Gladiator tires

[terryV]

Anybody ever heard of Gladiator tires? I think that's what is on my 31' Classic.

[terryV]

I have checked out many threads on many forums. Everyone speculates they are bad tires, but have found no one with any real experience with a set of them.

They were on the AS when I picked it up. I have put about 2500 to 3000 miles on them so far. And, so far, no problems.

The OAT was 104 deg. F when I took the AS to Springfield last week. I stopped several times to check the tires. They felt cooler than the Michelins on my TV.

Anybody have any dirt on these tires?

[r carl]

ST225/75R15 Gladiators weigh only 27 pounds.

http://www.treaddepot.com/tire/1942002252.html

[Lance M]

I have a friend that had a set of these on his 25' CCD. He said everything was fine for a few years until one came apart. He had some damage to the trailer, but he owns an Airstream repair shop. He replaced them with Firestone Wilderness A/T P235/75/15XL.
I have seen many of these Gladiator tires at the local RV shop, shredded to bits. The owner of the RV shop says he "sells a lot of 'em"!
I would recommend a set of Pirrelli Scorpion LT235/75/15 LRD tires for your Classic if you want to stay with 15" rims. If you move up to the 16" rims, let me know. I'm looking for a set of the older style Alcoa wheels.

[terryV]

Originally Posted by Top

I have a friend that had a set of these on his 25' CCD. He said everything was fine for a few years until one came apart. He had some damage to the trailer, but he owns an Airstream repair shop. He replaced them with Firestone Wilderness A/T P235/75/15XL.
I have seen many of these Gladiator tires at the local RV shop, shredded to bits. The owner of the RV shop says he "sells a lot of 'em"!
I would recommend a set of Pirrelli Scorpion LT235/75/15 LRD tires for your Classic if you want to stay with 15" rims. If you move up to the 16" rims, let me know. I'm looking for a set of the older style Alcoa wheels.

My only recent experience with Pirrelli tires is the set of P Zeros on my Camaro SS. I know, apples and watermelons, but they do hold the road nicely. I will look into the specs on the Scorpions.

How big of a job is it to move up to the 16" wheels? Do they bolt right on or are there hub changes to make?

[Lance M]

Changing to the 16" wheels and tires is just a simple bolt up.

[terryV]

Reliable RV in Springfield has given me a price of $406 per wheel with mounted tire from Airstream for the 16" SenDel T03-66655T wheel and Michelin LTXE tire.
(Plus tax and freight, of course) They will ship them within 2 to 3 weeks.
(I wonder if that is already balanced.)

That doesn't sound too bad to me. What do you guys think?

[submariner]

a large local tire dealer offered me those gladiators as well, but in 10 ply e-rated.
As per this dealer, who deals mainly commercial , i.e. big rigs, UPS, Fedex, and so on, he said they might be cheap to purchase, but so far none of his repeat customers have anything negative to say about them. Those are at the moment the only “small” trailer tire Brand he carries. Im gonna take a look at them tomorrow, while i get new tires for my Truck as well

btw, the 10 ply are rated at 38 lbs and have steel encases side walls

[terryV]

Originally Posted by submariner

a large local tire dealer offered me those gladiators as well, but in 10 ply e-rated.
As per this dealer, who deals mainly commercial , i.e. big rigs, UPS, Fedex, and so on, he said they might be cheap to purchase, but so far none of his repeat customers have anything negative to say about them. Those are at the moment the only “small” trailer tire Brand he carries. Im gonna take a look at them tomorrow, while i get new tires for my Truck as well

btw, the 10 ply are rated at 38 lbs and have steel encases side walls

I will check into those. I have some traveling to do before I can get the 16" wheels and LT Michelins. The 10 ply E rated STs might be the way to go if I can get them right away. Thanks for the tip.

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by Top

If you move up to the 16" rims, let me know. I'm looking for a set of the older style Alcoa wheels.

I have a set of 5 aluminum rims (went to 16" rims & tires) with tires. Currently offered on Kijiji Airstream wheels (rims & tires) | parts, accessories | Ottawa | Kijiji PM me if you are interested.