New Tires and Wheels

FlyboyTR · 04-17-2019, 10:37 AM

My project for an 8K mile trip, starting in about 2 weeks, is putting the pressure on me for upgrades and repairs before hitting the road.

Our recently acquired 07 2720 still has 14" tires. The previous owner replaced all 3 of them and the tires are dated 3017...so they are close to two years old. I want to go up to a load range D and since I am a fan of the Goodyear Endurance (just put 5 of them on our Surveyor travel trailer) I will putting two new ones (ST225/75R15) on the ground and leaving the spare as is. One of my local tire stores will supply 2 tires, mount, balance and install metal valve stems for $210! That's a deal I can't pass up.

Wheels... I went with the Dexter 15x6 white wheel.
I will be running around 50-55 PSI on the tires and I think this will provide a good margin of safety. https://www.etrailer.com/p-AM20522.html

Lift Kit... I ordered the lift kit on Monday...but still have no shipping date. I have concerns that I will have new wheels/tires ready to be installed and then no lift kit. I sure hope TM ships all my goodies STAT! I will be livid if I don't get the lift kit in time...and then have to purchase 2 more 14" Goodyear tires to go on the OEM wheels.

Still got to inspect the wheel bearings/seals and repair/adjust or replace the brakes.

OK...back to working on the TM...

BrucePerens · 04-17-2019, 11:13 AM

You have the option to take your eight thousand mile trip on your two year old tires and the existing equipment. This might be the best prospect, as you then won't have to rush to do this reasonably large job. Actually having all the parts you need on hand within two weeks is problematical, especially since the brakes and bearings are still question marks.

However, if you are dead set on going ahead, you can buy some steel tubing and fabricate the lift kit on a drill press. Here is what you are getting, it looks simple enough. Was it clear that the lift kit was in stock? It is possible that Trailmanor might not have a lift kit on hand, and will have to manufacture it before sending it to you.

Shane826 · 04-17-2019, 11:14 AM

Keep in mind that if your don’t run the max pressure listed on the tires, you’re not getting the full load rating. So those LR-D tires may not have much more load capacity at 50-55psi than your current tires do.

FlyboyTR · 04-17-2019, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrucePerens

You have the option to take your eight thousand mile trip on your two year old tires and the existing equipment. This might be the best prospect, as you then won't have to rush to do this reasonably large job. Actually having all the parts you need on hand within two weeks is problematical, especially since the brakes and bearings are still question marks.

However, if you are dead set on going ahead, you can buy some steel tubing and fabricate the lift kit on a drill press. Here is what you are getting, it looks simple enough.
]

Bruce,
You make a valid point. Thanks for the picture. I have considered building my own lift kit (I have the tools and talent). But when Sonja at TM quoted $24 for the kit...I just jumped on that. However, I have read reports that TM is slow to ship...which may not work in my favor.

Brakes and bearings are an easy task for me. So that shouldn't take more than a few hours. ...which reminds me...I need to order two bearing dust caps & rubber end plugs. These look like they were beat to death with a 2x4 and are oval shaped. End plugs are dry rotted and don't fit the oval hole.

Thanks again...appreciated!

BrucePerens · 04-17-2019, 01:32 PM

You've got new seals, right? Can't ever take a hub off without replacing them. It sounds like you've packed bearings before.

**Larryjb** · 04-17-2019, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyboyTR

...However, I have read reports that TM is slow to ship...which may not work in my favor.
....

I got my torsion bars in a week, I think. However, I'm sure they have tons of those in stock for the new trailers. Lift kits may have to be fabricated and put together before shipping, I'm not sure. I guess it depends on if the same lift kit you buy is the same as what's already installed in the new TM.

FlyboyTR · 04-17-2019, 02:47 PM

Shane,
Running at 50 PSI = 2,150 lbs and at 55 PSI will provide 2,270 lbs of support. That is still way above the OEM tires. At 65 PSI the load rating is now up to 2,540 lbs per tire! In my opinion...everything is a trade off. Running a LRD tire at 65 PSI will ride good if you're toting the appropriate weight. Estimating 3,400 lbs loaded, at 55 PSI I am still good for 4,540 lbs. Running high PSI and a light load isn't going to hurt the tire (it will love it), but your trailer will be beat and shook to pieces. While this is fact...I offer it as my opinion!

This is a link to Goodyear's tire loading chart. The first tire is the Goodyear Endurance. https://www.goodyearrvtires.com/pdfs/rv_inflation.pdf

Bruce,
Always good to hang out those reminders. Yes, I should have about 6 seals on the shelf and possibly even the Timken bearings. I have a full "home" shop with a lift and have turned wrenches most of my 62 years...although, thankfully as a hobby. We have 5 boats, 3 RV's and 4.5 vehicles. I maintain everything...at least that way I know it was done right and if it wasn't I know who to blame! LOL

Larry,
Glad you got your torsion bars quickly. I hope it is something they can ship quickly. I don't like hanging in limbo!

Thanks again to all for the input! Appreciated!

**Bill** · 04-17-2019, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

Lift kits may have to be fabricated and put together before shipping, I'm not sure. I guess it depends on if the same lift kit you buy is the same as what's already installed in the new TM.

Does TM still install lift kits on new trailers? I didn't think do. Instead, they have gone to an axle with a different starting angle, which raises the body the same amount as a lift kit used to raise it.

I know my 2006 TM had a factory-installed lift kit, but I think it was one of the last. My point is that they may indeed have to fabricate a kit, rather than pulling one from stock.

Bill

**Larryjb** · 04-17-2019, 03:26 PM

Sonja's very good at answering e-mail. You could ask her if the lift kits are in stock and ready to ship.

**dab1950** · 04-17-2019, 03:27 PM

Travis, et al,

Correct me if I'm wrong but ST225/75R15 tires on a 2720 are too big with
or without a lift kit. I think you meant to buy ST205/75R15 LRD. That's what I
found on my 2006 2720 SL. Previous owner upgraded wheels.

Welcome to the TM family.