Best tire for single-axle 2007 Safari SE 20'?

[vandemusser]

Hi, guys. New to the forum and need some help. I just bought a beautiful lightly used 20-footer, but it has the original Marathon ST225/75R15's on it and they need to come off ASAP (bulging, ready to pop). I am getting recommendations from friends to shift to LT's instead of trailer tires, but can't seem to find any R15 LT's that meet the loading requirements (single axle, 5000 GVWR = 2500 lb per tire).

Does anybody know of a good LT option that doesn't force me into 16" wheels? Just curious if anyone else has figured out a good solution to this... I appreciate the help!

[markdoane]

If you are willing to try ST tires, I have used Maxxis M8008 Load Range E (2830 lbs) with success. My trailer wieghs close to 5000 lbs loaded.
You may need to replace the wheels with higher rated wheels. I developed a slow leak when I increased the inflation pressure from 65 psi on the Marathons to 80 psi on the Maxxis'. The leak was at a weld joint on the steel Dexstar wheel.

[vandemusser]

Originally Posted by markdoane

If you are willing to try ST tires, I have used Maxxis M8008 Load Range E (2830 lbs) with success. My trailer wieghs close to 5000 lbs loaded.
You may need to replace the wheels with higher rated wheels. I developed a slow leak when I increased the inflation pressure from 65 psi on the Marathons to 80 psi on the Maxxis'. The leak was at a weld joint on the steel Dexstar wheel.

That is extremely helpful. Thank you for your help!

[dkottum]

We had a 20 for two years and didn't change the tires. But If we had kept it we would have got the Michelin 16" and Sendel wheel set. There's only two of them but that's the problem; the tires on the 20 carry more weight per tire than any other size Airstream.

The Michelin 16s are far more reliable, so much so I would not waste money replacing the spare, the original will do as an unlikely backup.

[CruizinDux]

vandemusser, welcome to the 20'rs club!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...127845-61.html

The thread's focus is for 20 footers, and has a current discussion re tires and Sendel 16's upgrades. Many 20 owners including myself plan to in the future or have already converted. Search back on the 20's as there are other postings and discussion.

Here is another, but there are many many on the forum, not limited to 20's.


Bob

[IAMGLG]

Be sure to check out Maxxis trailer tires. They are made in Taiwan and (as I recall) come with a 7 year warranty. Had mine for 5 years now without one problem as have several of my friends. Put tire pressure monitors on just to be safe.

[rolledxj]

I use the Maxxis M008 tires on every trailer I own, and have experienced ZERO failures. One of the trailers, a car hauler, was getting a new set of tires every year. I put my first set of Maxxis on this trailer 4 years ago, and they show only minimal wear, plus braking performance and stability were improved.
I own a shop and am a tire dealer, so all brands were available to me. I decided on the Maxxis after doing too much research, and have no regrets whatsoever. They are the ONLY trailer tire that I will sell now.