Time for Tires?

[BRS50]

I see the last discussion on tires here was early '18. I'm going to add internal TPMS sensors to pair with a new truck so I'm considering replacement. Current tires on our Excel are original Goodyear Unisteel G114 in 215/75R 17.5 Load Rnge H. The date code is April 2014 we took delivery in Sep 2014 and the tires have 25050 miles on them, planning on 10000 miles plus in 2020. These look ok and do have plenty of tread but many recommend replacement at 5-6 years old so I'm considering it.

Older comments had Dr Fife running the Hankooks for about 2 years and Rockintom suggesting Sailuns. Walmart has Hankooks Load J at $200. I see Sailuns at around $224 and going with the same Goodyears at $303. Wondering what others thought about sticking with mine for a while or going new since I have to dismount.

[JDT]

I've seen various opinions on how long to run tires. I err on the side of caution and think I would change them, especially with the kind of mileage you are predicting for next year. You might look at the Goodyear website to see what they say.

I changed mine in '18 because of abnormal wear, about 6 months before we had the MorRyde IS installed. Based on Russell's recommendation I went with the Hankook TH22 trailer tires. We now have about 15k on them, no signs of any abnormal wear or any other issue. I would buy them again. My original tires were Michelin, load range J. I don't think I would do J's again as I think they are a little harder riding than the H. I think the J's are overkill for our size fifth wheels. Based on the inflation chart all I need is 80 psi to more than carry my load but I have settled on 95. I started at 110 and thought it made them a bit rough riding.

[Live 2 Camp]

Jim,
Just another prospect for you to consider. When the time came to change our Michelins we consulted a local truck tire shop and they recommended these. I researched and debated for months before pulling the trigger at about $250 each mounted and balanced. That was over 3 years ago and no issues whatsoever.
Happy shopping.

[rockintom]

Brad, I think you'll be fine with either the Sailuns or Hanooks. Good price/value relation.
I wouldn't be too scared to run the Goodyears a bit longer though, maybe another season. I'm the guy that used to be the scaredy cat on length of time you run RV tires (that if you took good care of them). That was when you could only get the G rated Goodyears that lasted a good 3 years and blew on the hot highway on the 4 season out. In my opinion those were right on the cusp of being weight underacted. Then when they went to the Michelin J rated they were way overrated. I think you are good with the H rated tires.

[BRS50]

Tom,
I've always made sure we run at or very close to the recommended pressure of 110psi and never had an issue with the Goodyears. Since they look pretty good on wear and I only have 25k miles on them running them one more season might not be bad idea. The Hankooks do seem like the best value but the ones Walmart has listed at $200 are J rated probably overkill for the weight.

Brad

[DucBill]

Long time lurker but unfortunately not an Excel owner yet HM2CW re Wally World (& tire age) handling of commercial tires on my previous 5ver a 2 axle non Excel brand 38'th We bought from Camping World in Vegas in '12 ( never again) unit was '05 with GY 614 "G" rated date coded same as rig build '05 with nubs on sidewalls and no tread wear according to CW this rig was purchased at auction from bank repo and warehoused indoors which the outside appearance of rig matched. I questioned CW about age of tires and was told 10yrs was useful life. On our 1st major trip to Sierras with rig weight of 16k#s and ambient temps of 100+ climbing 9mile canyon which is 1-1/2 lane steep switch back rd to Kennedy Mdws I lost the drivers side front tire which sounded like 80mm mortar. I was lucky there was enough shoulder room to not impede traffic while changing to like spare, damage to rig was minimum so we continued on to our camp site without issue. Since I was without a serviceable spare I drove to Bakersfield CW about 3 hrs each way the next day where I was able to get same brand, size and LR tire mounted. On the return trip while driving under the 395/14 overpass the rear axle driver side let go with similar sound, luckily again there was an adequate shoulder room to R&R with newly purchased tire. Damage to rig was extensive see attached image, fortunately I was able to duct tape and safety wire repairs to get home. Repairs to slide and fuel station and siding was $2k that insurance covered. Went to Wally World and had 4 new GY614s mounted which I requested metal HP 110psi valve stems be used. On next 500 mile trip to Lake Tahoe while driving between 395 between Independence and Lone Pine @ 55mph my TPMS went off indicating sudden pressure loss luckily there was light traffic and a wide shoulder so I was able to get clear of traffic and stop without damaging the tire which hadn't completely deflated. Upon inspecting the tire found the valve stem was leaking at stem wheel interface. Replaced with spare in 100+ heat with help of G'kids took rig to WW in Gardnerville where I was informed they couldn't replace valve stem which they said was not rated for 110#s so went to a commercial truck tire shop and had all 5 valve stems replaced. FWIW have newer 40' triple axle 5ver TH with upgrded GY 614S "G" rated (see attached image) which have performed flawlessly for the last 2yrs but I monitor air pressures and inspect at each stop while traveling. YMMV Merry Christmas and safe travels to you all.