended. I have never had to add air to any of the tires. I remember the cheapies that came on it, and I would have to add air every trip we took. Good luck on your choice of tires. Hate you had the blowout.

Duke: the Goodyear Marathons are now made in China.
I also went with the Maxxis tires in that size and "E" rated.
Maxxis Web Site

Most trailer tires are made in China now. I had over 5 years on my "Made in China" tires before noticing a problem this past August.

Thanks guys. I guess I'll see who handles the Maxis tires around here. That's strange you mentioned having to put air in the original tires. I do have to keep adding a little air to my original Duro tires, even after they sit for a week. Thanks again for the info.. Just looked at the last message about having tires for 5years before having a problem with the made in China tires. I have had Goodyear Marathon tires on all my other trailers and have never had any problems at all. That includes trips all over the US from Florida to Nova Scotia, the South West and Alaska. I guess I have been pulling trailers since 1979, not counting pop-up's and never had an issue at all. Maybe I was just lucky. Duke

Try these. Supposedly made in America.

http://www.nextag.com/Dean--2700004/all-season-tires-235-85-16/brand-html

Hi Dan, I went to the web site but got confused as to what tire was made in the USA. Which one did you see? Do you have that brand on your trailer?? I am looking for 225/75 r15 E
Thanks for the info. Duke I also got a message from Goodyear and everyone is correct!! They are made in China !!

I will have to look later. There is a post here somewhere that I have lost off of my bookmarks. Also a lot of us have or are going to 16 inch rims.

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/t2645-who-s-converted-from-15-to-16-rims-and-tires?highlight=tires

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/t2347-16-tires?highlight=tires

I see the 16" rims give you alot more carring capacity. The 'E' load range only increases the capacity 210 per tire. That is still better than what is on the trailer now. How is the clearance between 16" tires? Dan, what are you running on your trailer??

My WC came with them. I think it is about an inch. It is enough and it works.

HI RUNs ST 235/85R/16 E's which is more tire than my trailer needs. ST's top speed is 65. By keeping them between 76 and 78Lbs I have gotten away with 75 since they are more tire than I need.

what do you think about running LT tires? I hear some people do. I wouldn't want to do anything that might set me up for a lawsuit incase of an accident..

That is what worries me 2. Trailer sticker says ST. Will the insurance company use that against U in a wreck.

I think they would use anything that would keep them from paying. I think I'll stay with trailer tires. Gotta find a way to sell my 15" rims. They are only three years old. and look good. Have to think about this!! Thanks for the info. Duke

When my oem ST 16" tires need replaced, im going with LT's


Earl

Not. To concerned about lawsuits and insurance adjusters.

I think the load range for LT tires is more than the ST. I have an old van the I only use once in awhile and that sits sometime for long periods and the wheels are never covered. I just change the Michelin tires on it after ten years and about 55000miles and a trip to Alaska in 2001 pulling our other trailer. They were worn but other than that they looked great. I have considered LT tires..

I cant see why a light truck tire (LT) would be any issue at all...
that what I was thinking as well...my tires look fine tread and side wall wise, but it seems like even at the proper psi and the trailer empty they just look overloaded and have the side wall beer belly look!

I want to say that LT's have a stiffer side wall with more plys versus the ST. that info is usually listed on the tire as well as the specs...

I remember seeing a post here somewhere that said you need to change the rims to go with a higher load tire? I cant see that is nessissary or is it... we are still limited by the axle weight rating and the rim has to be designed for that at least...

what I am trying to accomplish is a more durable tire due to the fact that its in its sweet spot, not maxed out!

I'm not a tire expert by any means but If the tire load rating exceeds an ST does it matter???

does and ST act differently than an LT in some way???

IDUNO ???

also duke, I'm glad you kept the rig under control and just have some damage to fix and nothin worse...dont know if you ever saw my intro pics but it can get bad real fast!

The one thing I was wondering about with LT tires over ST is the skewing and flexing that I see on mine when I back the camper. With the stiffer sidewall I wonder how it would handle that type of skew and flex. Any thoughts?

Tim, I just looked at my trailer weights. GVWR 11490 . The tires on the trailer are 'D' rated at 2620 each x4 = 10480 , the 'E' rated trailer tire I bought for a spare to get home is 2830 x4 = 11320. The trailer weight is 9860 with the stuff I have on board. Looks like the 'E' trailer tire would do the job.. Still thinking!!Trying to do the best thing..for the future!!

Here is something interesting I have never seen before.

Why Use An "ST" Tire

"ST" tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.
The polyester cords are bigger than they would be for a comparable "P" or "LT" tire.
The steel cords have a larger diameter and greater tensile strength to meet the additional load requirements.
"ST" tire rubber compounds contain more chemicals to resist weather and ozone cracking.

Dan: Where did you come up with the information you stated? I have done a lot of research on ST tires in the past and like you have never seen that stated before. Thanks Jim

Here is some interesting reading to add more to the confusion.....

http://anything-camping.com/smf1/index.php?topic=28.0

Some RV manufacturers use LT tires as standard issue.


Earl

All new Wildcats feature 'E' rated, 10-ply tires with NitroFill (nitrogen-filled, which helps maintain tire pressure and reduces running temp), even on our standard 15" wheels (see stats below). We believe this is an industry first...
TIRES: ST225/75R15/E
RIMS: 15X6.0JJ
PRESSURE: 80 psi (550 kPa)

We've also been exploring an American-made tire upgrade (I believe they're manufactured in Canada now). They are indeed available, but very expensive. I'll post more about that as information becomes available.

Stanford wrote:Dan: Where did you come up with the information you stated? I have done a lot of research on ST tires in the past and like you have never seen that stated before. Thanks Jim

Here. http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTrailerTireFacts.dos

This site also tells U to put plywood between tire and concrete. Excellent advice.

Looks like Wildcat has been doing some thinking on tires. I'm glad to hear they are making the change to:
TIRES: ST225/75R15/E
RIMS: 15X6.0JJ
PRESSURE: 80 psi (550 kPa)
Wildcat Chris - Are these tires mounted on the standard white steel wheels or alluminum wheels?
Thank you for all your input in the forums.

It does look like Wildcat is thinking. I hope they read this forum. If they do and make the improvements they read about here they will have a very nice product to offer. I wonder if the new tire and rim setup is available for purchase from Forest River?? Nice they are looking at a product made in the USA or Canada..

Good year makes a G614 RV tire....It has a "G" load rating thats huge! probably has a huge price to go along with it...

Interesting what WC Chris was saying about the nitrogen tires...

I understand the reasoning, molecular size and all that jazz but very few places have nitrogen fill station across the US. and I certainly dont...

I dont really think thats really a long term answer...just use an "E" rating radial and life will be good...

Oh that goodyear tire is only in a 16" BTW...

oldelmer1 wrote:Here is some interesting reading to add more to the confusion.....

http://anything-camping.com/smf1/index.php?topic=28.0

Excellent article, thanks Tom. Nuwa is using LT tires as original equipment on their larger trailers.

Why not go to 16 inch rims as standard.