Community Forums

fiddleddd · 12-09-2015, 08:54 AM

Hello everyone,
I read some threads on tires, but I'm just as confused as ever. We're getting ready to buy a Redwood fifth wheel, and we're not sure which tires to go with. The Redwood rep told us we didn't need H tires, but then he also said the following: "The H tires come with 8000 lb. axles.....they are bigger tires than the G's, and also have bigger rims and drums. Therefore they will stop better than G tires". ??? Really? He recommended either going with disc brakes and G tires or H tires without the disc brakes because they are supposed to enable us to stop better. Can someone please weigh in on this? Which tires would you recommend? The unit we're buying has a GVWR of 16,500 and comes with Falcon 7000 lb. axles. Thanks so much!

450Donn · 12-09-2015, 09:02 AM

Personally I would be looking at the trailers GVWR. 7K axles should be more than suitable for a trailer GVWR of 15,000 or less. 8K axles would be suitable for most any RV heavier than that. Again, depending on weight ratings, I would probably go with 7K axles, disc brakes and as soon as I took delivery upgrade to 17.5 inch tires and wheels.

Edit,
Based on their trailers GVWR of 16.5K I think I would opt for the 8K axles but try to get disc brakes.
BTW, what are you going to tow that monster with? A MDT would be by far the best TV for that weight.

fiddleddd · 12-09-2015, 09:59 AM

We will need a 1-ton DRW, diesel. The GMC Sierra long bed dually will pull up to 22,600 lbs. That should be plenty, even with everything fully loaded. My husband used to work for General Motors, so we get a discount on the GM trucks. Thanks for your info!

Cummins12V98 · 12-09-2015, 10:09 AM

GoodYear "G" rated tires will have PLENTY of capacity for your load. Request GoodYear!!!

FastEagle · 12-09-2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddleddd

Hello everyone,
I read some threads on tires, but I'm just as confused as ever. We're getting ready to buy a Redwood fifth wheel, and we're not sure which tires to go with. The Redwood rep told us we didn't need H tires, but then he also said the following: "The H tires come with 8000 lb. axles.....they are bigger tires than the G's, and also have bigger rims and drums. Therefore they will stop better than G tires". ??? Really? He recommended either going with disc brakes and G tires or H tires without the disc brakes because they are supposed to enable us to stop better. Can someone please weigh in on this? Which tires would you recommend? The unit we're buying has a GVWR of 16,500 and comes with Falcon 7000 lb. axles. Thanks so much!

Point to remember; Adding the 8000# axle option and the Goodyear G114 tires will not increase the trailer's GAWR of 7000# per axle unless they increase the GVWR (on the certification label) to 18500#.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 12-09-2015, 10:29 AM

Disk brakes are best for the lack of need for adjustments, heat resistance, water rejection. Properly adjusted electric drum brakes have virtually the same stopping power as disk brakes, for a short while.

Having more stopping power in the trailer is always good as there is no provision in the pickup for stopping the trailer weight. The GCWR is based upon the trailer supplying its own braking power.

I believe is a high safety margin for tires. As a rule of thumb, I take the GVWR of the trailer and divide it ny the number of tires. That is the desired tire load rating I look for.

If buying quality tires, H-Rated tires (17.5" rims) are lower in cost that G-Rated (16" rims) because of quantity of manufacturing because the 17.5" are used on moving van trailers.

mel s · 12-09-2015, 10:34 AM

IMO the best tire to use on any trailer 5th wheel or vehical is the tire recommended by the manufacturer of that trailer, 5th wheel or vehicle.
Mel
'96 Safari

Dale & Mark Bruss · 12-09-2015, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mel s

IMO the best tire to use on any trailer 5th wheel or vehical is the tire recommended by the manufacturer of that trailer, 5th wheel or vehicle.

Trailer manufacturers are notorious for putting adequate, at best tires. Teton used to deliver with tire enough for the empty weight.

Motorhomes tend to be shod with correct sized tires because they are motorize vehicles.

wingnut60 · 12-09-2015, 08:20 PM

Having changed from 16" to 17.5" wheels/tires, I think either of the 2 ratings in a 17.5 will be plenty--you can also get a J rating in the 17.5s. With that weight, I would definitely order the 8k axles/17.5 wheels/tires and disc brakes--you won't regret any of this, and perhaps prevent having to upgrade later as I had to.
Joe

rskeans · 12-09-2015, 09:19 PM

My non-optioned 5ver had a GVWR of about 16,500. With the 8000 lb axle option and disc brakes the GVWR went up to 19,100 lbs. A significant increase in safety margin. If you can swing it go for the 8000 lb axles and disc brakes.

Old-Biscuit · 12-09-2015, 09:37 PM

Having a 5vr with 7K axles, 16" wheels and Goodyear 'G' tires
I would opt for 8k axles, 17.5" wheels and 'H' rated tires PLUS disc brakes.

Buy it all now at factory option and be done with it.

FastEagle · 12-10-2015, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rskeans

My non-optioned 5ver had a GVWR of about 16,500. With the 8000 lb axle option and disc brakes the GVWR went up to 19,100 lbs. A significant increase in safety margin. If you can swing it go for the 8000 lb axles and disc brakes.

Did the trailer manufacturer actually change the certification label to reflect a GVWR of 19100#?

Only the vehicle manufacturer or certified vehicle modifier have that authority to do that.

It seems strange to me that a certified 16500# trailer's frame could be increased in GVWR to 19100# without reinforcement.

FastEagle · 12-10-2015, 09:10 AM

Be careful with 17.5" LRJ tires. They are a lot of them that are European designed with a speed rating of 62 MPH. The TRA does not approve manipulations of weight/tire inflation pressures to exceed the MPH on any tires rated less than 65 MPH.

450Donn · 12-10-2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

GoodYear "G" rated tires will have PLENTY of capacity for your load. Request GoodYear!!!

this idea forces the OP to one option. And it is not the best option out there. 17.5 inch J rated tires isby far a better option. Especially now when he has the choice at a reasonable cost