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jmeredith · 05-05-2003, 06:09 PM

Never heard of them but found this 10-ply load range E tire today at a chain shop for $60 installed. Now, this makes me wonder. I've never heard of this brand and it's a E range tire for only 60 bucks. What's wrong here? I thought Titan was the only mfg of a E range tire for a 15" wheel. I completely trust the shop, they've always done me right but I have to ask for your feedback on this tire. Anyone run it or heard good/bad about it? Did I stumble on a great deal here or are they this price for a reason?

I know this is more tire than I need but it sure is the right price for such a tire.

Thanks for your help!
-jm

Inland RV Center, In · 05-06-2003, 11:00 AM

Do you have steel or mag wheels?

If you have steel wheels, you must not increase the load range of the tires.

That is to say, if you had 6 ply or load range "C" tires on steel wheels for several years, you must not increase the tire rating to a "D" much less a "E."

To do so will split the wheels around the circumference.

Kelsey Hayes published that information some 30 years ago.

I know some owners have made an increase in tire rating, and got away with it.

I also know several owners who experienced loss of control as well as many thousands of dollars damage to their trailer, when that wheel failed.

If you wish to use the "E" tires, we recommend that you replace the wheels.

This does not apply to Mag wheels.

Andy
inlandrv.com

jmeredith · 05-06-2003, 11:28 AM

Andy, I have the original mag wheels. Thanks for the callout.

Have you ever heard of this tire? I know there are a mass of good and bad experiences documented in this forum on all major tire brands. I'm trying to sift through and understand the best option. I have read your replies regarding goodyear marathons and may end up there but wanted to do some homework first.

So far, I have been able to source Nankang, Goodyear, Carlisle, and this Del-Net (maybe Del-Nat?) in my area. I have read all the posts in this forum and on the rv.net forum and have seen a lot of opinion on the first three brands but non on the Del-Net.

-jm

Inland RV Center, In · 05-06-2003, 11:49 AM

JM.

To us, the choice of tire brands is simple.

Stay with the brand that Airstream uses. They have selected the Goodyear Marathon for a number of good reasons.

If you wish to depart from that, it's certainly your choice.

BUT, you will only have an experience factor from a very few, instead of the tens of thousands that Airstream has used.

Live "on the edge" or treading into "unknown territory," to us, is not wise when it comes to tires.

Some claim great performance from other brands. Thousands claim great performance from the Airstream installed Marathons.

Additionally, the Marathons are made with a modified rubber composition that rejects more of the UV from the sun. Therefore they last longer than standard tires when exposed to long term sunlight.

We know of no other tire that has that feature.

Andy
inlandrv.com

drm101 · 06-03-2009, 09:29 PM

Of course, I read your thread after I bought a set of these Del-Nats. I ran a 7.00-15LT D rated tire for the last 6 years with no issue on my 1970 Safari (single axle) that originally had a C rated tire. I am headed to Wyoming next month and thought it would be cheap insurance to get new tires. I didn't like buying these as they are made in China but they seem to be all that's on the shelf in this size. I sent an e-mail to Del-Nat, and unless I get a reasonable response I plan to take them back and exchange them for a set of Marathons.
Regards and thanks for the info,
Dean Marshall
Marshall's Corner Shop
Clarkston, MI

Beginner · 06-03-2009, 11:41 PM

Again
You don't need harder tires just better tires. Going to Load range E and increasing the pressure will only beat the bejesus out of your trailer.
The ST tire class with the exception of the Cooper Custom Trailer Plus carries a speed rating of 65 MPH. The manufacturers only use rubber compounds that will withstand the heat generated at 65 MPH on an average day. The way you get better tires is to go to a tire with a speed rating of 99 MPH or so, if not restrict your speed to 55 MPH and never go above 60 PSI.
Beginner

drm101 · 06-04-2009, 08:58 AM

I rcv'd a response from Del-Nat:
"It is possible to experience wheel failure if the load carrying capacity of the tire is greater than that of the wheel, and the trailer is hauling weight greater than the wheel is rated to haul."
In my case, I have not increased the weight of my trailer at all, let alone beyond the capacity of the wheel. I also talked to my local tire store who have been selling tires for 50 years and they seconded this. He said I should have no issues with the wheels. I guess we'll have to see how they ride compared to the old D rated tires I was running. Hopefully it won't get beat up too much.
Dean Marshall
Marshall's Corner Shop
Clarkston, MI

Inland RV Center, In · 06-04-2009, 09:20 AM

All wheel manufacturers are in agreement with the following.

Once a steel wheel has been in service for an extended period of time, increase the new tire load range from a "C" to a "D", or from a "D" to an "E", or from a "C" to an "E", is asking for the wheel to fail.

When the wheel fails because of the above, it will split around the circumference.

By many years of shop experience, using load range "E" tires on an Airstream trailer, will beat it to pieces.

However, if you can afford the cost of major repairs, including frame damage, then go for it.

Andy

drm101 · 06-05-2009, 06:04 AM

OK, you convinced me. I hope they will take them back if I pay to take them off the rims.
Thanks,
Dean

drm101 · 06-05-2009, 03:52 PM

Got the Marathons. AC Tire in Waterford didn't even charge me to dismount or rebalance. I told them that I love them before I left. I have to deflate them to get them in the wheel well, but I don't think that's a big issue. Also noticed the trailer is pretty wiggly but I'm sure it will tow and ride nice.
Thanks for all the advice.
Dean

Inland RV Center, In · 06-05-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drm101

Got the Marathons. AC Tire in Waterford didn't even charge me to dismount or rebalance. I told them that I love them before I left. I have to deflate them to get them in the wheel well, but I don't think that's a big issue. Also noticed the trailer is pretty wiggly but I'm sure it will tow and ride nice.
Thanks for all the advice.
Dean

Sounds like you may have a suspension problem.

Andy