Opinions on 15" firestone transforce ht for 72 soveriegn

[mercury7]

I am in a situation where I have to get some tires for my sovereign at the firestone service center.... These tires are 235/75r15 load range c which they list as 1985lbs .... Will these work without me having to buy 16" rims or 15" st tires

Anticipating my airstream will stay around 6000lbs loaded.... Oh and since I know nothing about tire sizes.... 235 fits ok? I have seen both 225 and 235 mentioned by folk.... I have original rusty steel wheels on mine 700 size tire on it now

[Phoenix]

I don't recall anyone installing Firestone tires on an Airstream; at least, no one has posted regarding it.

Most seem to prefer Michelin LTX M/S or M/S2, which should be XL rated in 15-inch sizes. These are available at Discount Tire, Costco, Sam's Club and most major tire store chains.

Perhaps with this bump, someone with an older Tradewind will post their experiences with switching to 235/75x15 XL tires.

Good luck!

[mercury7]

Thankyou Phoenix, I will be going to the firestone store in a couple of days and see what they have and what they can order.... It may be difficult to stay 15" if I want radials..... Load rating seems to be the issue if c rating is not sufficient.... Regardless I will be either getting bridgestones or firestones thanks to a nice Aunt

[bwoodtx]

I have the Transforce LT in 16" on my tow vehicle. I really like them. The tires you are talking about putting on your trailer will fit, however they might be a little tight going on.

[A W Warn]

I looked at Firestone and Bridgestone tires the last time I was at the Firestone Store. The only Firestone or Bridgestone tire they had that might work was the light truck tires. The store manager said they would not install LT tires on my trailer and they would not warranty them if they were installed by someone else.
They do have a ST trailer tire, an off brand from China. I bought and installed a pair on a utility trailer, to haul a 4 wheeler, with 1,500lb gross weight. I would not trust these tires on the Airstream.

edit: I have been using Firestone and/or Bridgestone on my tow vehicles for the last 15+ years. No problems.

[Al - K4GLU]

When using LT tires on a trailer to make up for the softer sidewall on the LT the weight rating should be reduced by 10%. For a trailer the tires you mention should be considered to have rating of 1785. This info came from a tire engineer who has worked for Michelin and currently works for Ford.

[m.hony]

We use Firestone TransForce HT 16" tires on our whole fleet of trucks and trailer. They are pretty good, not as good as Michelins, but less expensive than Michelins. We have a national fleet account with Firestone Complete Auto Care and get a discount on all services and it is direct billed. We do this because we have over 250 service technicians and tricks scattered all over the entire United States. These tires are the best compromise on price and quality.

[m.hony]

Tricks=trucks

[BlackAces]

Originally Posted by mercury7

I am in a situation where I have to get some tires for my sovereign at the firestone service center.... These tires are 235/75r15 load range c which they list as 1985lbs .... Will these work without me having to buy 16" rims or 15" st tires

Anticipating my airstream will stay around 6000lbs loaded.... Oh and since I know nothing about tire sizes.... 235 fits ok? I have seen both 225 and 235 mentioned by folk.... I have original rusty steel wheels on mine 700 size tire on it now

There is no requirement to derate LT tires when used on RV trailer axles. See the reference below.

Michelin, Bridgestone, Firestone, etc. consider the use of LT tires as replacements for Original Equipment ST tires to be a misapplication of their LT tires and will not provide any warranty coverage for such use of their tires. The second reference contains a current Michelin LT warranty.

Most tire retailers will use the “don’t ask don’t tell” method when replacing RV trailer tires. To confirm the misapplication statement you can call or send an eMail to the manufacturer of the LT tires you want to use as replacements. Provide the tire manufacturer with the tire information found on your trailer’s certification label/tire placard.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=571.110

http://www.michelinman.com/mediabin/Approved/Michelin/Visuals/Digital/Owners%20Manual_Post_Promise_Plan.pdf

An after thought: When an RV trailer manufacturer uses LT tires as Original Equipment on some of their trailer axles it is not considered a misapplication.

[Kyle401]

I'm currently running Firestone Transforce HT's on my Airstream. I am using 215/85R16's after upgrading the rims. I haven't had any problems over the last couple of years that they have been on. My Overlander was originally fitted with 7.00R15's.

[mercury7]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

When using LT tires on a trailer to make up for the softer sidewall on the LT the weight rating should be reduced by 10%. For a trailer the tires you mention should be considered to have rating of 1785. This info came from a tire engineer who has worked for Michelin and currently works for Ford.

Al, that should still be with in the weight requirements..... The thing is it looks like this is my only choice unless I buy new rims.... Hoping firestone does not give me any lip

[mercury7]

Originally Posted by m.hony

We use Firestone TransForce HT 16" tires on our whole fleet of trucks and trailer. They are pretty good, not as good as Michelins, but less expensive than Michelins. We have a national fleet account with Firestone Complete Auto Care and get a discount on all services and it is direct billed. We do this because we have over 250 service technicians and tricks scattered all over the entire United States. These tires are the best compromise on price and quality.

I don't suppose that discount is transferable to Anderson sc is it lol.... I guess one of the first questions I will ask is how inexpensive a set of steel 16" rim would be.... Obviously I can get a better rated transforce ht that way.... Might even have the tire itself priced better..... Also I know you get the discount but what can I expect for repacking the bearings.... They will need to do this.... And are new bearings something I should consider on a 40+ old trailer

[mercury7]

Originally Posted by bwoodtx

I have the Transforce LT in 16" on my tow vehicle. I really like them. The tires you are talking about putting on your trailer will fit, however they might be a little tight going on.

BDWood, tight fit as far as width? 235 I know is wider but it seems by not two much..... I figured height would no be an issue because it is still a 15"..... It is my current understanding that if I get 16" I should go with 225/75

[Dan and Liz]

The 15" Firestone Destination LE 2's (an LTX) that I put on a few weeks ago have essentially the same specs and dimensions as the Michelins, cost less, and are rated about the same or a little higher on the Tire Rack site. I'm very pleased so far -- but only about 1700 miles. My BFFs at Peerless thought they were a good choice. More to follow after a few seasons ...

[Ridgerunner3]

Originally Posted by mercury7

Also I know you get the discount but what can I expect for repacking the bearings.... They will need to do this.... And are new bearings something I should consider on a 40+ old trailer

I recently went with LTX M/S2 P235 75 15 XL on my 6300# gross weight trailer. I decided I did not need all of the load capacity of the 16" tires for a 6300# max trailer.

When you pull the brake drums for repacking the bearings you may run into an issue that I ran into when I repacked my 10 year old (new to me) bearings.... the brakes shoes and magnets were worn out. I also had a brake drum that was damaged beyond repair.

You can buy (for a very low price) trailer brake backing plates fully assembled with shoes, springs, magnets and all ready to bolt onto your trailer axle with 4 or 5 bolts. This is a very simple job. I think I paid $39 per assembly. New brake drums come with bearings and seals.

Have you checked your axles to make sure they are in reasonable condition? Here is a link to an article on axles.

Dura Torque Axle

[mercury7]

Thanks.... At the firestone store now and I am ordering the transforce 15" ht .... They do not have someone here that will repack my bearings so I am going to have to make a pit stop somewhere else

[mercury7]

Just two follow up, the tires are ordered and will be installed on my soveriegn later this week... Here is the promo paragraph for what I ordered
Transforce HT All Season / All Terrain Tires (189-837) by Firestone®. 235/75R15, Speed Index 106 mph, Max Load 1985 lbs, Max Inflation Pressure 50 psi, Tire Weight 32 lbs, Overall Diameter 28.9". This modern tire is packed with features to make it a driving force for light truck and commercial vehicles. UNI-T technology along with deep shoulder slots and circumferential grooves gives traction in wet conditions. The polyester and steel construction plus a high modulus tread compound help resist the rigors of heavy-duty work. With a modern, all-season tread design and noise reduction technology, the Transforce HT also provides a comfortable ride.

[mercury7]

[A W Warn]

Just wondering, what did they tell you about warranty?

[mercury7]

I did not ask and he did not say anything either.... Perhaps installation day . ... Made a successful trip last night up the road.... Dropped it off to have the bearings packed.... I then have a pretty long drive to the tire shop.... Just praying these hold up til I get there