More ground clearance please

rzims · 01-30-2022, 01:50 PM

Hello all,
So, last summer we took a trip up to OR in our ePro19FD, I can't say enough about how perfect this trailer is for the 2 of us.
One thing we ran in to on some of the dirt "roads" we went on was a lack of ground clearance. Pretty sure I dragged it over a few of the rougher spots.
My dealer made me a pretty good deal on 2 brand new Castlerock 235 75 15 on the rim.
I gained just over 2" and the beefier offroad tire looks so much better.

5picker · 01-31-2022, 08:00 AM

I assume you've read the thousands of posts on Castle Rock tires?

Fun finders · 01-31-2022, 08:09 AM

Not to be sarcastic but of course the dealer gave you a good deal on them, he probably couldn’t sell them to anyone else.

emm-dee · 01-31-2022, 08:18 AM

Pretty rare to hear about someone intentionally putting china bombs on their trailer.

rzims · 01-31-2022, 10:12 AM

yes, I've read the comments.
I was mistaken, the tires are actually Westlake, replacing a set of Castle Rocks that I've had on there since new and several thousand miles. I've found them to be fine as long as I've kept an eye on the pressure.
I also realize these are "china bombs". I wanted the look and height of a beefier tire and for what I paid, the rims alone would have been worth it.
If these have issues, I can always replace them and still be ahead of the game.

PodGeek · 01-31-2022, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzims

... the tires are actually Westlake, replacing a set of Castle Rocks that I've had on there since new and several thousand miles. I've found them to be fine as long as I've kept an eye on the pressure.
I also realize these are "china bombs"....

The consensus (if I may be so bold) is that the Westlakes are not "China Bombs". Ours (and those of many other posters) are going strong. We have >10K miles on ours over the last 2 years.

rzims · 01-31-2022, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PodGeek

The consensus (if I may be so bold) is that the Westlakes are not "China Bombs". Ours (and those of many other posters) are going strong. We have >10K miles on ours over the last 2 years.

Well, thats good to hear. Like I said, I actually never had issues with the Castlerocks either and we took them down some pretty rough dirt roads...just made sure they were always up to pressure.
Probably helps that I rarely go over 60 mph when I tow....probably drives everyone around me crazy :-)

dieseldodge · 02-01-2022, 09:08 AM

When tires on the RV let loose there is usually more to it than just replacing it. There can also be damage to the RV itself, and even a crash. Changing tires on the side of the road is not my idea of fun.

That new tire you put on is obviously much larger than the OE tire. Are you sure they have enough clearance when doing the bumps?

rzims · 02-01-2022, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldodge

When tires on the RV let loose there is usually more to it than just replacing it. There can also be damage to the RV itself, and even a crash. Changing tires on the side of the road is not my idea of fun.

That new tire you put on is obviously much larger than the OE tire. Are you sure they have enough clearance when doing the bumps?

Those are all valid points....

The tire is larger and there's a couple of inches of room. I've also ordered the lift kit which should be here this week and will give me a couple more inches of space between the tire and the fenderwell.

5picker · 02-01-2022, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzims

Those are all valid points....

The tire is larger and there's a couple of inches of room. I've also ordered the lift kit which should be here this week and will give me a couple more inches of space between the tire and the fenderwell.

Keep in mind, raising the center of gravity has it's own effects on towing.
You will also need to recheck your hitch set-up.
You probably know all this but just in case...

rzims · 02-01-2022, 09:55 AM

definitely! Thanks

Dirt Sifter · 02-01-2022, 10:01 AM

We have the same clearance problem with our Rpod and the low hanging tank drains. The 15" tires will help and the lift kit is on our wish list. We'll have to adjust the WDH, but the overall gain will be worth it. Can't understand how Forest River designers push these for off road use without better clearance. Guess it's cause we buy them anyway. BTW we never had a problem with the Castlerocks on our SOB with well over 7K miles on them.

rzims · 02-01-2022, 10:11 AM

Thankfully, there are a couple of metal brackets that hang below the tanks, those are what I was dragging down the forest road, not the tanks and piping.
My tow vehicle also has a small lift kit, so raising the trailer should actually help level things out a bit...

NJKris · 02-01-2022, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzims

yes, I've read the comments.
I was mistaken, the tires are actually Westlake, replacing a set of Castle Rocks that I've had on there since new and several thousand miles. I've found them to be fine as long as I've kept an eye on the pressure.
I also realize these are "china bombs". I wanted the look and height of a beefier tire and for what I paid, the rims alone would have been worth it.
If these have issues, I can always replace them and still be ahead of the game.

The Westlakes are NOT China bombs, most of us have had good luck with them. They are incredibly expensive to replace, only etrailer sells them, over 300 bucks a pop. Curious what deal you got. BTW, the off road package really helps this trailer.

Those brackets are for protecting the tanks going up steep driveways, etc. They will hit before tanks.

rzims · 02-01-2022, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJKris

The Westlakes are NOT China bombs, most of us have had good luck with them. They are incredibly expensive to replace, only etrailer sells them, over 300 bucks a pop. Curious what deal you got. BTW, the off road package really helps this trailer.

400.00 for both tires on the aluminum wheels...new in the box

Thomas ho · 02-01-2022, 10:23 AM

not all castle rock tires are bad. old yes, east of the Mississppi river " yes" most of the problems i read about are in the eastern ,u.s. trailer quality east coast seems to have more problems.

PodGeek · 02-01-2022, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzims

400.00 for both tires on the aluminum wheels...new in the box

I want that deal...

NJKris · 02-01-2022, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzims

400.00 for both tires on the aluminum wheels...new in the box

You got a great deal.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tir...e/WST54FR.html
329 bucks each, no rim. I will NOT be paying that when I replace them in 4 years. Have 3 years on them now.

NJKris · 02-01-2022, 10:30 AM

I just realized, he's gonna have to get a 3rd wheel for the spare. Don't want to be cruising around on two different size tires if something happens.

rzims · 02-01-2022, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJKris

I just realized, he's gonna have to get a 3rd wheel for the spare. Don't want to be cruising around on two different size tires if something happens.

Yes, that dawned on me as well.... I have a buddy that has several trailers (hot shot hauler) and he has a spare 15" rim from an old trailer with a tire on it. Not sure the condition, but he'll give me the rim and I'll probably have to put a new tire on it. (Hopwfully same bolt pattern)
Another buddy wants the old 14" rims/tires for his tent trailer so he's going to help me install the lift kit in exchange for those....
It's all about the bartering of goods and services

You may also like: