Tire Upgrade

Kenl · 05-06-2014, 09:11 AM

I'm traveling and currently in Wyoming. I put brand new tires on my 5vr in January. So far I've had 3 blow-outs in less than 2000 miles. On one the tread actually separated like a retread. I am at a very large truck tire store right now and they are suggestion moving up to a 16" rim and put on 16" Goodyear LT truck tires the same as on my pick-up. There is plenty of room and he says that he has done it on his trailer and many others and the tire problems go away. Anyone done this out there? Should I be concerned about anything I'm not seeing?
Thanks

OldCoot · 05-06-2014, 09:14 AM

I would go with a GY Marathon LR D and keep the 15" tires and wheels. Make sure they balance them.

SKnight · 05-06-2014, 09:21 AM

Wow, sounds like they sold you way under weight tires.

It's an option, advantage is the taller tire, clearance available that is, turns fewer times per mile than the smaller one. In other words, it's turning slower, which lessens the forces greatly. 16" tires are becoming very common in the trailer world too so that gives you choices.

However, I'd stick with an ST tire. Tandem axle trailers impart serious side forces with regard to side load going down the road and when backing up, turning tightly, etc. The sidewalls and tread area are designed differently to be able to withstand those forces better.

Am I saying that the LTs would be a bad choice? Not at all. Am I saying STs would be better? Yes.

But I'm still concerned about why you have popped three tires in 2000 miles. I'm sure you're keeping the pressure up to snuff, but you might need to check your gauge. Tires, even China bombs, blow out for a reason. First is low air pressure second is overloading, both overwork the sidewall and cause it to overheat.

There's always the chance you picked up something like a nail, but three?

cruiserjohn · 05-06-2014, 09:32 AM

I change all of my trailer to Lt tires and have not had any blowouts. I keep an eye on the psi each morning before start. I have pulled a 3 car wedge loaded and double car trailer . I always used load range e or higher.

Kenl · 05-06-2014, 09:34 AM

I checked the pressure and am at the max 80 PSI as recommended. I don't believe I'm overweight since we basically have just what we need and nothing more. My tanks were empty and I was driving at 60 MPH for about 4 hours when they blew. One on the drivers side. I changed it and put on the spare then about 10 miles later the Passenger side. The third blow out was a couple of days ago after driving for 5 hours.
I've been out over 30 days and this is just not right and I don't know why other than what I've been reading. If 5000 miles is what I can expect from trailer tires I'll be putting new ones on every couple of months. That's why I'm leaning towards the truck tires F rated.

cruiserjohn · 05-06-2014, 09:43 AM

I have put 10,000 to 15,00 a year and driving 8 to 10 hrs at a time with no problems
and sometime I was overloaded .

spierce617 · 05-06-2014, 10:00 AM

What brand of tires do you have that they are blowing out so often? I switched to the Goodyear Marathons after OldCoot recommended them for me late last year and I have had no trouble at all. I did get them balanced also.

Kenl · 05-06-2014, 10:10 AM

The tires that are blowing at Towmaster Trailer Radials ST 225/75R15
Two have completely shredded and the other had the tread come off and actually do quite a bit of damage to the skit and side panel of my push out.

wyo700 · 05-06-2014, 10:17 AM

I would go with a different brand of tire. As other have suggested the GY marathons or I have the maxxis m8008 and I have been very happy with them. But also go to a 16" would be ok if that's what has to be done.

SKnight · 05-06-2014, 10:19 AM

When I say overloaded it's not that you're heavy, but your tires could be under rated, but if they spec at 80PSI then likely they're rated well enough.

Have you contacted the installer or manufacturer? They could have a defect they need to know about.

OldCoot · 05-06-2014, 10:35 AM

How old are the tires? I suspect on an 04 trailer, they are at best only the 2nd set and could just be failing due to age. 80# suggests LR E which should be more than adequate for that size trailer. Would still stick with 15" wheels. JMO.

Kenl · 05-06-2014, 08:50 PM

All of the blown tires were installed new at the end of January 2014. They had less than 1500 miles on them.
Anyway thank you to all that gave me information to help me out. I decided to go with new rims and tires. 16 inch LT Tires. I just finished driving over 300 miles on them and what a difference in the feel of the 5er. Very smooth and solid. I am very happy so far but will keep you posted.
We are full timers and needed to get the tire issues behind us.
Thanks again for the input.

Kenl · 03-03-2015, 10:11 PM

Its been 7 months and 8000 miles since my last post. I changed to 16" LT F rated tires just like my pick up and have not had any issues. I weighed my 5er and in came in just under 9000 lbs so I'm not over loaded for F rated tires and I even run them at 75PSI as recommended for the weight. I can't say enough about the education I received about trailer tires during this process. I will most likely never use them again. I'm convinced that they are not made to the same standards as passenger truck tires which is why it's not worth the risk of running them.
Thanks for all of the responses. I thought I'd get some miles in before I closed this out.

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