Castlerock tires - should i change

melmax · 10-07-2019, 03:51 PM

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.

cboss · 10-07-2019, 03:55 PM

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

melmax · 10-07-2019, 03:57 PM

Quote:

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...

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

BigH · 10-07-2019, 04:00 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abmULTYJJEg

cboss · 10-07-2019, 04:07 PM

I would think you could go to 15s, check fender clearance.
As far as "jacking", I'm no expert, but I would think it would cause a higher CG (center of gravity) and therefore more wiggle/wobbly when set up.

cherokeebill · 10-07-2019, 04:19 PM

We have over 15,000 kms on our Castle Rocks, no issues. Tire pressure and excess speed are the big killers I think. As to lifting it, there is a kit you can buy to lift it. Forest River has a Off Road Package that is offered and it includes 15 inch tires and some kind of spacer. But it all you need is a a couple of inches take a close look at how your axle is mounted. On our 19Fd you can lift the coach up off the axle a little. I think you would still want the spacer but that could be a DIY project if you are handy. Back to tires, remember that there are thousands of people who have bought their trailers with the Castle Rocks and are happy campers. As Cboss said, just my opinion.

debit · 10-07-2019, 04:21 PM

I would not hesitate in upgrading to a 15" tire, where there are more sizes available. We did that on our prior and never had a tire problem after the change. Our new TT came with 15" tires in the load range C - minimum level. We upgraded to the load range E Endurance.
So yes, I'd recommend the 15" tire.
..................
Ram 2500 / FR Surveyor 251rks (Arctic version)

rsdata · 10-07-2019, 04:35 PM

Goodyear Endurance have been popular replacement tires for the Castlerocks. Many pull the OEM tires off and sell them locally to offset the cost of new tires. You can go from load range C to load range D for increased load. Many after changing say how much better tracking the trailer does after changing to GY tires.

Many others will say they got good service from the Castlerocks. I can state that the GY Endurance tires are heavier and stiffer then the same size Castlerocks, and give a better trailer pulling experience. How much more clearence will going to 15 inch give you over 14"? Is it worth it having to buy new rims also? 15 inch trailer tires are more expensive then 14" tires. Whatever you think is the most important.

waybeck2018 · 10-07-2019, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherokeebill

We have over 15,000 kms on our Castle Rocks, no issues. Tire pressure and excess speed are the big killers I think. As to lifting it, there is a kit you can buy to lift it. Forest River has a Off Road Package that is offered and it includes 15 inch tires and some kind of spacer. But it all you need is a a couple of inches take a close look at how your axle is mounted. On our 19Fd you can lift the coach up off the axle a little. I think you would still want the spacer but that could be a DIY project if you are handy. Back to tires, remember that there are thousands of people who have bought their trailers with the Castle Rocks and are happy campers. As Cboss said, just my opinion.

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"

SlowrideHD · 10-07-2019, 04:49 PM

The Provider brand tires are popular among gooseneck trailers. My Big Tex HD gooseneck came standard with them and I put their "G" rated 14 ply tires on my camper. I am convinced these tires will outlast my camper.

SlowrideHD · 10-07-2019, 04:51 PM

Quote:

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"

Maybe they're like me, I check my tire pressures by looking at my dash mounted EezTire tpms.

cboss · 10-07-2019, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

Maybe they're like me, I check my tire pressures by looking at my dash mounted EezTire tpms.

X2......Check the TPMS every move!

waybeck2018 · 10-07-2019, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

Maybe they're like me, I check my tire pressures by looking at my dash mounted EezTire tpms.

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.

Mike223 · 10-07-2019, 05:08 PM

I was told by FR that you can't go from 14" to 15" rims. Can go up in tire size. By the way, just got home with my new Endurance tires. Manufacture date week 35 of 2019. Brand new with 1 year full warranty.
Mike

frank4711 · 10-07-2019, 05:42 PM

I changed mine on my 2020 ... some have had good luck a lot does have to do with customer care got pasted yesterday on interstate by TT going just under 80 and the wheel well was already torn out from previous blow out? ... I wanted a better tire for the ride improvement ... sure you can go up a load size not about 14 to 15 ... good luck ... I sold the Rocks on marketplace ...

TitanMike · 10-07-2019, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike223

I was told by FR that you can't go from 14" to 15" rims. Can go up in tire size. By the way, just got home with my new Endurance tires. Manufacture date week 35 of 2019. Brand new with 1 year full warranty.
Mike

Going from 14" to 15" rims only gains one a half inch more in "road clearance".

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.

Might give more clearance for holding tank discharge but at what expense?

TitanMike · 10-07-2019, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frank4711

I changed mine on my 2020 ... some have had good luck a lot does have to do with customer care got pasted yesterday on interstate by TT going just under 80 and the wheel well was already torn out from previous blow out? ... I wanted a better tire for the ride improvement ... sure you can go up a load size not about 14 to 15 ... good luck ... I sold the Rocks on marketplace ...

Did I read this right? Having a trailer tire fail "at just under 80 on the interstate"?

If this is true, what did you expect?

madsledet · 10-08-2019, 01:15 PM

Quote:

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.

Road clearance is the distance from the bottom of the axle to the ground. You can only change that with bigger tires and/or rims.

frank4711 · 10-08-2019, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Did I read this right? Having a trailer tire fail "at just under 80 on the interstate"?

If this is true, what did you expect?

Here is what I said "got pasted yesterday on interstate by TT going just under 80 and the wheel well was already torn out from previous blow out?" point is no wonder tires fail... I was coming back from the movies

JimMorrell · 10-08-2019, 01:51 PM

After 4 blowouts, over $13,000 damages/repairs and 2 different tire brands, I just put on Goodyear Endurance tires and changed from 205 to 275 in size. I would never buy another trailer without changing tire brands and aligning the axles. With regard to change in wheel size, be sure to measure both vertical distance available and space between the tires. Beyond that its all up to you.

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