New tires & rear sag gone!

[Apache_Camp]

Whew-hew, bit the bullet and bought 4 new, Bias Ply, 8 ply, D range matching trailer tires. $293.00 total including tax & mounting & balance.

***(I called around and got 3 places to match the prices on Ebay for their "Airstream" trailer tire, from Tucker Tire Co).

My trailer had mismatched radial and bias ply tires, it sure does sit alot better with the new tires. The trailer now sits straight and level.

[kennethowens]

A nice set of properly inflated tires dos make a big difference.

[Maryw164]

Do new tires really help rear sag problem? Our tires are in ok shape, and we have some rear sag. Will replacing them improve the sag?

Thanks, Mary

[kennethowens]

Rear sag - is a result of structural problems - not tires.

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by Maryw164

Do new tires really help rear sag problem? Our tires are in ok shape, and we have some rear sag. Will replacing them improve the sag?

Thanks, Mary

Mary, In your case I would say that tires won't help the rear end sag on your trailer. Apache Camp has tied two unrelated trailer conditions together. The thing his new tires cured was mis-matched tires and that could have given his 24' trailer the appearance of a droopy rear end. In your case the length of the trailer behind the axles and the frame condition/floor condition are most likely to cause rear end sag. Tires won't fix that issue. Get someone to check your frame members for failed welds, cracks, or rusted out metal. Reinforcing the frame by welding in braces is usually the fix. Of course you could build an entire new frame of aluminum and never have to worry again. But that to would cost more than a set of bias belted tires. Sorry to give you the bad news. I hope it keeps you from wasting money on tires that won't cure the sag. Happy Trails, Ed

[hampstead38]

Not to pile on, but our '67 Overlander had some issues with the dreaded rear bath, floor rot. The "sag" wasn't bad, but there was simply no way of getting around fixing the frame. We decided on an admittedly more "extreme" approach by having a complete shell-off, frame restoration. We're also moving the bath to amidships and keep the weight on the rear of the coach modest. A solid new floor should help things along as well.

Congrats on getting good tires under you... and best of luck on the frame.

[Maryw164]

Originally Posted by kennethowens

Rear sag - is a result of structural problems - not tires.

That's what I thought. Our sag is not too bad, just a slight sag, if there is such a thing as a slight sag .

Mary

[Apache_Camp]

My sag was the result of 4 mismatched radial tires of different sizes, with the smaller radials being in the rear. This resulted in the trailer not sitting level and "squatting" in the rear.

I had 4 new 8 ply 700/15 Bias Ply Trailer tires installed. This is the correct style tires for this type of trailer. ID tag displays (5800#).

Radial tires can be used, but the sidewalls can give some and result in a lower stance and could be a safety issue if they are just car tires. Of course they do make radial trailer tires and/or radials that will work as trailer tires.