New tires. I need help

[dan148]

We have a 30 ft Classic that came with Marathon tires that did not last long. We then purchased Transmasters and had the tread separate in less than 10,000 miles. Can anyone advise me on what tires they like. The tech suggested another transmaster or Carlyle. I am leary of getting another Transmaster and was considering Michelins.

Dan148

[cwf]

Lots of "threads"/treads on this topic.


Swap wheels to 16" then goooooo Michelin, Man!

[perryg114]

What is the total weight of your trailer? Many of us with older trailers have had good luck with 235/75-15 XL tires with a load rating of 1984 lbs per tire. If the total loaded weight of your trailer is less than 8000lbs you should be ok. These are car type tires with a high speed rating and a large safety factor compared to trailer tires. Some have gone to 16" rims and an E rated tire which I think is overkill. You can get Michelins in the 235/75-15 size and I have not heard of any failures.


Perry

[thecatsandi]

I would suggest increasing the tire pressures on any new tire you purchase. I had a 2006 Classic 31. I towed it heavy in all sorts of weather. I had to run the tire pressures at 70psi to keep the tires from wearing as if under inflated.

This is allowable by Goodyear per their not so easy to find supplement.

I put over 80,000 miles and four sets of Marathons on the trailer without any problems.

[dan148]

The weight of our trailer 7800 dry and 10,000 fully loaded.

Dan148

[switz]

Note that the side wall on the Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tire says it is rated 2,183 pounds for car use, but it must be derated for truck/trailer use to 1,983 pounds per tire per federal regulation 49 CFR 571.110 section S4.2.2.1 to S4.2.2.3.

I use this tire on a 2013 25FB International with a GVW of 7,300 pounds and an actual tongue weight of 1,175 pounds camping ready. Thus the dual axles are supporting about 6,125 pounds or about a 1,531 pound load per tire which is a good load safety margin.

From reading this forum and learning of all the issues associated with the OEM GoodYear Marathon ST225/75R15D I switched to the Michelins as soon as I got the trailer home from the dealership.

We have a 2014 27FB Classic on order with a GVW of 9,000 pounds and a projected tongue weight of 1,100 pounds and net weight of 7,900 pounds on the axles. We are going to use the 16" Michelin LT 225/75R16E rated 2,680 pounds @ 80 psi.

If your 2008 30' Classic has a GVW of 10,000 pounds, then the net empty axle weight would probably be closer to 7,800 pounds or higher (exceeding the maximum capacity of the 15" Michelin per the regs) so the payload of a 16" tire would be required and give a larger safety margin.

[cwf]

A tender reminder.... Static load on flat pavement is not like the dynamic loads of the road.... When you load tire going over road hazards "construction" / destruction Zones. Or Louisiana roads will not be pretty.

[perryg114]

An Airstream is more like a car than most trailers as far as the center of gravity. I expect that 2185 lb is safe on an Airstream but definately not on a top heavy 5th wheel.

Perry

[jcanavera]

Dan, I moved to E rated ST tires and still had belt separations. I'm careful on tire pressures but the fact is I have what was the heaviest trailer that Airstream has built on tandem axles. While it is an expense you can upgrade to 16" wheels and move to LT tires. I did it, Airstream is doing it as an option and on the Eddie Bauer Edition trailer.

I saved about $350 from Airsteam's price by purchasing the same wheels and tires that are used on the Eddie Bauer Edition from suppliers that I found on the Internet. If you are interested in my journey, it's documented in this long thread. Prices on tires have gone up so expect to pay more than I did last year. Let me know if you have questions.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ney-92584.html

Jack