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Old 01-14-2018, 12:54 PM   #1
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Castle Rock Tires - Concave surface area

We purchased a 2018 FR Cruise Lite which came stock with Castle Rock ST tires. On inspection, I noticed the concave shape tires, which concerned me as I have never seen tires like this before, and know contact area is an important characteristic of tire performance. I emailed Lionshead about my concerns. Their response was:

"That is a normal characteristic of the Castle Rock brand."

No explanation, that is it. I wish they would have elaborated a bit on whether it is a desireable characteristic or a characteristic of poor construction. The tires have about 1500 miles on them, and I haven't had any problems so far, however the last thing I want is a blow out to deal with on my weekend camping trip. Has anyone had any problems with these tires or are my concerns overblown?
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Old 01-14-2018, 01:26 PM   #2
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Yes. Garbage. Upgrade to maxxis 8008 or Goodyear endurance.
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Old 01-15-2018, 03:43 PM   #3
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Agree, they are good for the first season, after that change then out. Take it from someone who went against his own statement. First trip second season blew one out, it looked brand new. Took out all the slide wiring on the main slide. Do your research on upgrading great previous post here about tires.
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Old 01-15-2018, 04:23 PM   #4
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For some reason many of them(including mine) look like that. The general census is to replace as you can. Remember to go UP one weight rating if you wheels will handle the pressure and install bolt in metal stems.
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Old 01-15-2018, 04:39 PM   #5
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This tire has been discussed several times here on the FR forums in the last few years.
I started what I believe was the first thread about them in 2015.

They are concave on the tread and this is 'normal' for these tires.

Most of us who have/had these tires, got some mileage and time from them (varying) but in the end, they will fail. Watch them religiously and be looking to replace them.

Oh... and get a TPMS. (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
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Old 01-16-2018, 07:49 AM   #6
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My Castle Rocks are the same. Very strange but I plan on swapping them out shortly.
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Old 01-16-2018, 02:49 PM   #7
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Tires

Check the thread on Endurance tires. Made in America now. I may buy a set to replace my China ones for safety factor. Going from C to E load range.
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Old 01-16-2018, 03:02 PM   #8
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Changed my Castle Rocks out for Maxxis 8008 after 1 summer of use. Too many examples on this forum alone of Castle Rock blow outs.
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Old 01-16-2018, 03:11 PM   #9
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Maxxis tires

I read Maxxis are really good too. Made in Thailand I believe.
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Old 01-16-2018, 05:08 PM   #10
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Castle Rocks

MoCamping,
Everything posted so far rings true from what has happened to me and our camping friends. Change tires before you have a problem that will cost you more than just new tires! My suggestion, go away from an ST rated tire and go with an LT. Used to be there were not many choices for us with 15" tires, but not anymore. An exception may be the GY Endurance, but time will tell there. I went with Nokian tires, check them out and see why they make sense to use on a trailer. You can get a TPMS, but if you have the right, reliable tires, you don't need one. You never hear someone on this forum saying, "I wish I had never gotten those LT tires." It is a choice I made to have peace of mind, safety, reliability, longevity, and no hoop jumping or the excuse laden reasons for why ST tires fail. Some agree, some don't, check it out for yourself and decide.

cseeger22
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Old 01-16-2018, 06:28 PM   #11
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I have the Castle Rocks on my Salem '17 232RBXL. ST 205/75R14 Goodyear Endurance and Maxxis M8008 seem to be about the same price. But the Goodyear's are load range D 65-psi and the Maxxis are load range C 50-psi. Come Spring, I know what I'm doing
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Old 01-16-2018, 08:34 PM   #12
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When changing tires, where do you usually find the best deal? Tire store? I’m assuming it’s like a car or truck, you’d take the camper to have the tires changed? Do they have to be balanced and aligned? (Sorry if this is a stupid question)
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Old 01-16-2018, 10:03 PM   #13
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Best price is best price. Personally I always have them balanced, some places say it is not necessary, but I still make them.
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:04 AM   #14
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I bought my Goodyear Endurance at a national tire store near me. They happen to also have the cheapest price. I jacked up one side of the trailer at a time and took the two tires to the store and had them put the new ones on. Even had them balanced, which is not required, and really do not notice the difference.

Although I have had to change a tire on the trailer due to a bad air valve, this was good practice to make sure I had everything I needed if I had a blowout on the road. Really no different then changing your car tire.

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Old 04-25-2018, 09:17 PM   #15
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I replaced the Castle Rocks with Goodyear Endurance tires and also bought the Tire Minder solar TPMS. I don't get to camp as much as I would like, and the last thing I want is a blow out because of faulty tires. Leaving on our first trip this weekend, can't wait!

Over the winter:
*replaced hybrid battery with two Trojan 6V batteries
*Added battery cut off switch
*Added DC panel with cigarette type power supply, 2 USB outlets, and battery voltage gauge.
* added AC/DC Blu ray player
*New Endurance Tires
* TPMS system
* Purchased a sticker for the toilet seat that looks like a squirrel is about to leap out of the toilet -- to be installed this weekend, can't wait for the screams!
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