Tire Talk

[glw1973]

I hope you all are not tired (no pun intended) of talking tires, BUT, I recently had the blowout experience with my 2017 Keystone Montana 3820FK. I was concerned since I hadn't had the 5th wheel all that long. After extensive study and research, I still have unanswered questions. My rig came with Load Rated E tires. I am now seeing where the same rig coming from the factory has Load Rated G tires. This concerns me since I am now wondering if the E Rated tires are enough. Also how do I tell if my current rims can handle a G Rated tire should I decide to replace the E rated tires with G rated. I know blowouts just happen, but would like to place the odds in my favor. Can anyone, ANYONE, give me advice on what tires I should have and also if my rims will work with a G rated tire. Thanks, I love this forum!

[Twilightzone]

Curious... what brand are your 'E' rated tires?

IMHO: Michelin seems to be one of the top rated 16" tire.

Your rims will work with a 'G' rated tire... but you may not be able to fill it
to the max sidewall pressure. (Likely you wouldn't want to do that).

You can just run it at the old tire pressure, or slightly above.
Check the tire loading/pressure page to see where you want to run it.

Buy a laser temperature gauge (cheap now at HF or online), monitor the temps. Temp gauge is also useful for checking wheel bearings.

TPMS... (Tire Pressure Monitor System). Gives a nice 'feeling' as you know the tire pressures/temps. Sounds alarm on over/under pressure and temps.

[richardcoxid]

If my memory serves me correctly LR E tires are 80# pressure, The LR G tires are 110# pressure. I doubt that your rims are 110# rims. As the rims are mounted on the axle they should be stamped on the INSIDE surface of the rim.

If you can't find it go to your local tire shop and they will be able to find it for you.

When airing up my tires the shop personal often times state that My rims aren't rated for 110#. I have to show them that the G rated tires and rims were ordered from the factory. Actually that is OK they are only doing their job!

[Walt Bennett]

Before jumping onto the G bandwagon, how old are your tires? Keystone doesn't always put new ones on their trailers; just whatever's on hand. Check the DOT stamp: first two numbers are the week and second two are the year. Anything over five years old, ESPECIALLY in an LT tire, is asking for a blowout.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Walt Bennett

Anything over five years old, ESPECIALLY in an LT tire, is asking for a blowout.

Not even the tire manufacturers say that!

Michelin Technical Bulletin

Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires

The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.

Toyo RV Safety

Tire Damage and Aging (Non-Commercial Use)
Vehicle operating conditions and tire maintenance practices vary widely. Tires should be routinely checked for damage or signs of fatigue or aging. This should be done at scheduled vehicle maintenance intervals and preferably on a lift so that the tires can be thoroughly inspected by a tire professional.
Tire longevity is extremely dependent on factors such as air pressure maintenance. It is recommended that tires be thoroughly examined by a tire professional after reaching five years of service. Even tires with serviceable tread remaining may require replacement prior to wearing out. Tires which have reached a remaining tread depth of 4/32nd should be replaced.
The age of your tire can be determined by reading the sidewall. Every tire has a 10 or 11 digit DOT (Department of Transportation) identifying number on one sidewall.
The last 3 or 4 digits are the most important to you. Older tires have 3 digits, the first two identifying the week of manufacture and the third digit the year when the tire was made. Tires made between 1990 and 1999 may have a triangle alongside the numbers. As from January 2000 4 digits are used, the first two give the week of manufacture and the last two digits tell the year the tire was made.

[glw1973]

Thanks for all the responses. I don't know why I'm stressing out on this but I want to be sure I do the right thing before spending anymore money on tires and rims, etc.

[Old-Biscuit]

1st off........do you have 6K axles or upgraded to 7K

That would be difference between the rigs haing 'E' or 'G' tires.

What is the GVWR of 5vr?
Gvwr minus Pin weight------weight carried by tires/axles

What is the Max Load Rating at Max PSI on those 'E' tires?
Times 4.....load carrying capacity-----is it more then axle weight?

Have you weighed your set up so you know actual weights ?


On Edit:
Just took a quick look at your Montana specs
GVWR 16,810#
UVW 13,895#
Dry Hitch 2810# (little more then 20% of UVW)
Loaded up....probably closer to 3200#
That puts almost 13K on axles

GY ST235/80R 16E
Marathon......3420# at 80 psi (4x---13,680#)
So YES they cover axle weights but are marginal

[WingHauler]

Originally Posted by glw1973

I hope you all are not tired (no pun intended) of talking tires, BUT, I recently had the blowout experience with my 2017 Keystone Montana 3820FK. I was concerned since I hadn't had the 5th wheel all that long. After extensive study and research, I still have unanswered questions. My rig came with Load Rated E tires. I am now seeing where the same rig coming from the factory has Load Rated G tires. This concerns me since I am now wondering if the E Rated tires are enough. Also how do I tell if my current rims can handle a G Rated tire should I decide to replace the E rated tires with G rated. I know blowouts just happen, but would like to place the odds in my favor. Can anyone, ANYONE, give me advice on what tires I should have and also if my rims will work with a G rated tire. Thanks, I love this forum!

glw1973, my trailer probably has the same tires and wheels as your does. I saw a 2017 Montana, front kitchen model, at last year's RV show in Minneapolis and it also had the same set up as ours. Trailer King, E rated tires and aluminum wheels rated for 110 psi. Check on the back side of the spokes and it is easy to see the wheels are rated for G tires at 110 psi. I saw one of the larger 2017 Montana models at an open house this spring and it came with G rated Sailun brand tires. My trailer axles weigh 11060 lbs. with a full fresh water tank (tank is at rear of trailer) and packed for several days of camping. I don't have anything abnormal going on with my tires now, but if something should start to happen, then I will be going to a G rated tire for sure. If these tires last for a period of 5 years, then I will replace them with E rated tires, but probably a better quality tire. So far, Sailun has been recommended by several posters on this forum and I may just try that brand.

[shelbytexan]

You do have wheels that can handle the 110 psi . I have a 2014 montana and the wheels are stamped on the back of the wheel as to what the psi rating is.The latest montanas now come with the sailun load range g tires. This is what i have on mine and they are very dependable tires. I run mine inflated to 110 psi and have about 15,000 miles on them.I bought mine at simpletire.com and they are on sale now at 10per cent off.You won't find any negative comments about these tires on the web. They are about 118.00 or less per tire plus shipping now.

[jadatis]

Most likely your E-rated tires are also ST ( special trailer) tires.
those give higher maximum load then same sises LT or truck-tires, because calculated for lower speed of 65m/h, wich give more deflection .

Then most likely the 5thwheel maker came back on their choise of using E rated, and went to about same sises G-load , wich in fact are Truck-tires, and calculated in their maximum load for 75m/h or mayby even 87m/h.
For that higher speed lesser deflection is allowed, so gives lesser maximum load, for the same pressure.
Buy then using 110 psi it compensates and still enaugh to carry the axle load.

So look on sidewall , and write down the sises , but also see if you find ST on it.
Then look on trailer to find the Gross axle weight ratings, and give howmany axles and tires under the trailer ( on the road when driving, so not spare).

Then I can calculate needed pressure for old and new, and it probably explaines that the trailer-maker chanced their policy for the tire-use.

[MtnTrek]

Originally Posted by glw1973

Thanks for all the responses. I don't know why I'm stressing out on this but I want to be sure I do the right thing before spending anymore money on tires and rims, etc.

Catastrophic tire failure should not be a part of our travel experience. So it would seem normal for you to want to get to the bottom of the issue(s).
It's no secret that the RV manufacturers have no shame in applying marginal tires on equipment.
Based on Old-Biscuit's calcs, it appears valid short of you providing CAT Scale tickets it's your own piece of mind here.

Originally Posted by WingHauler

glw1973, my trailer probably has the same tires and wheels as your does. I saw a 2017 Montana, front kitchen model, at last year's RV show in Minneapolis and it also had the same set up as ours. Trailer King, E rated tires and aluminum wheels rated for 110 psi. Check on the back side of the spokes and it is easy to see the wheels are rated for G tires at 110 psi. I saw one of the larger 2017 Montana models at an open house this spring and it came with G rated Sailun brand tires. So far, Sailun has been recommended by several posters on this forum and I may just try that brand.

Sounds as if your first experience was not as bad as some can be. There can easily be much more secondary damage incurred during a failure. Often the subsequent damage can be more costly than a set of higher quality tires. We've run Sailun tires in the past and would also endorse their use on 16" applications.

Best of luck

[rcg270]

Originally Posted by glw1973

I hope you all are not tired (no pun intended) of talking tires, BUT, I recently had the blowout experience with my 2017 Keystone Montana 3820FK. I was concerned since I hadn't had the 5th wheel all that long. After extensive study and research, I still have unanswered questions. My rig came with Load Rated E tires. I am now seeing where the same rig coming from the factory has Load Rated G tires. This concerns me since I am now wondering if the E Rated tires are enough. Also how do I tell if my current rims can handle a G Rated tire should I decide to replace the E rated tires with G rated. I know blowouts just happen, but would like to place the odds in my favor. Can anyone, ANYONE, give me advice on what tires I should have and also if my rims will work with a G rated tire. Thanks, I love this forum!

Do your self a favor. Call Trailer Tires and Wheels and ask for Mike, he will set you right up. I just purchased a set of including a spare, 215/75 17.5 Sailun "H" rated rims.

[glw1973]

Originally Posted by rcg270

Do your self a favor. Call Trailer Tires and Wheels and ask for Mike, he will set you right up. I just purchased a set of including a spare, 215/75 17.5 Sailun "H" rated rims.

Thanks everyone, I'm getting alot of good advice. After hearing all the great comments, I'm convienced I need Load Rated G tires. I know I will never get completely away from blowouts, BUT, this will give me piece of mind. Thanks everyone.

[bddadles]

Originally Posted by rcg270

Do your self a favor. Call Trailer Tires and Wheels and ask for Mike, he will set you right up. I just purchased a set of including a spare, 215/75 17.5 Sailun "H" rated rims.

I also went to 17.5" tires on my Hitchhiker except I have Goodyear G114. Don't know why is says G because it is a load range 'H'.

Have not looked back in 4 years and no problems.

Brad