The dreaded "best tire" question...

[Janisew]

Hello,

I know how debated the topic is but I need some guidance on tire purchase to avoid spending many hundreds of dollars on the wrong tires. I have researched tires for hours and hours but all the recommendations I have seen so far are for non-Airstream RVs or Airstreamers that are not Full-Timers.



To introduce myself again because I am new to these forums: I am just starting my FT journey with myself, four kids (1-13y), and a cat. The house is sold, truck is purchased, and we are stationary in a hotel in Michigan while getting my new-to-me 1973 27’ Overlander safe and ready to tow south for the winter. I am trying to purchase the safest products possible without doing overkill and spending too much money because I am on a fixed income.


My TV is a 2002 F250 7.3L diesel and I have a blue ox swaypro hitch. I do not drive over 65 MPH when not towing so I will definitely not be towing over 65. I will be avoiding snow/freezing temps but seeking national parks/mountains. I plan to put on a lot of miles for the first year or two.
The 10yo tires that came with the trailer are 7.00-15 so I am told I need 225/75 15.



What I do not know is:
I should have bias or radial tires?
ST or LT?
D or E load?
Is there is a better brand for my specific mileage/usage?


Thank you!

[Janisew]

It looks like I have probably posted this in the wrong area. I was looking for replies specific for full-timing but maybe this wasn't the best approach.

[AWCHIEF]

Might get better response in the "tire" section. I bet there are hundreds of threads asking the same question.

[Lance M]

Unless you are filling your trailer with lead, you would do fine with LR-C LT tires or XL (eXtra Load) tires in the 235/75R15 size.

I use and recommend Michelin Defender LTX M/S 235/75R15 XL.

Welcome to airforums!

[SpletKay06]

Lots of people on here run the Michelin P235/75R15 tires but one thing to keep in mind is Michelin does not recommend using that tire on a trailer. My trailer tires of choice are Carlisle radial trail hd. They have worked well for with 0 issues.

[Phoenix]

This Nokian LT (Light Truck) tire was recently mentioned in similar tire threads:

Nokian Rotiiva AT LT235/75R15 116/113 S

While there may only be a couple of members using them, perhaps they will add their comments on how these fit, perform and wear on their Airstreams.

Note: These tires appear to be available online through Amazon and Walmart, and may be available locally through other tire centers.

[Janisew]

Originally Posted by Top

I use and recommend Michelin Defender LTX M/S 235/75R15 XL.

Welcome to airforums!

Thank you! After finding the correct forum for tires, lol, I called Discount Tire and canceled my GYM order and told them I wanted these. They tried to talk me out of them for the reason noted below, so Carlisle will be my next choice if the Defenders do not work for any reason. They weren't sure the 235 would fit without first seeing the trailer so I'll be taking it in tomorrow.

Originally Posted by SpletKay06

Lots of people on here run the Michelin P235/75R15 tires but one thing to keep in mind is Michelin does not recommend using that tire on a trailer. My trailer tires of choice are Carlisle radial trail hd. They have worked well for with 0 issues.

Thank you! This will be my backup option.
Thanks to everyone for responding to my poorly placed post. I think I'm getting a better handle on how the forums are organized now.

[Janisew]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

This Nokian LT (Light Truck) tire was recently mentioned in similar tire threads:

Nokian Rotiiva AT LT235/75R15 116/113 S

While there may only be a couple of members using them, perhaps they will add their comments on how these fit, perform and wear on their Airstreams.

Note: These tires appear to be available online through Amazon and Walmart, and may be available locally through other tire centers.

Interesting! I will keep this in mind. Thanks!

[Phoenix]

While I have no experience with the Nokian Light Truck, Load Range E (80 psi max) tires, I would at least take a look at them; because they have a higher load rating than the Michelin XL (eXtra Load) passenger car tires (50 psi max). Plus, they appear to have a lower price.

Just a suggestion...

[Barbieri]

Stick with tires for a trailer. The construction is different and load capability is greater than a Michelin LT tire. Going 80 mph with a trailer is asking for a disaster to happen. I know what has been written and to me they are WRONG to use an Lt tire on a trailer. The problems you have read about concerning St tires is because the exceeded the max sustainable speed rated for them. They won't admit to it but I have many trailers pass me and I was going 60mph and left me in the dust. If you don't believe me try this. Keep the tires you have and hit the road doing 60. Check out who passes you. Have a safe journey.

[Gneiss Guy]

I and many others here have put our trust in the Maxxis brand of 15" ST tires. They cost a little more than GYMs, but have a cleaner history. Unless you are going to a 16" wheel and Michelin LTs, the Maxxis tires seem to be the way to go.

[xrvr]

Originally Posted by Barbieri

Stick with tires for a trailer. The construction is different and load capability is greater than a Michelin LT tire. Going 80 mph with a trailer is asking for a disaster to happen. I know what has been written and to me they are WRONG to use an Lt tire on a trailer. The problems you have read about concerning St tires is because the exceeded the max sustainable speed rated for them. They won't admit to it but I have many trailers pass me and I was going 60mph and left me in the dust. If you don't believe me try this. Keep the tires you have and hit the road doing 60. Check out who passes you. Have a safe journey.

Nobody's reccommending 80 mph! And you are wrong on the weight ratings. The LT tires have the same ratings as the ST. Don't confuse LTX mich with their LT tires. LTX are p rated car tires, at least in the 15 inch ones used on AS.

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by Gneiss Guy

I and many others here have put our trust in the Maxxis brand of 15" ST tires. They cost a little more than GYMs, but have a cleaner history. Unless you are going to a 16" wheel and Michelin LTs, the Maxxis tires seem to be the way to go.

I think the main reasons GYM's have more problem history is more of them are sold than any other for trailers and also from reading these forums between some of the lines, I am convinced some folks who have had trouble with them have abused them.

I have run GYM's now for over 15 years with no problem at all on our '67 Overlander. I have friends who swear by Maxxis ST's also but they are towing heavier trailers with load range E tires. I run ST tires because they are designed to run on trailers and I frequently have to back the rig into a tight turn which will damage an LT. I ran one set for 13 years with no cracking or uneven wear until the 13th year. If you plan to spend a lot of time in public parks, some of the roads are rough with some really tight turns which are conditions GYM's and other ST's are designed for.

[loft47]

E rated tires

[Rgentum]

Upon buying my 2016 FC 27 FB, I replaced its new Goodyears with Maxxis TL15713000 - Maxxis M8008 ST Tires (10-ply, E-rated). I've put 15K miles on them beginning this summer without any problem. They are approx. $110 apiece plus shipping from independents or $127 apiece with free shipping from Amazon with Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Maxxis-M8008-.../dp/B004QL6I0U

[ccjames]

I have just replaced the Goodyear tires on my 2007 Airstream with MaxMiler ST215/75R14/6.

Craig - Victoria, BC

[Chaplain Kent]

Along with traveling many miles in our third Airstream we owned a camper rental business and the most costly and annoying problem while a camper was out on rental was a flat tire. After much experimenting I found the Goodyear Marathon to far outperform anything else we put on our campers. Our flat tire problem was almost eliminated it was still an annoyance but Goodyear honored the road hazard warranty even on a rental. I will use nothing else on my trailer.

[wvstreamer]

Lots of good suggestions and makes it hard to decide. When I had a tire separate at Myrtle Beach this summer I decided to go with 2 Maxis E rated 225 x 15 but couldn't find them so went with another brand st 10 ply. Too soon to know. Proper speed and air pressure is the big thing. At every stop I walk by and feel tires and hubs. Good habit...
By the way...your truck is a good choice. I have an 02 with 7.3. Great puller and affordable to maintain.
Enjoy and be safe
Dave in WV

[Flht2k]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

This Nokian LT (Light Truck) tire was recently mentioned in similar tire threads:

Nokian Rotiiva AT LT235/75R15 116/113 S

While there may only be a couple of members using them, perhaps they will add their comments on how these fit, perform and wear on their Airstreams.

Note: These tires appear to be available online through Amazon and Walmart, and may be available locally through other tire centers.

I have purchased these tires and am currently traveling from California to Tampa on i40. So far so good, speed is 70-75 mph. No problems so far. Available at all discount/America's tire installed balanced mounted and metal stems $550

[banderabob]

Wide array of opinions on a passionate topic. Just an observation from one who is not yet ready for the next set of tires. At the Balloon Fiesta last month, I walked the staging area for parking at Camping World. Of the maybe 80 rigs I looked at before we caravanned to the Balloon Park, there was a fair balance of Michelin, Maxxis, Carlisle, and GYMs noted (along with a couple that I couldn't read!). Not one person I spoke to had a negative comment about what tire they were running. Different rigs, weights, driving habits, and research conclusions. No one right answer IMO.