Can I upgrade tires to load range E with my rims?

DocP · 08-24-2020, 05:00 PM

I've owned many, many campers over the past 45 years, but need some guidance on whether or not I can upgrade my tires from load range D to E, given my current rims.

I have a 2021 Solaire 260FKBS travel trailer that cane with ST225/75R15/D Castle Rock tires. The sticker on the camper says that the alloy rims are the 5-bolt Lionhead 15x6.0J and it seems like the load rating is 1,820 pounds.

I'm going to put new tires on before I take it out on my first long trip, but was wondering whether I can move up to load range E tires with my current rims? If so, would I just look for a ST225/75R15/E tire like Carlisle or Goodyear Endurance?

Thanks for any advice you can shed!

Magnum40 · 08-24-2020, 05:31 PM

If you gonna get new tires...consider getting LT truck tires. I had the same tires and wheels you had and replaced stock CB's with LT235/75/R15 Nokian Rotiiva AT and they have been great! About 4 thousand miles on so far without issue. These LT's actually have tread to give traction and sidewalls for punctures. I do allot of camping way off the pavement.

I apologize for not posting my experience upgrading sooner! Not many options in R15 and these tires are great

**Bama Rambler** · 08-24-2020, 05:38 PM

You can call Lionshead for peace of mind, but those wheels will handle 80 psi. However, the proper thing to do is look up the load/pressure inflation tables for the tires you buy and use the inflation recommended for your load. For instance for 1750 lbs per tire Goodyear Endurance tires are rated for 1760 lbs at 35 psi. So even if you maintained 65 psi you're using now you'd have plenty of extra capacity (2650 lbs @ 65 psi).

D W · 08-24-2020, 06:06 PM

Those alloy wheels are normally marked on the backside with MAX LOAD & MAX PRESSURE.

DocP · 08-24-2020, 06:37 PM

Thanks, folks, for the advice. I'm going to call Lionshead and check on the rims. Without removing a wheel, I didn't see anything stamped on the back of any of them. I guess that I should actually pull a wheel and make sure. Thanks, again.

lbrjet · 08-24-2020, 08:44 PM

Your tires are rated at 2540 lbs each. If your rims are rated at 1860 get them replaced under warranty. Your axles are 3500 lbs. You have plenty of load capacity with the D rated tires. Not sure why you want E's.

dbledan · 08-25-2020, 12:10 AM

I have the same axles size tires and rims. I put load range E on mine last time. I had D on before from the factory.

Two reasons for me.
1. Its what they had available in the size when I got a flat and the additional load range will not hurt. With my blowout the second tire on that side started cracking from the pressure of being the only tire supporting the load even when under weight.
2. Thicker sidewall means less wiggle in the trailer when I am pulling.

I put 80lbs in mine and rims are doing fine. I did not personally see a rating but I did ask the tire shop to validate it before installing because max pressure is inside I believe. It is more load than I need but I am also not seeing any cupping or strange tire wear after 3500 miles so I will skip the squishy tires and keep putting 80lbs in them.

Checking with the OEM is never a bad idea so let us know what you hear back.

babock · 08-25-2020, 01:34 AM

You can run a load range E tire at 65 PSI.

DocP · 08-25-2020, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Your tires are rated at 2540 lbs each. If your rims are rated at 1860 get them replaced under warranty. Your axles are 3500 lbs. You have plenty of load capacity with the D rated tires. Not sure why you want E's.

Here was my thinking - over the years of reading forums these forums, a number of people have suggested always trying to go up to the next load range when replacing tires for an added safety margin at minimal cost.

I'm waiting to hear back from LionsHead as to the rating on the factory-installed rims.

Thanks for the post!

DocP · 08-25-2020, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbledan

I have the same axles size tires and rims. I put load range E on mine last time. I had D on before from the factory.

Two reasons for me.
1. Its what they had available in the size when I got a flat and the additional load range will not hurt. With my blowout the second tire on that side started cracking from the pressure of being the only tire supporting the load even when under weight.
2. Thicker sidewall means less wiggle in the trailer when I am pulling.

I put 80lbs in mine and rims are doing fine. I did not personally see a rating but I did ask the tire shop to validate it before installing because max pressure is inside I believe. It is more load than I need but I am also not seeing any cupping or strange tire wear after 3500 miles so I will skip the squishy tires and keep putting 80lbs in them.

Checking with the OEM is never a bad idea so let us know what you hear back.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I would also like to run 80 psi on load range E if I can. I'll let everyone know what I find out from the rim manufacturer.

babock · 08-25-2020, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocP

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I would also like to run 80 psi on load range E if I can. I'll let everyone know what I find out from the rim manufacturer.

Why? You have 3500# axles. Even at 65 PSI each tire can carry 2540#. You already have a ton of margin.

Jcyesiam · 08-25-2020, 12:35 PM

Safest bet contact lionhead direct.
We jusr upgraded to carlisle 225/75/15R load E. But called lionhead to confirn rims could handel the upgraded load range.

Trawlerphil · 08-25-2020, 04:12 PM

If you do, be sure to upgrade the valve stems if necessary. I went from "C" to "E" and there is a difference in the stems.

GreenImp · 08-25-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Your tires are rated at 2540 lbs each. If your rims are rated at 1860 get them replaced under warranty. Your axles are 3500 lbs. You have plenty of load capacity with the D rated tires. Not sure why you want E's.

Get them replaced on what grounds? Last time I checked, 1860 + 1860 was well over 3500, as was 2540 + 2540.

Tundra 2014 · 08-25-2020, 06:21 PM

The Goodyear Endurance, even in your current size will give you improved quality and additional load capacity. If you go to E rated, as others have said you are still limited by the axels even at 65 PSI. You are lucky they put an adequate size tire and wheel on from the start.

lbrjet · 08-25-2020, 06:22 PM

Under the grounds that the rim should support the max load of OEM tire.

Villagerjjm · 08-25-2020, 07:21 PM

My “E” Carlisle tires work great on my Lionshead rims. Firestone truck service ran all the specs before the sale and install after having a blowout. Replaced all with the Carlisle. No problems yet.

OburgOrange · 08-25-2020, 07:47 PM

Yes you can go up from D to E on those rims. I did. Just make sure to upgrade your valves to high pressure steel valves. Good to go

DocP · 09-04-2020, 05:46 PM

I'm the original poster. Thanks for all of the input. Even after 2 emails, I still haven't heard back from LionsHead (the rim manufacturer).

It looks like I'm good with my current D rated tires, but my original question had to more with whether there was any advantage to going up to an E rated tire.

Again, thanks to all who responded!

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