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06-20-2013, 05:47 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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Opinions on 15" firestone transforce ht for 72 soveriegn
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
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06-22-2013, 05:13 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
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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!
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06-22-2013, 05:36 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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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
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06-22-2013, 05:47 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1997 30' Excella
1961 26' Overlander
1954 22' Flying Cloud
1981 28' Airstream 280
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,436
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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.
__________________
Bruce
WBCCI# 9259 AIR# 38927 TAC-TX 14
Stop Littering-Spay & Neuter-- Adopt From Rescue
No amount of time will erase the memory of a great dog.
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06-22-2013, 06:21 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
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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.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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06-22-2013, 06:30 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2011 25' FB Flying Cloud
Anywhere &
, Everywhere
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,090
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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.
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06-22-2013, 08:30 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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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.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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06-22-2013, 08:31 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Tricks=trucks
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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06-22-2013, 09:54 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
Taylors
, South Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 201
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Quote:
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
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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.
__________________
BlackAces
USN - RET - PDRL
DoD & SSA - RET
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06-22-2013, 10:26 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
1969 27' Overlander
SW
, Missouri
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 121
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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.
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06-23-2013, 05:35 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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Quote:
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.
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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
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06-23-2013, 06:00 AM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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Quote:
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.
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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
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06-23-2013, 06:08 AM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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Quote:
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.
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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
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06-23-2013, 10:44 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1987 25' Sovereign
Fort Collins
, Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 582
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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 ...
__________________
Alumacoot
“We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities.”
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06-24-2013, 05:46 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2002 25' Safari
Fountain Inn
, South Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 714
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Quote:
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
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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
__________________
Bud
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06-24-2013, 07:47 AM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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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
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06-24-2013, 02:54 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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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.
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06-24-2013, 05:47 PM
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#18
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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06-24-2013, 08:25 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
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Just wondering, what did they tell you about warranty?
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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06-25-2013, 04:38 AM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
1959 24' Tradewind
easley
, South Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
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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
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