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Howard L. · 09-09-2014, 09:49 PM

I'm still glad you truck tire guys are testing the LT tires on your trailers and not mine. That said, going to 16 inch rims in order to install LTs of an "E" rating should be fine (unless you get funny and start letting to much air back out to get some sort of unknown softer ride.). Let me comment here to post #42 by 2012FB, I wouldn't run 15 inch "P" tires on my 25 footer. Remember you must drop the allowed load on those tires when used on a trailer.
If you are not going to use "D" or "E" trailer tires designed for use on a trailer, at least put "E" rated 10 ply LT tires on so you have as much excess weight carrying capacity as possible. Then if you want to soften things up a little by deflating to 65, 75 psi, you have plenty of tire capacity to spare. How much? You must get into the load/inflation chart for your tires. If you stay inflated well above that which is required for your trailer weight, you will have tires carrying much less load than they could, running cool with solid sidewalls and little sway.

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switz · 09-10-2014, 06:42 AM

The reason we have gone to 16" tires as there are no appropriate tires in 15" size.

Airstream installs the 16" Michelin tires with the SenDel T03-66655T wheels on the Eddie Bauer models for load capacity and they are now standard on the 2015 31' Classic with a GVW of 10,000 pounds.

Thus the early adopters were using what Airstream was using. Since they are also installed on customer's trailers at the Airstream factory service center as an option, there will be no grounds for denial of a warranty claim for vibration or road damage if inflated to their recommended pressure.

Lance M · 09-10-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

The reason we have gone to 16" tires as there are no appropriate tires in 15" size.

For some this may be true, but I tend to disagree. There are 15" LT tires that will work very well for even the heaviest tire loads on an Airstream.
Such as-
Pirelli Scorpion ATR LT235/75/15 LRD

Nokian Rotiiva AT LT235/75/15 116/113S (LRE)

switz · 09-10-2014, 07:46 PM

Those two brands (Pirelli and Nokian) will not be in stock at the typical local tire store. At least Michelin is available nearly everywhere if a replacement is needed.

Lance M · 09-10-2014, 07:58 PM

True, but that is why there is the spare tire carrier under the Aframe.

silverbp · 09-11-2014, 07:15 AM

Good Morning from Texas..I like lots of other people here do plan on switching wheels / tires from the 15 to 16. I think I know what I want but being new to all of this, I wanted to ask a silly question. When I go the Discount Tire and get the new tires / wheels. Can someone please tell me the safe location for a floor jack when they lift the trailers. I was thinking it has to be someplace on the frame rails. But where... If not then how would you do it...

Lance M · 09-11-2014, 07:43 AM

Have them jack the trailer on the axle support plate between the wheels with a bottle jack. They must be careful to make sure that the jack pad touches only the axle support plate.

Inland RV Center, In · 09-11-2014, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbp

Good Morning from Texas..I like lots of other people here do plan on switching wheels / tires from the 15 to 16. I think I know what I want but being new to all of this, I wanted to ask a silly question. When I go the Discount Tire and get the new tires / wheels. Can someone please tell me the safe location for a floor jack when they lift the trailers. I was thinking it has to be someplace on the frame rails. But where... If not then how would you do it...

They can use a floor jack, placed between the wheels and on the bottom of the axle mounting plate.

Andy

dkottum · 09-11-2014, 07:55 AM

I wouldn't even drag in over there. Change them yourself at home would be easier and then they can't screw it up. Use a Trailer Aid ramp and you don't have to jack it up at all, and you'll know how to do it if you ever get a flat on the road.

silverbp · 09-11-2014, 03:37 PM

Not a bad idea. I was kicking around changing them myself. Think I will.

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switz · 09-11-2014, 11:08 PM

I personally swapped out the 15" Goodyears for the 15" Michelins for the 25FB. I put the spare on one side and took two at a time to CostCo for the tire switch. The third trip just had the spare. I installed the Centramatic wheel balancers as I put the new tires onto the trailer.

I used a 3 ton combination bottle jack/jack stand to lift both trailers by placing the jack between the wheels and lifting on the frame rail.

On the Classic, I moved to the 16" tires and wheels and had them pre mounted along with the Dill TPMS components before the trailer arrived. I swapped them out myself and installed the Centramatic wheel balancers at the same time.

SilverGate · 09-12-2014, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Why replace perfectly good tires? Inspect them regularly, keep at Airstreams recommended air pressure and watch you speed (60 MPH max). I have been using GYMs for 4 years. Zero issues.

Ditto the above, except the maximum speed for ST tires is 65 mph.

Two years ago, we replaced our original, 6-year old 14" Marathon tires with a new set of Marathon tires and the Marathons have been just fine, especially the way we use them...

We have been kind to them:

1. They are protected from the sun by covers when they are not moving.
2. Before a trip they are at the specified pressure of 50 psi, cold (14" tires)
3. We travel at or near the posted speed for trailers in California, 55 mph, most of the time, and rarely exceed 62 mph, and never above 65 mph!
4. Our monthly trips, October through June, never exceed 200 miles, round-trip.
5. During trips, we continuously monitor all trailer and truck tires with PressurePro tire sensors.
6. Upon arrival at a destination, the tires are inspected for wear and for any embedded foreign objects such as nails and screws before they are covered.
7. When home, the trailer tires rest on plywood panels on the driveway.
8. We plan on replacing our ST tires at least every 5 years (regardless of tread wear)!

More information and photos on this are found on my History Safari Express post, "A marathon experience".

terryV · 09-12-2014, 01:25 PM

I had in mind to put on the 16" wheels and Michelins in a couple of weeks when I could get them from Airstream.

However, the parts guy (Tracy Scott) at ReliableRV in Springfield says I should not leave his lot with the tires that are on my AS. He has no 16" wheels in stock, but he can get 10 ply Maxxis, Carlisle, and Sutong tires and put them on tomorrow for me.

I'm not worried about the price. I just want something that I can safely run for the next few weeks. Which would be the best tire for me here?

markdoane · 09-12-2014, 02:16 PM

I'm happy with the 15" Maxxis tires I bought a little over a month ago. Single axle Tradewind, 2450 lbs per tire. 75 psi.
4000 miles so far.

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terryV · 09-12-2014, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

They can use a floor jack, placed between the wheels and on the bottom of the axle mounting plate.

Andy

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

I'm happy with the 15" Maxxis tires I bought a little over a month ago. Single axle Tradewind, 2450 lbs per tire. 75 psi.
4000 miles so far.

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It seems like a lot of folks like the Maxxis tire so I ordered them. Thanks

BTW where does one get a Trailer Aid ramp?

rgwatkin · 09-12-2014, 03:00 PM

I have a 2012 28ft FC with 20k miles. The GYM tires have not been a problem at all. I estimate them to be about 40% worn but wear is even and consistent. I am anal about keeping them at 65psi and check before all long trips. Why would I want to fix something that is not broken?

markdoane · 09-12-2014, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgwatkin

Why would I want to fix something that is not broken?

I had Marathons for six years. Always kept them at 65 psi. They were loaded within 5% of the maximum rating. Can't say I always kept it below 65 mph.

Never had a failure. Still have them as winter storage tires. I only went to the Maxxis LRE for a little more safety factor.

Ag&Au · 09-12-2014, 04:46 PM

One side benefit is that I have not scraped the rear skid guards on anything, since I switched to the 16 inch tires. The small increase in ground clearance is visibly noticeable and apparently helpful.

Ken