Tire load range upgrade

[dodgerr]

My 2022 Salem 260 toy hauler came new with castlerock tires. Things happened and trips got canceled. Finally going to be able to start camping again in December. I plan to replace these tires with Carlisle HD radial trails. My estimated load with golf cart is 7,100 lb. If the ST205/75R14 LRD is 2040 LB each, that only gives a buffer of 265 LB per tire. Or should I subtract tongue weight? Would upgrading to ST225/75R15 LRE be a good idea, or unnecessary expense?

 

[GoingNoWhereFast]

I always go up another level on load range. Even my Castle Rocks have held up for 35,000 miles and 5 years!

 

[Bob K4TAX]

First, I'd say that Carlisle tires are some of if not the best for trailer applications.

I would use GVRW for the trailer (7610), and divide it by the number of tires (7610/4=1902). That should let you know if you are in a comfortable range regarding tire loading. As to tongue weight, that falls on the tow vehicle. I'd expect 12% of GVRW which would be 913 lbs.

By all means, I would go up one letter regarding tire rating. We replaced our load range C tires with Carlisle load range D tires. I find going higher than one LR up i.e. C->D or D->E makes for a rough riding and towing trailer. Going from a 14" tire to a 15" tire may cause other issues with the trailer such as wheel well clearance. Also will require a change in rims from 14" to 15".

Bob

 

[dodgerr]

Thank you both. I have heard success stories with Castlerock, but nightmares too. My last trip in my class A had 3 tire failures, so I'm gun shy. If I can spend a few hundred and have brand new tires, that's a lot of peace of mind. Roadside repairs for 3 RV tires was $1900.

I have a set of 15" aluminum rims from my old Explorer that should fit the wheelwell and the ST225/75R15 is about 2" taller than the ST205/75R14, of which only 1" will be closer to the wheelwell. I think I have clearance, but will test fit before I pull the trigger.

 

[Oaklevel]

I have used Carlisle's on several trailers since the early 1990s with no failures.

I would take your set up to a CAT scale and not rely on an estimate.

 

[dodgerr]

Thanks Oak. It's 1.5 hours in 3 directions to a CAT or Penske scale. Would the scales at my local dump or salvage yard be sufficient?

 

[fipntdot]

Thanks Oak. It's 1.5 hours in 3 directions to a CAT or Penske scale. Would the scales at my local dump or salvage yard be sufficient?

A scale is a scale, but your local dump or farm scale may not be as easy to get all the readings. The CAT scales are set up to get readings for front tow vehicle axle, rear tv axle, and trailer weight at the same.

 

[mmartin_tdc]

I used the scales at our main distribution center at work.
Drove front axle of truck on scale, notated reading ( can see from vehicle)
Pulled front of truck off and stopped with rear truck axle on scale. notated reading
then pulled trailer axles on scale, notated reading.
Unhooked trailer and did the truck again. notating readings.
I was able to identify actual payload added to truck, how much weight came off front axle of truck, how much weight on trailer tires, and total weight of trailer set for a trip.

It can be done with a scale other than a CAT scale, but it may not be certified like the CAT's are.

 

[dodgerr]

OK, I appreciate the suggestions. I just saw that the ST225/75r15 is available LRD and LRE. No price difference. The LRD is rated for 2,540 LB each and the LRE is 2,830 LB. So, if the LRD is plenty of capacity and safety factor, does the LRE make sense, or would it be an unnecessarily rough ride?