Tire Bias or radial

[Streamer1]

Hey Lipets, thanks for all the good info. For a newbie like me it really helps. Now just to verify, my soon to be purchased 25' 96 Excella Classic would utilize "ST 225/75R15" size tires, correct? Would Wal-Mart, BJs, Sam's probably have this size for trailers?

Also, if I wanted some aluminum wheels, what SIZE would I need? Anybody have and recommendations on where to go?

[Pick]

Guess I have been lucky. Running bias ply on Airstream, no problems. Running Marathons on my flatbed. Both have been on the road up to 18 hours a day, with up to 9000 lbs on the flatbed tandems, in 80+ degree heat, up to 75 mph.

[Frank S]

Hi Streamer1--Both WalMart and Sams Club have Goodyear Marathon Radial ST225/75R15, as a special order item (they generally do not stock it). In April 2006 WalMart price was $82.36 for "C" load range (2150# @ 50psi), and $90.28 for "D" load range (2540# @ 65psi). Some WalMarts will work directly on the A/S, others require you to bring them the rims for mounting.

Regarding new rims they should be 15", 6 hole on a 5-1/2" bolt circle, and 6" wide, with Zero offset.--Frank S

[bhayden]

I'd disagree with the bias ply riding rougher than radials. When radials first came out the marketing hype on new cars was "radially tuned" suspension. This was a softer initial spring rate to absort the harshness of the radial tires vs the bias ply. Enthusiasts of course refer to the "harshness" as "road feel"

I too had thought the bias ply would eliminated the usual mode of tire failure with radials which is belt separation. Well, I guess strictly speaking that's true but a recent post showed bias ply tires can still suffer tread separation from the casing albeit with less dire consequences than a steel belt whipping around in you wheel well.

Ground clearance for me is a big issue and it takes some searching but good radial tires are available in the old 7.00x15 size. Of course support on the road is going to be an issue with special order tires.

I agree most of the choices are pretty bad. The market seems to be primarilly for cheap tires. Most people don't put a lot of miles on their trailer and since they degrade mostly from just sitting the major factor in buying new tires is cost. The tire manufacturers are forced to produce a tire with a very demanding set of performance characteristics at a rock bottom price.

-Bernie

[TomR]

Originally Posted by Beginner

Lipets
At the recommendation of others on this forum, and after asking questions of commercial businesses that use trailers that had the ST225/75R15 LRD tire on their trailers when they purchased them AND determining that the dimentions of the tire suggested would fit in my fender wells (whew), I went to a 16x7 inch wheel and the BF Goodrich Commercial T/A Load Range D. Bought 5 tires and wheels. Yes it was expensive. The price of having a panel replaced I understand is in the range of 4 to 6 thousand dollars not counting the aggrivation and ruined outing. I spent about a grand (1,000.$)
I have a 1984 Excella, 31 Foot.
My Service manual that I received from Airstream listed the Michelin XCA as the recommended Tire.
Beginner

What size and spec tire did you put on the 16x7 wheels? Do others think this is a Good or Great solution...ignoring the cost for now...ANY issues of fit within the wheel well? How do they look and perform...so far?...Tom R

[scottanlily]

hello bhayden,The tire from zeppliniums trailer does look bad ,Im waiting to hear if he has any other thoughts on it .I believe that there are good tires
on the market .Alot of people are buying tires that are the popular ones.
I think michelin makes an outstanding tire ,also towmaster tires ,herculese
(the ones I have now) goodyear work horse rib ,they are rated highly ,these are bias ply ,michelin might still offer the 700-15 radial .my experience with
the bias tires are very good .Trailers need good sidewall support and cannot
get overheated ,thats the tires enemy .some have said going to the 16"
solves the tire troubles ,more carrying capacity the key .

Scott

[Beginner]

If you look at the specifications for the ST 225/75R15 GoodYear Marathon and the LT 225/75R16 BF Goodrich Commercial T/A you find thes differences.

Tire Load Max Speed
Name Range Weight/PSI Rating MPH
Marathon:
ST225/75R15 D 2540/65 65


Commercial
T/A
LT225/75R16 D 2335/65 99

These numbers came from the respective manufacturers web sites as I was writing this.

The 16 inch LT tires seem to be giving fewer or no problems. They are listed as having a lesser weight carrying capacity.

hmmm

Beginner