Newbie Question on Tires

[Mr.Motor]

I'm new to the RV lifestyle...very new! We just picked up a slightly used Alfa 5VR and were told by the "stealer" that our load range D, 8 ply tires, probably would not be up to the job of towing the unit for very long, especially in hot weather.

The GCVW of our truck and trailer is going to be close to the max rating of 23,200# With everything loaded, except a full tank of fresh water, I'm going to be right at 22,000 to 22,500; leaving myself some room for peace of mind.

So my question is, and I apologize for asking a question that's probably been cussed and discussed to death here, do I need a 10 ply or Load Range E set of tires?

Thanks in advance for any advice for a newbie.

I'll go get new tires if I have to as I want to do three or four short duration trips as a shakedown before heading off this summer on a couple of long trips.

[Mr.Motor]

I'm new to the RV lifestyle...very new! We just picked up a slightly used Alfa 5VR and were told by the "stealer" that our load range D, 8 ply tires, probably would not be up to the job of towing the unit for very long, especially in hot weather.

The GCVW of our truck and trailer is going to be close to the max rating of 23,200# With everything loaded, except a full tank of fresh water, I'm going to be right at 22,000 to 22,500; leaving myself some room for peace of mind.

So my question is, and I apologize for asking a question that's probably been cussed and discussed to death here, do I need a 10 ply or Load Range E set of tires?

Thanks in advance for any advice for a newbie.

I'll go get new tires if I have to as I want to do three or four short duration trips as a shakedown before heading off this summer on a couple of long trips.

[Mr.Motor]

Edited for content

[RustyJC]

It really depends. What are your individual GAWRs (gross axle weight ratings)? Dual or triple axles? What's the Alfa's GVWR? What size tires are currently installed? What manufacturer and model of tire? What's the date code on the tires? Any sides of sidewall cracking, knots, bubbles, etc.?

If you can fill us in on your situation a bit more, we can offer better advice.

Rusty

[Beach-house 4]

If you are going to max out the fver and the tires are over five years old (dot # on tires.)then I would probably go new load range G to play it safe.While the tires are off I would check the brakes and repack the bearings also.

[zip]

I know this much, after 3 blowouts with relatively new Goodyear Marathons I'm looking for a different brand. Maxxis this time. My truck and 5'er only weigh 17,500 or so together, and the D-rated tires keep blowing out. Air pressure checked before each trip. You'll need a higher rated tire than D-rated. That's for sure. What Rusty said..

[Half Dimes]

If you change to a different type tire, make sure that the old rims are rated for whatever the psi is for the new tires. Also, make sure you have adequate wheel well clearance if you get a bigger (taller) tire.

[450Donn]

You don't mention the age of the trailer, and there the age of the tires. If they are more than about 4-5 years old, replace them no matter what. You also don't mention the size of tires. If they are 16 inch wheels, then go for a LT (light truck) rated tire instead of the typical ST(trailer rated) tire.

[MADDOG`]

I think what Mr. Motor was asking was tires for his truck. I think the "stealer" had it right. You need a good 10 ply tire on your tow vehicle. I recommend the Toyo Open Country AT or HT tires. They wear well and are very quiet on the highway.