Travel Trailer Tires-----OK, I need answers!

[Akibase]

Just bought a new Forest River Palomino Puma 27RLSS (Canadian) From what I can gather, the tires on it are offshore crap. The unit weighs approximately 7000 LB dry weight. OK I'm calling on the experts for some experience based answers. What do you recommend for brand and also there are so many opinions on what tire pressure to use. The tires are size
225/75/R15. I looked online for information on the tires and can not even find a listing. I will replace them and put the old ones on a light construction trailer that I own. I don't need the aggravation of blowing a tire. Thanks for your help.

[GWCowgill]

You didn't say what brand they are or the weight rating or Load range for the tires. There are some so called off shore brands I trust better than some of our USA brands. Even though I prefer USA made, I have had bad luck with some brands. I am not here to slam any particular brand but I will say tires are regulated by DOT just like any vehicle that travels on highways.

[CD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akibase Just bought a new Forest River Palomino Puma 27RLSS (Canadian) From what I can gather, the tires on it are offshore crap. The unit weighs approximately 7000 LB dry weight. OK I'm calling on the experts for some experience based answers. What do you recommend for brand and also there are so many opinions on what tire pressure to use. The tires are size 225/75/R15. I looked online for information on the tires and can not even find a listing. I will replace them and put the old ones on a light construction trailer that I own. I don't need the aggravation of blowing a tire. Thanks for your help.

Like was mentioned before, we need more info, like GVWR and load range of tire. You need more tire cap for the tires than the GVWR of the TT. Some RVs only have enough for the GVWR less the hitch weight. I don't believe that is enough. Most tire co. websites have a tire pressure chart.

[450Donn]

Get the factory tires load rating and go shopping. I would not be afraid of Hankook, Michelin,BF Goodrich Commercial TA. Most others don't have much of a reputation.

[albertaborn]

maxiss has good reviews from what i have read on forums

[leenchar]

Got the same size tires as you, came with Duro "D". I have been looking myself and all i have found are trailer tires, maxxis, goodyear and the Duro's. No LT tires to be found yet

[Akibase]

Unfortunately my units tires are buried in snow and have covers over them, so hard to get all the required info for you folks to give me a proper
Assesement. Sorry. I will clear the snow away today and get the required information for you folks. I love this forum. It is a great help. One
Question - am I better off with a nother set of trailer tires or should I look at light truck tires?

[GWCowgill]

Keep in ind the differences between LT tires and Trailer tires. As I understand it, Trailer tires have more of the UV fighting additives than the LT tires. You may a very good tire or you may have junk. Do your research. I do not like 15 inch tires because of the limits on load range. I had 15 inch on my 5'er and was constantly having problems with name brand tires. It was probably partially my fault because of use of the trailer. At the begining of hunting season it would sit and then I let it sit through several (4 to be exact) hunting seasons and blew all the tires within 200 miles. Check Load Range and go with the tires which give you the most room for error. Otherwise if it calls for Load Range E as a minimum go with an F.

[450Donn]

This may not be the answer you are wanting to hear. but IMHO you would be better off swapping them out for 16 inch LT tires and wheels. There just seems to not be any decent ST tires left on the market. Go to places like Trailer Tires and Wheels - trailer tires, boat trailer tires, trailer wheels, boat trailer wheels, aluminum trailer wheels and you will find a wealth of information and options on tire/wheel packages.

[FastEagle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akibase Just bought a new Forest River Palomino Puma 27RLSS (Canadian) From what I can gather, the tires on it are offshore crap. The unit weighs approximately 7000 LB dry weight. OK I'm calling on the experts for some experience based answers. What do you recommend for brand and also there are so many opinions on what tire pressure to use. The tires are size 225/75/R15. I looked online for information on the tires and can not even find a listing. I will replace them and put the old ones on a light construction trailer that I own. I don't need the aggravation of blowing a tire. Thanks for your help.

What makes you think your current tires are "crap"? Have you done an in-depth analysis on them? There are many places to search out reviews other than those found in RV forums. NHTSA keeps records on all brands of DOT certified tires and the data base is easily accessible for review by all searchers.

If you knew about "crap" tires the time to put your foot forward was before you signed on the dotted line. Now the "crap" belongs to you along with the expense of replacing the "crap"

As for replacements; Check the tire placard and your owner's manual. To maintain the integrity of your investment you will have to increase tire and wheel sizes if you want to use LT tires. Of course that would be based on USA DOT standards.

FastEagle

[Cngdad]

The best I have found have been the Goodyear Marathon trailer tires. Trailer tires are different than car tires. I keep mine inflated on the high side of the range. All tires will have problems if they just sit a majority of the time of which is true of most campers. I got about 5 years out of my first set. My tire guy says keeping them inflated well is the biggest help you can provide in tire longevity. Good luck, just make sure your spare is ok and holding air just in case

[rbell]

I also use Maxxis tires and they have proven to be very good. Goodyear has started to make theirs in China again. Here is a reply I just got from them today.


Goodyear is the only major US owned and operated tire manufacturer and our
world headquarters are located in Akron, Ohio

We are a global corporation with manufacturing plants throughout the
world. The Marathon trailer tires are currently manufactured in China

[Stillwater]

Like others, I don't know how you determined your tires are offshore crap. I did a lot of research on trailer tires last year and it appears the best choice is Maxxis. Yea, they are made in China but are well constructed and have an additional fiberglass band in them which helps prevent them from disintregrating if they do fail. Many people think they are buying US or Canadian made tires when they are not. I have seen in very small print "made in china" on the bead of some so called US brand tires so when the tire is mounted that printing is not visible.

[Ray,IN]

As to tire pressure. To the best of my knowledge and searching, ALL ST trailer tires must be inflated to sidewall maximum or the warranty is voided. See: http://www.carlisletire.com/product_care/proper_tire_care_safety.pdf
, top of page two. This is just one such warranty.
You have options for heavier 15" trailer tires TBC Imports - Trailer Tires, which also means you must buy rims capable of the increased air pressure.
Prior to jumping in and buying 16" rims and tires you must take careful measurements for tire clearance, both between tires - 1 and 1/2" minimum, and clearance between tires and RV components for spring movement.