TrailManor Owner's Forum - View Single Post

03-05-2004, 07:54 AM

Something I've noticed reading this forum and I haven't looked back through all the comments, is the folks who ask about vehicles and towing capacities.

The BIG thing that is often forgotten is Tire Load Factors.

Everyday, you see vehicles rolling down the road towing trailers behind what are probably not very good circumstances. (ie. the wrong vehicle for the application)

Those folks that look at towing vehicles, should be aware of the types of tires on their vehicles.

Most manufacturers place tires on vehicles based on the load factor and Gross Weight of that vehicle and that's all. They put the least expensive tire they can find, unless you choose and optional package! Those tires are not warrantied by the Vehicle manufacturer either. Hence the problems that occurred with the Ford Exploders a few years ago.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is, when you look at purchasing a TM or any other Travel Trailer, make sure your vehicle tires can handle the extra load. That means you check the tires you have and verify with a tire shop or the tire manufacturer that the tires you have on your vehicle can actually handle the load of the Trailer being towed. DON'T ASK YOUR CAR DEALERSHIP, THEY ONLY SELL CARS OR TRUCKS and KNOW NOTHING ABOUT TIRE LOAD FACTORS! (I'll apologize in advance for anyone who is a car dealer and knows what I am talking about)

Case in point: I just purchased my new 2004 Nissan Titan, I have the heavy duty BF Goodrich 17 inch off road tires. I had a small tack that showed up one day in the tire, I've had this vehicle for only 3 weeks. Called the dealership I bought it from and they said they didn't warranty the tires. So, I go to Discount Tires, they sell my brand and style. Now, you have to remember these are brand new tires and only have 700 miles on them. Discount Tires removed the tack, it was small so there was no internal damage to the cord or steel belt. The also offered me a Full Replacement Warranty for all my tires. Cost: $88.00. Will repair or replace the tire for the time I have the vehicle, right down to bald! Pretty good deal.

So, next time you are considering a new Tow Vehicle, make sure you ask the dealership about the tire warranty. And check the tires that are on the vehicle before you buy, so you know you have a good quality tire that can handle the load you intend to tow.

03-05-2004, 07:54 AM	#1
JTorsrud Guest Posts: n/a	Tire Loads Something I've noticed reading this forum and I haven't looked back through all the comments, is the folks who ask about vehicles and towing capacities. The BIG thing that is often forgotten is Tire Load Factors. Everyday, you see vehicles rolling down the road towing trailers behind what are probably not very good circumstances. (ie. the wrong vehicle for the application) Those folks that look at towing vehicles, should be aware of the types of tires on their vehicles. Most manufacturers place tires on vehicles based on the load factor and Gross Weight of that vehicle and that's all. They put the least expensive tire they can find, unless you choose and optional package! Those tires are not warrantied by the Vehicle manufacturer either. Hence the problems that occurred with the Ford Exploders a few years ago. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is, when you look at purchasing a TM or any other Travel Trailer, make sure your vehicle tires can handle the extra load. That means you check the tires you have and verify with a tire shop or the tire manufacturer that the tires you have on your vehicle can actually handle the load of the Trailer being towed. DON'T ASK YOUR CAR DEALERSHIP, THEY ONLY SELL CARS OR TRUCKS and KNOW NOTHING ABOUT TIRE LOAD FACTORS! (I'll apologize in advance for anyone who is a car dealer and knows what I am talking about) Case in point: I just purchased my new 2004 Nissan Titan, I have the heavy duty BF Goodrich 17 inch off road tires. I had a small tack that showed up one day in the tire, I've had this vehicle for only 3 weeks. Called the dealership I bought it from and they said they didn't warranty the tires. So, I go to Discount Tires, they sell my brand and style. Now, you have to remember these are brand new tires and only have 700 miles on them. Discount Tires removed the tack, it was small so there was no internal damage to the cord or steel belt. The also offered me a Full Replacement Warranty for all my tires. Cost: $88.00. Will repair or replace the tire for the time I have the vehicle, right down to bald! Pretty good deal. So, next time you are considering a new Tow Vehicle, make sure you ask the dealership about the tire warranty. And check the tires that are on the vehicle before you buy, so you know you have a good quality tire that can handle the load you intend to tow.