Researching Tire Options for Wildwood 231

[Mrs Evans]

Currently we have not had any issue with the standard tires that came with our travel trailer. However, after looking at the specs, it seems that the tires should have a minimum of a D load range rather than the current C load - maybe I'm reading things wrong? Here's a look at the specs:



After researching different tire options, the only D-range tire I can find that would fit our current rim and maintain the same size of a 14inch tire is the following:

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D Kenda Tires and Wheels AM10235

Any other suggestions? The maxxis and marathon tires in a 14inch are also only C load range tires, so that seems to knock those options off the list.

Curious if anyone with a similar setup to ours found other options besides the Kenda. Otherwise, I'm curious what thoughts are about the Kenda tire. Thanks so much!

[Big Vic]

The Kumho 857 is a euro-sized 205r14 that fits. It is D rated and usually rated highly on this forum.

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by Big Vic

The Kumho 857 is a euro-sized 205r14 that fits. It is D rated and usually rated highly on this forum.

Thank you! I missed that this was D rated b/c the name ends with a 'C' and I interpreted that to mean it was C rated.

[Dave_Monica]

The current tire load ratings exceed the axle ratings...just barely. This is a common practice by manufacturer's. You'll never see a situation where the tire capacity is less than the stated axle capacity. The upgrade to a D loaded rated tire is for safety comfort not requirement. Regardless of your decision, a good TPMS is another piece of mind option.


Dave

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

The current tire load ratings exceed the axle ratings...just barely. This is a common practice by manufacturer's. You'll never see a situation where the tire capacity is less than the stated axle capacity. The upgrade to a D loaded rated tire is for safety comfort not requirement. Regardless of your decision, a good TPMS is another piece of mind option.

Dave

Thanks so much! That's good to know - so if we wanted to change out the current tires with a better brand of C load range tires then it should work even though we might still go with a D load range. And I agree with getting a TPMS

[geotex1]

Texas heat and UV is tough on tires! I lived in Katy for a spell myself. If you can source the Kumho, it's a superior build over any ST.

[Dave_Monica]

If it were me, I'd continue with the current tires and TPMS until they're worn or 4-5 years old and then replace with Marathon or Maxxis load range C. The higher load range tires would only be important if you load the camper to it's max weight.


Dave

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by geotex1

Texas heat and UV is tough on tires! I lived in Katy for a spell myself. If you can source the Kumho, it's a superior build over any ST.

So true! Texas heat has to be considered, I appreciate the recommendation!

[MartyQ]

I will be replacing the original 5th wheel tires after reading the tire postings here on FRF. There are so many postings, you could spend a thousand hours reading all of them. Our 2014 Flagstaff 5th wheel came with C Range Trail Express tires.

Will be replacing the C range tires with D range tires and my short list looks like this, in order of preference. Will install steel/high pressure valve stems and then have them spin balanced with the TPMS sensors installed.

Maxxis M8008's
Kumho 857's
Goodyear Marathons

Will be adding the TST Flow Thru TPMS on the 4 trailer tires and the 4 truck tires.

Hope this helps you. AND I welcome any comments on my list.

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

If it were me, I'd continue with the current tires and TPMS until they're worn or 4-5 years old and then replace with Marathon or Maxxis load range C. The higher load range tires would only be important if you load the camper to it's max weight.

Dave

Not a bad idea, we really haven't had any issues with what we've got and we are constantly checking the condition of the tires. So far we have only put about 1800 miles of them.

The reasons we're looking into getting new ones now: 1) because of what we've heard/read about the the standard issue tires and 2) we are planning a big trip this year where we will be putting over 3000 miles round trip on this one trip alone in addition to other local trips we'll be making this year.

Just kinda worried a problem will surface while we're on 'vacation' and would hate to hassle with it then. How many miles would someone typically put on tires within a 4-5 year period of time?

I really appreciate the feedback, I like having food for thought

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by MartySantic

I will be replacing the original 5th wheel tires after reading the tire postings here on FRF. There are so many postings, you could spend a thousand hours reading all of them. Our 2014 Flagstaff 5th wheel came with C Range Trail Express tires.

Will be replacing the C range tires with D range tires and my short list looks like this, in order of preference. Will install steel/high pressure valve stems and then have them spin balanced with the TPMS sensors installed.

Maxxis M8008's
Kumho 857's
Goodyear Marathons

Will be adding the TST Flow Thru TPMS on the 4 trailer tires and the 4 truck tires.

Hope this helps you. AND I welcome any comments on my list.

Well the first thing I notice is that Kenda is not on the list, LOL!

You must have a larger wheel than 14 inches to list the Maxxis and Marathons for D range options?

Thanks so much for the list and I agree that you really can spend oodles of time reading on this subject. That's one reason I created this thread so that I could get help for my specific needs since that can affect the options available and I was getting a bit overwhelmed

Thanks again!

[vinmaker]

Beware of the china bombs! lol.

[geotex1]

Anyone who purchases a TPMS - thank you!

I posted this in another thread, and stay out of the constant tire debate because I have different perspective on the matter. However, carefully study the picture and something should pop out at you.

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by geotex1

Anyone who purchases a TPMS - thank you!

I posted this in another thread, and stay out of the constant tire debate because I have different perspective on the matter. However, carefully study the picture and something should pop out at you.

I had to do a little bit of forum searching to understand your TPMS comment and come to find out you pioneered the technology, how cool is that?

I'm not very good at noticing the obvious, so not sure what you were drawing attention to with the photo - the only thing I saw 'popping' out was what looks like a valve stem???

Thanks so much for your help!

ps - the shop you recommended gave me excellent advice about how to determine the age of the tires we have on our trailer

[ChairFlyer]

Re: the photo, I'm guessing no TPMS?

I am not familiar with TPMS, but with the shredded tire in the photo would a TPMS show a pressure drop prior to or after the shredding? Would it show a higher temp after the shredding? Just trying to understand if a TPMS would have alerted the driver in this instance and when. Thanks!

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by geotex1

Anyone who purchases a TPMS - thank you!

I posted this in another thread, and stay out of the constant tire debate because I have different perspective on the matter. However, carefully study the picture and something should pop out at you.

I'd say the tire failed due to being under inflated.

[geotex1]

Nope TPMS above any you can buy on the market installed. Tire pressure was still exactly where it was set. The bulge you see has NOTHING to do with pressure and everything to do with the tread separation.

[dannyabear]

In 14" load range D, 8 ply rated, and not mfg. in China, either the Kumho 857 or the Hankook RA08 in size 195R14 is the same diameter and width as a ST205; they are also speed rated to 99 mph and carry 2100# each vs. a ST wich carries 1760#

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by dannyabear

In 14" load range D, 8 ply rated, and not mfg. in China, either the Kumho 857 or the Hankook RA08 in size 195R14 is the same diameter and width as a ST205; they are also speed rated to 99 mph and carry 2100# each vs. a ST wich carries 1760#

Thanks for the clarification, I would've thought to get the 205 Kumho.

[dannyabear]

The Kumho 205r14 is about 1 1/2" larger in diameter and would be too close in my aplication. I was going to buy the Kumho in 195r14 but was told that size was discontinued. I bought the Hankooks RA08 in size 195r14 from the busdepot.com
$508.00 for 4 shipped to my house, and had mounted and balanced at local tire shop, sold the 1 year old Westlakes to a local grass cutter for his utily trailer.
It is also important to ask the date of mfg. on the tire before buying, the busdepot had the best price and tires were mfgd only 4 months earlier.