Travel Trailer Tires

[billybek]

Looking at selling our slide in camper and purchasing a travel trailer from a friend's father.
It is essentially a new trailer but has been used once in his first year of ownership. That was in 2015.
It looks like these tires age out quickly if not driven and if I am successful in purchasing this (lots of moving pieces at this time) I would like to re-tire in the spring.
I believe the tires are ST205/75R14s.
Do you have a favorite tire brand or recommendations to avoid certain brands?
Thanks!

[cabmandone]

I'm a fan of Carlisle tires but you have to watch because they have some that are Made in China. I've never had a problem with the ones Made in the USA.

I'd think when you're talking that tire size you could go with almost any reputable brand. I run Carlisle tires on my equipment trailer.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I've had good success with these tires on my trailer. I went with load range "d" over "c".

I don't know if these are quality or not, but they were a huge step up over the dry rotted things that were on there. Reasonably priced, one could replace them on a frequent basis just to be safe.
Never mind the tire/ link - I sent the link to the wrong tire, but this is the right site. My tires were a step up from what I linked to.


https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Kenda/AM3S130.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKCAiAzNj9BRBDEiwAPsL0d_vsKwp2ItkkX-CWq2LmoCoNO_pi6Hq_FvPg_O-TvvRkDHS1F6USfRoCRtwQAvD_BwE

Also have had good success with carlisles like cabmando said.
edit- also , regardless of tire choice, keep the pressures up with heavy loads.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I will doing this on my TT built in 2015 in the Spring as well. Time for new house batteries as well. I'm just starting to research on the Lance Trailers owners forum. Goodyear endurance and Carlisle are the two that seem to pop up the most in the few threads I've read so far.

[mattdavis11]

You might decide you want a bias ply construction (D) over radial construction (R). I thought the ST was for Snow Tires.

[David]

We had a big discussion about trailer tires at work and the final conclusion was that trailers (especially heavy ones) should have trailer specific tires. Even if they're made in China, they're still better than a non-trailer tire.

[Sooner or later]

ST - Special Trailer. Trailer axle positions only.

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by David

We had a big discussion about trailer tires at work and the final conclusion was that trailers (especially heavy ones) should have trailer specific tires. Even if they're made in China, they're still better than a non-trailer tire.

Far more robust construction. Much heavier sidewall gauge.

[ltusler]

I have and still use Maxxis and Carlisle Radial Trail with no problems. Keep the pressures correct. I always use the highest load rating I can for the size.

[911boost]

I have a bumper pull toy hauler TT and use the Goodyear trailer specific ones. Have never had an issue, Goodyear is a client of mine so I like to support them.

[billybek]

Great info. Thanks guys!

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by billybek

Great info. Thanks guys!

You are probably well aware of this but make sure you check all of the appliances, systems and plumbing. Check all seams for signs of leaks. There are usually 8 or more roof openings on modern TT's for vents, skylights, AC. The caulking can dry and separate. Hopefully it was stored well and properly prepped for winters depending on climate. Just like cars, they don't like to sit unused. Best of luck!

[unclebilly]

The princess auto ones are crap.

I went through 2 (complete delamination) on the trip to Laguna Seca and back. I returned them.

Uncle Weiner sells cheap Chinese trailer tires too... I have one of their AG tires on my bale buster and it is ok so far.

http://unclewiener.com/?s=Trailer+tires&dgwt-wcas-search-submit=&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1

I typically run truck (LT) tires on my flat decks. My stock trailer has 3 trailer tires and one LT tire on it.

My boat trailer has car tires on it because I got fed up with cheap 13” trailer tires falling apart. My rational was that tires should last more than 2000 miles and I don’t know if a car tire that won’t last 10x that.

[billybek]

Good advice on inspecting.
I have been out to see the trailer but wasn't able to put the appliances through their paces or run out the slide.
Since it was used last in 2015 it has sat but shows no fading and the rubber roof looks great with no bubbles, tears or seam separation.
The appliances don't scare me nor does replacing plumbing and it does look (except for the spider webs) brand new. No sign of rodents. I had my coveralls and a headlight and spent about an hour going through the unit.
I offered a price that would allow some leeway for repairs/tires and re-sealing some of the roof components.
Seems like a pretty nice trailer and will be nice to get the wife/kid and two dogs into for some weekend and summer fun. The slide in camper was cramped with just my son and me in it with all our gear and bikes and crap.
I suck at backing up trailers so I will be spending some time in the mall parking lot trying to get that figured.
Trying to find someone close to where the trailer is with a heated quonset or shop so I can put it though its paces if I am able to make the purchase happen.

[rusnak]

Just take the old tires to your local tire shop and have them recommend new tires. New trailer or truck tires are really nice. I just put all new tires on my forklift and light towers. They're damn sexy.

[chapo]

I run load range D Goodyears on my enclosed

[Bamberg96]

I did these on mine https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Endurance&partnum=075NR4END
Made in USA!!!!!!!!!!!

[rfuerst911sc]

If you purchase the trailer a few suggestions .

1.When the trailer is not being used park it with the tires resting on boards . Keeps moisture/condensation from the ground away from the tires .

2.Cover the tires with anything to protect from UV light . A liquid UV protector is the first line of defense , the second can be pre made tire protectors to pieces of plywood . UV is a killer of tires that sit for long periods of time .

3.You will have to play around with the hitch torsion bars to get your new rig " right " with your tow vehicle . I am going to assume it has a sway bar also , again finding the right " feel " for how tight to make the sway bar is fairly critical . Don't be afraid to get an RV dealer involved in your initial hitch setup . It is critical to get the rig right for highway safety . I have seen enough travel trailers scattered all over the highway to know people get in over their heads .

4.A safety trick my dad taught me long ago , if you get into tank slapper sway on the highway like when a tractor trailer flies by you hit the gas AND apply the trailer brakes at the same time . It straightens the rig almost instantly and then you can let off the gas and control the rig. Good luck with the new to you purchase .

[billybek]

Great tips, thanks.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

4.A safety trick my dad taught me long ago , if you get into tank slapper sway on the highway like when a tractor trailer flies by you hit the gas AND apply the trailer brakes at the same time . It straightens the rig almost instantly and then you can let off the gas and control the rig. Good luck with the new to you purchase .

Good to know. Thanks. This is a real problem on my single axle trailer.