New tires for Bambi 16' 2005

[billykemp]

I'm brand new to the forum and wanted to hear folks thoughts about what tires they like for a 16' 2005 Bambi. We've been using Kuhmo 205/R14/D1 109R Trailer Radials and we usually are at maximum load. We've been using these tires because they can inflate to 65PSI. Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[Ron A]

Goodyear Marathon Special Trailer Tires (ST) came on my 2015 Sport 16'. Have put approximately 1,390 miles on the tires with good results. However tires are a big topic on the forum. I have no idea which brand is best. I'm sure it all depends on who you speak with.

Ron


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[Ron A]

Here is two links on the Goodyear ST tires. I will be interested in knowing what others have to say about their preferred ST tires. I have no preference, the Goodyear ST came on the Airstream when purchased. May choose to change when I replace tires with more knowledge about ST tires. The more I read the more I get confused about the best TT tires.

https://www.tirerack.com/images/tire...plications.pdf

http://www.goodyearrvtires.com/pdfs/rv_inflation.pdf



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[scamp]

A lot of people don't like the goodyear marathon,due to there history of blowouts and then damage to the trailer. They have a maximum pressure rating of 50 psi and some people think that higher pressure in tires will rattle your trailer due to the rough ride .

[Phoenix]

Below is a link to a post that contains more than most people will want to read about tire failures on Airstreams, and the tires (and wheels) that members have installed to reduce the chances of blowouts and tread separations.

* Major tire failure threads on AirForums: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1186770

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Note: These threads concentrate mainly on Goodyear Marathon 225/75x15 ST tires that come as standard equipment on most Airstream models, and many of the other ST tire brands that are installed as replacements. Several threads also contain details on 225/75x16 LT tires that some members have switched to, and that are offered as optional equipment by the factory.

Unfortunately, 14" tires are not widely discussed. However, the shared details of your personal experiences will help expand the knowledge base for tire failures and upgrades for Airstream models with 14" wheels and tires.

[Tom_T]

We've been using Marathon ST225/R15 8 Ply radials on our restored vintage 1960 Avion 20' since July 2012 to good effect with our low annual use/miles.

We got the Marathons over Goodyear & other ST's based on the recco of a vintage AS trailer restorer with many many trailers under his belt, who new our trailer & the PO's & did our PPI.

I don't know if they also come in 14 size.

There is a huge debate on here about ST vs. LT tires, but I feel that the ST is designed for the higher sidewall stresses & lower rolling resistance desired for trailers - vs. the traction & stickier rubber compounds wanted for the LT truck tires as needed for their pulling power, as opposed to being dragged along with minimal resistance.

That could make them run hotter due to more friction than ST tires, & make slightly more work for your TV due higher rolling resistance.

Either way, you choose to go, buy the best tire you can & don't buy the cheap deal tires, since they're more likely to fail/blow-out than a top brand high quality tire in either ST or LT flavor!

Think of it as cheap insurance - vs. a very expensive fix of your expensive AS's aluminum skin from a blow-out!

Cheers!
Tom
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[slowmover]

The lighter trailers have overall fewer tire problems. That said, the ST tires are simply not built as well, and with tread separation flailing the trailer one is looking at $6-7,000 or more in damage.

A vintage kin trailer with anodized skin is not going to be able to make a reasonable visual match with panel replacement.

Better tires are dirt cheap in comparison.

[renderit]

So what tires should I put on a 16' Bambi? Stop beating around the bush. And let's be 14" specific. On the 16 WE don't run 15" tires. Let's see recommendations.

[Ron A]

I too would be interested in knowing about 14 inch tires people use and prefer for their 16 foot Bambi. Please.


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[Phoenix]

It appears there are only a couple of tire choices in the size that fits the 16' Bambi:

• Goodyear Marathon (GYM), 215/75x14, ST, LR-C, made in China:
  
  http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
  
  
  
• Power King Towmax STR, 215/75x14, ST, LR-C, made in China:
  
  http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

You may wish to review the entries in the Airstream Tire Failure poll (see link below), which shows that ST tires as a whole do not have a very good reliability record. Unfortunately, this data is primarily composed of 15" tire failures; since this is the size used most Airstreams. However, if there was similar data available on 215/75x14 ST tires, I suspect the results would be similar.

Note: Above links are for comparison of tire specifications only. I have no affiliation with TireRack.com, and I have never owned or used either of these tires in this size.

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Airstream Tire Failure Poll: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...oll-76867.html

[Cannonball]

My related question involves our 2014 Sport 22FB. It was factory equipped with Goodyear ST 225-75-R15 tires, with a factory recommended pressure of 65 lbs. My question is what options are there for this size that are not ST tires? I am not interested in the argument about upgrading to 16" wheels, because, frankly, it does not appear that those will fit the wheel well. If some one has done this swap, I would be interested in hearing about it.

[Ron A]

From what I've noticed is that there did not seem to be a select on any 14 inch or 15 inch that will carry the weight load of our trailers


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[Ron A]

Didn't mean to post the earlier post so quickly. I do not see any option for 14 inch tires that will carry the weight load of my TT without staying with the ST rating.


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[tinbender]

Not many choices but in addition to the Marathon and Towmax, there is Maxxis in a 14".

ST205/75R14 or ST215/75R14

Trailer Tire Load/Inflation Chart | Maxxis USA

[Jackstincan]

Are the Kumho's the 857s ?

SpecificationsKumhoRADIAL 857Size: 205R14CService Description:109/107Q Load Range: D Max Load: 2271 lbs.Max Inflation Pressure:65

What's the gvwr on the Bambi ?


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[Ron A]

If I'm not mistaken gross vehicle weight on my 16 foot Sport Bambi is 3,500 lbs.


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[resedaheat]

Im looking specifically for 14's also, I was set on the kumos but only concern is the extra air pressure may put too much stress on the rim? is this true?

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . The Discount Tire website shows a Carlisle radial in 14".(205 or 215 I think) . . I have a set on my FC28 in 15", and they performed flawlessly to Alaska & back. The blowout we had was a Michelin on the TV. . . just sayin. . . regards, Craig

[resedaheat]

its been over a year and about 4000 miles but I'm happy with them, my local tire guy that I've had for 20 years said the extra air pressure would be fine, I ordered them and a week later he had em, there at the high end of price for the 14s but like other posters said, its cheap insurance. I'm happy with them so far, they can run at 60 psi I run em at 55+. Be advised trailer runs a little stiffer. so I'm getting a little better mileage but also bounces a little bit more. I haven't had to aid air since i put em on which is not like the good years that i had to add air every time i went out. Im sold on the kumos thus far. still cheaper than switching to 15" rims with lower profile tires.

[resedaheat]

its been just under a year, load range D on the kumos, the only D rated 14 I found in my research. Im about to head out on 2000 mile trip and they look great!!!