Columbus 320 Replacement Tire Options

[lgray]

My rig has been in the shop now for 5 weeks to repair body damage from my second Akuret tire blow out. I made some calls today to find two replacement tires for my two remaining Akuret’s. One tire dealer suggested going to a 235 85 R16, up from the 235 80 R16’s. My two Carlisle replacement 80’s would be moved to the same axle and the 85's would get their own axle. More than one tire dealer confirmed this would be accepable. Moving up would allow me to go from the current E rated 10 ply to an F rated 12 ply tire, 3400 to 3800 pound capacity. One dealer was pushing Towmaster ST 235 85 R16's, that are actually about the same cost as the Carlisle 235 80 R16's.
Thoughts?

[huntr70]

I changed them all to Goodyear G614's....

[amxpress]

See my PM, but when I make a change, it will be either with Maxxis or LT Load Range E or F. The LT tires are more expensive, but there are advantages. Michelin Ribs and Goodyear G614 seem to be very popular replacements, and of course, they are very expensive. I like the Maxxis as they have a good track record with RV'ers. They're also more reasonably priced. Which ever you decide on, be sure to have them balanced.

[krisbarger]

Originally Posted by lgray

My rig has been in the shop now for 5 weeks to repair body damage from my second Akuret tire blow out. I made some calls today to find two replacement tires for my two remaining Akuret’s. One tire dealer suggested going to a 235 85 R16, up from the 235 80 R16’s. My two Carlisle replacement 80’s would be moved to the same axle and the 85's would get their own axle. More than one tire dealer confirmed this would be accepable. Moving up would allow me to go from the current E rated 10 ply to an F rated 12 ply tire, 3400 to 3800 pound capacity. One dealer was pushing Towmaster ST 235 85 R16's, that are actually about the same cost as the Carlisle 235 80 R16's.
Thoughts?

What F rated tire are you considering? Also, this concerns me as I want yo replace mine. What LT tires are available? Are there disadvantages to an LT tire? What are the advantages of an LT tire? My ONLY concern is finding the G614's and their price. The Michelin ribs seems to only be E rated so I don't see a huge advantage. I want more tire than I need so I have a less chance of overload.

[lgray]

There are several manufactures of 235 85 R16 “F” rated, 12 ply, 3850 pound rated ST tires. The Greenball/Towmaster are the same price as the Carlisle’s, E rated 235 80 R16’s. From what I have read, many have gone to LT tires lately, but not sure if there is enough compelling data to suggest this is a better option. My primary concerns with LT’s are; sidewall strength, rougher ride for the trailer, legal and insurance issues of not running “proper” trailer tires.
Some other manufactures of ST 235 85 R16’s mentioned to me included; STC (14 ply, G rated), BF Goodrich (F rated) and Carlisle (F rated). The price for a pair of these other mfg's starts at $418, the Towmaster are $346.

[krisbarger]

Originally Posted by lgray

There are several manufactures of 235 85 R16 “F” rated, 12 ply, 3850 pound rated ST tires. The Greenball/Towmaster are the same price as the Carlisle’s, E rated 235 80 R16’s. From what I have read, many have gone to LT tires lately, but not sure if there is enough compelling data to suggest this is a better option. My primary concerns with LT’s are; sidewall strength, rougher ride for the trailer, legal and insurance issues of not running “proper” trailer tires.
Some other manufactures of ST 235 85 R16’s mentioned to me included; STC (14 ply, G rated), BF Goodrich (F rated) and Carlisle (F rated). The price for a pair of these other mfg's starts at $418, the Towmaster are $346.

Never heard of STC. I have read mixed reports on Carlisle and towmaster. I'll look into the BFG "F" rated also.

I feel better about F or G rated tires.