Constancy Tires

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 07:24 AM

I have a new 2017 Surveyor TT that weighs dry, 5935. It came equipped with Constancy 205/75/14 load range C tires. It states right on the side wall for dual axle use, 1570 pounds max. How could Forest River spec these tires with this TT? Not feeling good about this at all. Wish I had researched this a lot more.

Cypressloser · 07-17-2017, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velorandy

I have a new 2017 Surveyor TT that weighs dry, 5935. It came equipped with Constancy 205/75/14 load range C tires. It states right on the side wall for dual axle use, 1570 pounds max. How could Forest River spec these tires with this TT? Not feeling good about this at all. Wish I had researched this a lot more.

Your trailer has 2 axles, so dual axle applies. The tires have a load carrying capacity of 1570# each x 4 = 6280#. I don't know your trailer's GWR, but let's assume 7000#, roughly 1000# of which is tongue weight and not resting on the tires. You're good to go.
If the Constancy is a good tire is a different matter, it is easy enough to install LR D or E tires of a different manufacturer to play it safe. Also, if you do go this route have the wheel bearings repacked.

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cypressloser

Your trailer has 2 axles, so dual axle applies. The tires have a load carrying capacity of 1570# each x 4 = 6280#. I don't know your trailer's GWR, but let's assume 7000#, roughly 1000# of which is tongue weight and not resting on the tires. You're good to go.
If the Constancy is a good tire is a different matter, it is easy enough to install LR D or E tires of a different manufacturer to play it safe. Also, if you do go this route have the wheel bearings repacked.

I agree I should have D or E tires, but a brand new TT should have tires that match its max carrying weight of 7700 pounds I would think? Just doesn't seem right to me....

Cypressloser · 07-17-2017, 07:58 AM

Right, that's a stretch.
I wasn't aware of the 7700# GWR, which gives it a lot of CCC.

donniedu · 07-17-2017, 08:06 AM

7700 MINUS tongue weight. At 10% that would be 770 pounds. At 15% that would be 1155 pounds. 7700 MINUS 1155 equals 6545 pounds. Tire carrying capacity is 6280. So on your trailet Im guessing FR is calculating more that 15% tongue weight. To know for positive, go weight things.

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donniedu

7700 MINUS tongue weight. At 10% that would be 770 pounds. At 15% that would be 1155 pounds. 7700 MINUS 1155 equals 6545 pounds. Tire carrying capacity is 6280. So on your trailet Im guessing FR is calculating more that 15% tongue weight. To know for positive, go weight things.

Just looked at the yellow sticker, max load is 7777 pounds. Brochure listed tongue weight is 770. I've just sent emails to FR to get an answer why C rated tires are being used? I hope it's not a matter of my dealer swapping out my tires? I could of sworn before the purchase I saw D rated tires on this model?

donniedu · 07-17-2017, 08:38 AM

Check the tag on the front left corner of the trailer. It will spell out the tire and axle specs for you.

**Flybob** · 07-17-2017, 08:42 AM

Checking the tires as part of the PDI is something that many people miss. You should always check date code and LR. If the buyer before you caught old or under rated tires, they could have been swapped out to complete the deal. Same with battery.

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donniedu

Check the tag on the front left corner of the trailer. It will spell out the tire and axle specs for you.

Axle ratings are 3500 for each one. I wonder how much of the tongue weight can be subtracted, if any, from the load placed on the TT tires?

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velorandy

Axle ratings are 3500 for each one. I wonder how much of the tongue weight can be subtracted, if any, from the load placed on the TT tires?

They are subtracting 777 pounds for tongue weight.

Just spoke with a service rep at FR, after conferring with one of their engineers... I supposedly have a 10 pound cushion of the each tires max rating. Not much.

I've read much about subtracting 12% of a tires max weight rating when used with dual axles. FR is telling me they've never heard that. Interesting.

Coolharts · 07-17-2017, 01:33 PM

I replaced my Constancy tires with Maxxis 10 Ply tires because I felt I was over weight, the Maxxis tires do not flex as much and give a better ride. The Constancy tires are now on my car hauler.

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolharts

I replaced my Constancy tires with Maxxis 10 Ply tires because I felt I was over weight, the Maxxis tires do not flex as much and give a better ride. The Constancy tires are now on my car hauler.

Did FR put C or D rated Constancy tires on your Surveyor? I believe your TT weighs more than mine?

Coolharts · 07-17-2017, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velorandy

Did FR put C or D rated Constancy tires on your Surveyor? I believe your TT weighs more than mine?

They were D rated.

Here are my approximate weights:
Dry Weight
7,516 lbs.
Payload Capacity
2,388 lbs.

Hitch Weight
1,104 lbs.

velorandy · 07-17-2017, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolharts

They were D rated.

Here are my approximate weights:
Dry Weight
7,516 lbs.
Payload Capacity
2,388 lbs.

Hitch Weight
1,104 lbs.

You're (the TT, LOL) considerably heavier than me...

Coolharts · 07-17-2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velorandy

You're (the TT, LOL) considerably heavier than me...

Same situation, I did not trust the Constancy tires due to trailer weights.

Kenny kustom · 07-17-2017, 01:54 PM

I replaced my 10 ply cons with a set of 14 ply samsons.

Airdale · 07-17-2017, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velorandy

I have a new 2017 Surveyor TT that weighs dry, 5935. It came equipped with Constancy 205/75/14 load range C tires. It states right on the side wall for dual axle use, 1570 pounds max. How could Forest River spec these tires with this TT? Not feeling good about this at all. Wish I had researched this a lot more.

For fitment to your trailer those tires are rated at 1760# at 50 PSI. (Dual fitments are side by side fitments like on a dully truck).

They are very marginal but not below minimum standards for your axles which are probably rated at 3450# - 3500# (look on the certification label for verification).

An upgrade to the next higher load range ("D") is recommended within a year.

Airdale · 07-17-2017, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velorandy

I've read much about subtracting 12% of a tires max weight rating when used with dual axles. FR is telling me they've never heard that. Interesting.

That's probably because FR doesn't build any RV trailers with dual tire fitments.

velorandy · 07-18-2017, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

For fitment to your trailer those tires are rated at 1760# at 50 PSI. (Dual fitments are side by side fitments like on a dully truck).

They are very marginal but not below minimum standards for your axles which are probably rated at 3450# - 3500# (look on the certification label for verification).

An upgrade to the next higher load range ("D") is recommended within a year.

My axles are indeed rated to 3500, so with that said.... I have a buffer of 10 pounds per tire, very marginal. I'll run these tires this season & over the winter will replace them with a D or E rated tire. Thank you.

DreiHunde · 07-18-2017, 06:48 AM

Definitely looks like you could use D's. But to answer your question on Why they use the bare minimum....IMO it's $$$$. They are going to try to save and skrimp every dollar they can. I wish they had more options available as too size and brands of tires when you buy these things (I think some brands do, not sure). I think a lot of people would be willing to pay a little more up front for one less thing to worry about!

My Catalina has a GVWR of 9500 lbs. A pair of 4400 lb axles with D tires. So my tires have a 660 lb margin and my axles can handle all but 700 lbs. Last time I went to the Scales my tongue wt was 1160. So neither my tires nor my axles are maxed out.

I can't speak for all the Coachmen trailers out there so I don't know if I got lucky or this is the norm.

Anyways...safe travels and have fun!

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