Castlerock tires - should i change

[Chief T]

Originally Posted by waybeck2018

On a camping trip last week end, I observed everyone leaving in view of my campsite. NOT ONE of 5 checked the air. I always check air and add as necessary before leaving. While I was running my compressor a lady in a site behind me came over and asked why I was making so much noise at 9:45 in the morning! I just smiled and said "better safe than sorry"

In addition to checking the air pressure, did any check the lug nuts on the TT tires?

[TTED]

I swapped out my 14" tires for 15" tires so I could get an E rated tire. If you go on any tire website you can check the diameter of the tires so you can make an educated choice as to the tire/rim size.
There is also a flip kit for the axles that will give you about 4" lift if your axles are above the springs--this will void your warranty though.

[babock]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

As for jacking up, still doesn't increase ground clearance as the axles are still the same height above the tire tread where it hits the ground

Gains you 1/2" assuming you went from a 205 to a 205. On my boat trailer, I wanted more ground clearance so my trailer wouldn't scrape the driveway. Went from 205/75/14 to 225/75/15. I wanted more than the 1/2" extra clearance.

[Jakieboy]

Good advice from all who contributed. We upgraded to Goodyear Endurance tires nearly two years ago after our China Bombs cratered after less than a year of use. The new GY Endurance tires have performed extremely well. We rarely tow at more than 60 mph on Interstates, and double check tire pressures and lug nut tightness after every trip outbound, and again before heading home.

Upgrading from 14" to 15" rims and tires will be expensive. I suggest you make a few trips with the factory set-up before deciding whether to upgrade or not.

[dannyabear]

The GY Endurance is speed rated to 87 mph

[linedriver]

Originally Posted by melmax

oh. ok. Thanks for your speedy reply.
I think I will be changing the CR tires for sure.
Any thoughts on the other questions ?

Run to your nearest Goodyear dealer for some Endurance Tires. A blow out with a single axle could be very bad. I had two blow outs this summer with a tandem axle trailer. Ruined an axle. Purchased five Goodyear endurance tires, big difference.

[Rtrower]

Originally Posted by cboss

We got 18K out of our CRs. We were lucky. Running Goodyears now.
You will hear a zillion opinions now...LOL...

Did you notice a change in ride quality and/or handling after changing to GY?

[larry2c]

To the OP - to gain some ground clearance you may be able to "flip your axle". Another words the axle would sit under the leaf springs instead of on top. A fairly common thing if you have leaf spring suspension.

Here's a link to an overview

[SailorSam20500]

I didn't notice anyone asking - how much does YOUR trailer weigh when loaded for a trip?
What is the weight limit of the tires?
If the tires are rated for 120% or more of your actual weight, you will probably be good with the tires you have.

Just recognize that FR puts C-Rocks on a LOT of trailers. Mostly you hear from folks with problems - but what is the percentage?
GY Endurance tires have been on the market for about a year. Not really enough time to get a good feel for how well they will perform. Not a lot of tires actually rolling down the road yet.

One other thought, from what I've read, folks with multi-axle trailers are more likely to have problems than those with a single axle due to the additional stress on the tires when turning.

[frank4711]

I just changed mine and have made one trip ... as many have said much better tire ... ride is better biggest difference is the transition on overpasses which many are really bad ... still get the bump but it is less and trailer settles down a lot faster

[Kennerg]

I wonder if part of the problem people have with the CR is due to heat and air pressure going too high?
Has anyone that has tires filled with Nitrogen had problems with blowouts?
Further, I wonder if the folks that state the tire was flat at the RV dealer before they picked it up, etc., was the sidewall damaged that caused further issues?

Just some points to ponder. 🤔

[Kennerg]

Oh, I should mention, Discount Tire has a nice size converter that you can put in tire sizes and get different information, such as how much your MPH is off or how much wider or taller the tire is.

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-size-calculator

[Rpod 180]

I have a 2019 2608SB. It came with Castle Rock Tire’s that I put 15,000 miles on with no problems. The tires still looked good but this year we did a cross country trip that I estimated was going to be another 15,000 miles and decided not to push my luck and replaced them with Goodyear Endurance tires. I found that the trailer towed better but after 10,000 miles while leveling the trailer I noticed a split in the sidewalk of one of the tires. Ten minutes earlier is was going 60. MPH on the highway. I contacted a Goodyear dealer in the area I was in an with a little pushing he replaced the tire at a minimum charge of $32.
I guess my take away is that you can have a problem with any tire.

[Delnari]

Have the OEM Castle Rock tires on our new 2020 2511SB trailer. Have ridden the trailer 3000 miles, one trip was 1200 each way. I put the max. 65 lbs in each tire and watch the TPMS for pressure and heat as I drive. The highest was 72 psi with 119 degrees. Tires appear fine on the outside afterwards. Will continue to use them for 100 mile trips the rest of the year.


Given that, I will more than likely upgrade to new tires and possibly 15" wheels come next Spring. Will go with the Carlisle tires over the Goodyear. Like the load rating 117M up to 80psi with a max speed of 81 mph. Plus they are 30% cheaper on average over the Goodyear tires.

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by waybeck2018

On a camping trip last week end, I observed everyone leaving in view of my campsite. NOT ONE of 5 checked the air. I always check air and add as necessary before leaving. While I was running my compressor a lady in a site behind me came over and asked why I was making so much noise at 9:45 in the morning! I just smiled and said "better safe than sorry"

I look at my TST 507 monitor and if I'm good to go I go

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by waybeck2018

I agree that may be the case. BUT, Technology is not infallible. When stopped and before leaving each morning a quick manual air gauge check gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. As I told the lady, better safe than sorry.

So I take it you also check the air in your TV before leaving and at every stop with a gauge ?

[juice5]

Originally Posted by melmax

We have a new 2020 Flagstaff epro 19fbs TT.
Loving the trailer but would like to make a couple of changes and need to know if advisable or if feasible.

First :
I have read so many times in these forums and seen so many You tube videos showing the dangers of the Castlerock tires ( China Bombs ).
Our trailer is a single axle. I dread to think of the results of a tire blowout on the highway. We only have about 2,000 miles on the tires.
Should I replace them just to be safe. ?? Your thoughts !

Second:
Can I change the size of the tires from 14" to 15" ?
I would like to gain a little more road clearance especially when boondocking.
Can anyone recommend a great replacement.

Third:
Can I raise the height of the trailer to give me greater road clearance ?
Is there a kit available. Our Black and Gray tank outlets are also very low to the ground and make it difficult to dump in some locations. Also don't want to clip them when boondocking on rough roads etc.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ive got a 25 pack 12 double axel n got 13k ot of my castlerocks....they have no sidewall strength so your pulling against a big ''drag'' contact patch and feeling wind wobble. I put Goodyear endurance on and noticed immeadiat difference and much better mpg !

[phxazsuns]

YES Two blowouts was enough for me

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Rpod 180

I have a 2019 2608SB. It came with Castle Rock Tire’s that I put 15,000 miles on with no problems. The tires still looked good but this year we did a cross country trip that I estimated was going to be another 15,000 miles and decided not to push my luck and replaced them with Goodyear Endurance tires. I found that the trailer towed better but after 10,000 miles while leveling the trailer I noticed a split in the sidewalk of one of the tires. Ten minutes earlier is was going 60. MPH on the highway. I contacted a Goodyear dealer in the area I was in an with a little pushing he replaced the tire at a minimum charge of $32.
I guess my take away is that you can have a problem with any tire.

Interesting.
Did the tire dealer give you any indication about the 'crack' once the tire was removed?

[WoodLark-SC]

I have driven about 2500 miles on my slightly over one year old Castle Rock "D" rated tires. I keep them at max pressure and never drive over 65 mph. At some point I will go to Goodyear endurance as they are probably a better tire. I will also try to go up one tire size to give myself a little bit more safety factor.



One piece of advice: When picking up a new trailer, DO NOT ASSUME THE DEALER CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE. I made that mistake. When I checked the tires at home, they were at 50 psi not 65 psi, and these were Nitrogen filled tires.