Tire Choices: I'm confused!

[Fire Instructor]

Originally Posted by Blkvoodoo

tire pressure was 64psi before I started ( electronic digital tire gauge )

I suppose I should dig out the IR temp gun and do this a little more scientific like.

Folks would likely be VERY interested in your before and after pressure and temp results! It's funny, because this afternoon, I took advantage of the "20% off any item" coupon at Harbor Freight and bought an IR gun for better monitoring of tire and bearing temp.

[Blkvoodoo]

Ok, I've got 2 trips on the Kumho's now, ( 185/82R14 ) I like them

I pulled to Outer banks of NC end of July, they were quiet, and were definitely cooler running than the Kendas I had on previously. no noticable sway, and the camper seems to ride pretty well.

Last weekend I pulled about 45miles from home, again, nice and smooth, on the interstate, was able to hit 70mph for a short time ( I like that I don't have to fret about that now ) and was passed by a few big trucks, camper held it's ground pretty well.

I think this was a positive improvement over the lack luster stock set up ( undersized for the intended duty )

[Fire Instructor]

Dredging-up an old thread, but I finally replaced the 14" Carlisles, and went with the 14" Kumho 857's. They went on well, and look good, but it'll be number of weeks before my schedule allows me to put any real mileage on them.

I also had all of the valve stems changed to high-pressure metal stems when the tires were mounted.

I'll report on the ride after my first trip.

[Blkvoodoo]

I've been very happy with mine, pulls very nice, no sway, even with passing trucks. probably 700miles on them now.

and they don't feel any warmer than the TV tires when coming off the highway.

[BigTJohn]

The IR gun will NOT help with true tire temps. The tread of the tire is too tough and will hold the heat better than the casing of the tire, which you really want to read. There is a long and somewhat boring but still interesting article on tire temps and IR guns but I cannot find it just now. I will resarch a little more to see if I can dig it up and report back.

[BigTJohn]

OK, just got done with the search and here is the link:
Tires - Tech, Guide - Temperature Readings - Popular Hot Rodding
Kind of a long article but very in-depth. It will point you in the right direction - and correct my above post!

[Herk7769]

It is a magazine article from Hot Rodding Magazine.
They want you to subscribe to read the article.
No way to "click through" the overlapping window.
There is a workaround though.
PM me with your email if you need it.

[BigTJohn]

Just read Herk's response. I don't subscribe, just searched for an article and that was the one I had read a few months earlier. Hope it didn't cause anyone problems.

[JPSPete20]

Maxxis makes a very nice 225x75R14 Radial. I had a set put on my 2011 Salem 27RKSS. The C rated 205s installed at the factory were, to me, under rated, and they were showing unusual ware after only 2000 miles. I just finished a trip from Texas to Washington State and Canada with no problems and the Maxxis tires still look new. Speeds of 75/80 MPH weren't unusual coming back through Nevada and Utah. 2011 Ford F250 with the new 6.7 desiel is really great for the road. Set the cruise, point it and relax.

Pete S.
Denton, Tx

Pete

[BigTJohn]

Just used the link (didn't wait too long) but on the over lap "subscribe" there is a "close" for the over lap on the bottom right of the page. Sorry for any confusion.

[OldCoot]

Buy Goodyear Marathons and at least keep the majority of the money in the US of A.

[whj77372]

Glad I read the thread, It had been my understanding that D rated tires are only rated for 65 miles per hour at 65 psi?

[wyo700]

Who else has had the trail America tires? I have about 1800 miles on mine and they are wearing fast. They are wearing even but fast. They are on my toy hauler and have never overloaded it. They are Load range C tire and I always keep them right at max pressure of 50 psi. I do have two fresh water tanks that equal 106 gallons and they are right over the axles and then put a 600 pound quad over that sometimes. I wouldn't think that would be an issue but I haven't read much good about these tires. I will probably have to replace next year and plan on getting the Goodyear marathons in a load range D with metal valve stems hopefully that will fix it.

[johnleann]

Reviving this old thread again. I have the Trailamerica tires 205/75/15 on our 2010 Wildwood and they are pretty much used up. the sidewalls are showing signs of bulging and the tread is getting thin. Thought I would look here and see what people are running.
Looks like Marathons or Kumhos or Maxxis.
Might come down to price and availlability but it needs to happen soon!

[JPSPete20]

I had a set of the Maxxis tires on in May of last year. Since then we have been from Texas to Vancouver, Texas to the East Coast down to Florida and several shorter trips. A little over 15,000 miles. We are leaving next week on a roughly 5,000 mile trip to Southern Calif. The tire look great and do not show significant wear. No problems of any kind. They are expensive, but in my opinion worth the cost.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by whj77372

Glad I read the thread, It had been my understanding that D rated tires are only rated for 65 miles per hour at 65 psi?

This is totally true. IF you require 65 PSI to support your load and the maximum pressure on the tire is 65 PSI, your maximum speed is 65 MPH.

IF - the load can be supported at 55 PSI with that D rated tire, you can over pressure (up to 10 PSI) Marathons (and I assume others) to increase the speed limit up to an additional 10 mph.

[bakken]

Originally Posted by JPSPete20

I had a set of the Maxxis tires on in May of last year. Since then we have been from Texas to Vancouver, Texas to the East Coast down to Florida and several shorter trips. A little over 15,000 miles. We are leaving next week on a roughly 5,000 mile trip to Southern Calif. The tire look great and do not show significant wear. No problems of any kind. They are expensive, but in my opinion worth the cost.

I didn't find them "expensive" considering what I was getting for the money.
Yes, there are cheaper tires out there, but they are CHEAPER tires!
As for the OP, even if he is always going 70 mph, the Maxxis should be fine.

[1964chevelle]

Hi ok I have a 2017 Georgetown motor home 30x3 it has 245/70R19.5G.
I am going out West this spring ( east to west ) for about 3 months I was thinking of changing the front tires to the next size up? The tire size iam
Thinking about is 265/70R19.5 ? If you go to www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires. And it will calculate the difference. So what is your opinion thank you

[Aucoot]

Bought a new Mini-lite 2507 last summer. Replaced the Chinese "may pops" this spring with Goodyear Endurance tt tires. Just came back from 4000 southern swing. Horrible roads in NY, NJ and PA. No problems road very well, solid no sway. Money well spent.

[C-130]

Any thoughts or comments about Hercules Power ST (ST 225/75R 15) tires made by Cooper?