Another tire debate

[boilermaker]

I am renewing a '75 Sovereign 31' that needs new tires and I think after reading everyones' posts that I have decided to go with the Michelin LTX M/S2. The tires that are on the trailer now are "Safemark Super FMS 7.00-15LT". I'm out of my element when it comes to tires so I still have a few questions. What would the corresponding size of the new tires be and what is the difference between 225 and 235? For my trailer, is this a good choice? has anyone ever used Cooper tires?

Ken

[graysailor]

After following this and other threads it appears that unless one is willing to go with 16" wheels there are few options.

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . Whilst having my recalled Michelins replaced on my TV, tire guy said they carry Carlisle now that they've been re-engineered and are American made. My usual theory on salesmen (if their lips are moving. . . ) not withstanding, anybody heard about this ? Thanks, Craig

[daveswenson]

Interesting. A number of choices. Trailer Tire

[Happy.Camper]

Roadtoaster, not sure if anyone has yet answered one of your original questions but I have been doing research for tire replacement on my 1968 Safari 22' (single axle) which has a relatively new set of Carlisle 700 -15LT bias plys on them now. I was also considering the Pirelli's you referenced but read somewhere that they use a softer tire compound than the Michelins and may not be a good choice for trailer use. Not 100% certain but I can believe it and Michelins are great tires which I mostly use on my cars and trucks.

If I could move to 16" on mine I would but I don't think that will work and now am leaning towards Yokohama RY215 radials which is a good choice for my vintage I think once it comes back from the shop with it's new axle.

[Roadtoaster]

Originally Posted by Happy.Camper

Roadtoaster, not sure if anyone has yet answered one of your original questions but I have been doing research for tire replacement on my 1968 Safari 22' (single axle) which has a relatively new set of Carlisle 700 -15LT bias plys on them now. I was also considering the Pirelli's you referenced but read somewhere that they use a softer tire compound than the Michelins and may not be a good choice for trailer use. Not 100% certain but I can believe it and Michelins are great tires which I mostly use on my cars and trucks.

If I could move to 16" on mine I would but I don't think that will work and now am leaning towards Yokohama RY215 radials which is a good choice for my vintage I think once it comes back from the shop with it's new axle.

Welcome to the Forums and thanks for answering one of the questions. Can you provide more info on the softer compounds used in the Pirelli? My untrained mind equates a softer compound to better traction but shorter life.

[Happy.Camper]

I found the thread where I saw this reference (see post #5 in the link below). Just not much out there on the Pirelli use for Airstream.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ari-99620.html

[switz]

I keep coming back to the point that Airstream is offering the Michelin LT 225/75R16E tires rated at 2,680 pounds at 80psi as a factory installed option on the Eddie Bauer using SenDel T03-66655T wheels rated 3,580 pound at 80 psi. These tires and wheels are at the front door of the factory store as you walk in and a sign says they will install that tire and wheel combination onto any current Airstream (probably more recent trailers with 15" wheels).

If I retrofit the same tires and wheels the factory installs to my trailer, then Airstream would have a very difficult time denying some warranty issue by claiming the wrong tires and wheels were on the trailer.

That was not necessarily the same fact issue on our 25FB where I installed five Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on the factory rims.

[Roadtoaster]

Those of you that are running the 16" LT, E rated tire, what pressure are you using?

[Florida 55]

Currently 75 psi

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by switz

I keep coming back to the point that Airstream is offering the Michelin LT 225/75R16E tires rated at 2,680 pounds at 80psi as a factory installed option on the Eddie Bauer using SenDel T03-66655T wheels rated 3,580 pound at 80 psi. These tires and wheels are at the front door of the factory store as you walk in and a sign says they will install that tire and wheel combination onto any current Airstream (probably more recent trailers with 15" wheels).

If I retrofit the same tires and wheels the factory installs to my trailer, then Airstream would have a very difficult time denying some warranty issue by claiming the wrong tires and wheels were on the trailer.

That was not necessarily the same fact issue on our 25FB where I installed five Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on the factory rims.

Hi switz,

All these reports of the OEM Goodyear Marathons failing has me thinking I would be wise to replace my tires. I have not had any issues with mine but I do like to drive a little faster than 65 MPH when the conditions allow.

Were you happy with the P-rated tires on your 25 FB? If you were to do it again for a 25 footer, would you use those or go to the 16 inch LT option?

-evan

[switz]

I would gladly go again with the Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on a 25FB as they have more than enough reserve capacity for that trailer and, at 50 psi max pressure, the ride is softer and there is a larger foot print for braking than the ST tire. Plus one can reuse the existing 15" factory metal wheels. The trailer is raised about 0.3" over the GYM ST tires. The side walls show 2,183 pound load capacity but that is derated to 1,985 pounds per federal regulation 49 CFR 571.110 paragraphs S4.2.2.1 to S4.2.2.3. The four tires have a derated load capacity of 1,985 x 4 = 7,940 pounds.

We are migrating to a 27FB Classic. The GVW will increase from 7,300 to 9,000 pounds with probably nearly the same tongue weights, and the Classic empty weight of 6,672 is slightly less than the GVW on the 25FB. Thus we have to go to the Michelins LT 225/75R16E LTX M/S2 tires and 16" SenDel T03-66655T wheels to get the necessary reserve load capacity. The four tires have a load capacity of 10,720 pounds at 80 psi and will raise the trailer about 0.45" higher than the GYM ST tires.

I have not seen threads complaining about Michelin tire failures, but the other brands, especially the GYM ST tires, are constantly in the lime light for one failure after another and many times generating significant damage that is very expensive to repair.

The Michelin 15" tires will do the job, but the Michelin 16" tires are factory installed. There is implicit factory approval of the Michelin 16" tires and SenDel wheels. You spend about $800 to $900 more for the larger tires and new wheels.

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by switz

I would gladly go again with the Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on a 25FB as they have more than enough reserve capacity for that trailer and, at 50 psi max pressure, the ride is softer and there is a larger foot print for braking than the ST tire. Plus one can reuse the existing 15" factory metal wheels. The trailer is raised about 0.3" over the GYM ST tires. The side walls show 2,183 pound load capacity but that is derated to 1,985 pounds per federal regulation 49 CFR 571.110 paragraphs S4.2.2.1 to S4.2.2.3. The four tires have a derated load capacity of 1,985 x 4 = 7,940 pounds.

We are migrating to a 27FB Classic. The GVW will increase from 7,300 to 9,000 pounds with probably nearly the same tongue weights, and the Classic empty weight of 6,672 is slightly less than the GVW on the 25FB. Thus we have to go to the Michelins LT 225/75R16E LTX M/S2 tires and 16" SenDel T03-66655T wheels to get the necessary reserve load capacity. The four tires have a load capacity of 10,720 pounds at 80 psi and will raise the trailer about 0.45" higher than the GYM ST tires.

I have not seen threads complaining about Michelin tire failures, but the other brands, especially the GYM ST tires, are constantly in the lime light for one failure after another and many times generating significant damage that is very expensive to repair.

The Michelin 15" tires will do the job, but the Michelin 16" tires are factory installed. There is implicit factory approval of the Michelin 16" tires and SenDel wheels. You spend about $800 to $900 more for the larger tires and new wheels.

Thanks switz.

I think the 15 inch option appeals to me more. Cheaper & probably a little easier on the trailer with the softer ride.

Did you have any trouble getting the tire dealer to mount these tires on your trailer? (Not ST tires...not approved etc.)

-evan

[switz]

I did not bring the trailer to Costco where I purchased the tires. I brought two tires at a time and they did a switch. I installed those two and brought the other side in and then finally brought the spare in. The manager and I go back a long time, so there was no issue. Have already reserved the 16" tires for early February and will bring in the virgin SenDel wheels then for installation. I will install them personally on the new trailer.

Any questions? Just say you purchased these used tires and wheels for your old chevy .

[wvabeer]

16 inch LT E rating tires all the way. Lift it if you have to. Blown tires tear up your rig, been there done it and fixed it.

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by wvabeer

16 inch LT E rating tires all the way. Lift it if you have to. Blown tires tear up your rig, been there done it and fixed it.

Thanks.

I have done a little more research & looked at my own trailer tires again now that it's out of storage & back home.

My current tires are Chinese made GYM's. They have not caused me any trouble & have good remaining tread; but, they are getting on to 6 yrs old now.

(I do like to drive at highway speeds & do not hesitate to cruise at 110 km/hr (65-70 MPH) when conditions allow. )

The OEM GYM's are load range D tires with a 2500 lb load rating so I do not see P-rated XL tires at ~1985 lb rating as an adequate replacement... Maybe it is good enough but I think I want/should have more reserve than that...It's tough to find LT Load Range D tires in 15 inch so the bill to fix this with new 16 inch rims & 16 LTE tires starts hitting the $1500 mark (c installation & taxes).

OTOH I could just replace the old GYM's with the same again.

Unfortunately, we don't have any good statistics - just anecdotal reports. Do they need to be replaced at all? Am I just being paranoid?

- evan

[gmw photos]

Originally Posted by eheffa

Thanks.

I have done a little more research & looked at my own trailer tires again now that it's out of storage & back home.

My current tires are Chinese made GYM's. They have not caused me any trouble & have good remaining tread; but, they are getting on to 6 yrs old now.

(I do like to drive at highway speeds & do not hesitate to cruise at 110 km/hr (65-70 MPH) when conditions allow. )

The OEM GYM's are load range D tires with a 2500 lb load rating so I do not see P-rated XL tires at ~1985 lb rating as an adequate replacement... Maybe it is good enough but I think I want/should have more reserve than that...It's tough to find LT Load Range D tires in 15 inch so the bill to fix this with new 16 inch rims & 16 LTE tires starts hitting the $1500 mark (c installation & taxes).

OTOH I could just replace the old GYM's with the same again.

Unfortunately, we don't have any good statistics - just anecdotal reports. Do they need to be replaced at all? Am I just being paranoid?

- evan

How much does your trailer weigh ? More specific, how much weight is on the trailer axles ?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by eheffa

Thanks.

I have done a little more research & looked at my own trailer tires again now that it's out of storage & back home.

My current tires are Chinese made GYM's. They have not caused me any trouble & have good remaining tread; but, they are getting on to 6 yrs old now.

(I do like to drive at highway speeds & do not hesitate to cruise at 110 km/hr (65-70 MPH) when conditions allow. )

The OEM GYM's are load range D tires with a 2500 lb load rating so I do not see P-rated XL tires at ~1985 lb rating as an adequate replacement... Maybe it is good enough but I think I want/should have more reserve than that...It's tough to find LT Load Range D tires in 15 inch so the bill to fix this with new 16 inch rims & 16 LTE tires starts hitting the $1500 mark (c installation & taxes).

OTOH I could just replace the old GYM's with the same again.

Unfortunately, we don't have any good statistics - just anecdotal reports. Do they need to be replaced at all? Am I just being paranoid?

- evan

Evan.

Safety, is the issue.

Some owners abide by it, others kick it to the curb.

In terms of tire safety, it's a rule of thumb to replace them, regardless of how much tread is left, when they are 5 years old.

It's your call.

Andy

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by eheffa

OTOH I could just replace the old GYM's with the same again.

Unfortunately, we don't have any good statistics - just anecdotal reports. Do they need to be replaced at all? Am I just being paranoid?

- evan

Hi, I'm still running Marathons on my trailer. After about three years I noticed two of them had a small sidewall bubble. I replaced those two with Chinese Marathons. At about seven years, I replaced the other two original tires due to tire separation. [during our Alaska trip] I still have the original Canadian Marathon spare. I now have three Chinese Marathons and one Carlisle on the ground. I have never had a flat or blow out. [yet] I check my tires at home, at every gas stop, at every rest stop, and at every camp ground; This may be the reason that I have replaced these tires right away before they came apart. Keep an eye on them!

[gmw photos]

Regarding 15", does anybody have any experience with or comments on the Continental Vanco 2 ?
In a 215/70-15 it is load rated as 2271 pounds at 65 psi. ( load range D ).
Looks to be marketed for light truck and utility van on the Conti site.

EDIT:

How about a GoodYear cargo G26 ? In a 225/70-15 rated for 2470lbs at 65 psi.
I believe it too is marketed as a cargo van tire.