14 inch load range D tire

I just bought a 2006 TM 2027 SL, brought it home and was barely able to get it in the driveway. There is a dip where the driveway and road meet, on backing the trailer in it scraped badly on the concrete.

Is there a simple way to raise the trailer to increase clearance without going through the expense of upgrading to 15" wheels?

I did not think to measure after changing to 15" wheels, but I don't think the 15's really gain you that much. Maybe 3/4" ? Others more experienced will answer I'm sure, but I suspect the answer would be to install a lift kit.

The other thing I noticed dealing with the same issue, is to make sure your hitch height and load leveling (WDH) are correct. Good luck!

Ranger Rick - The factory has a lift kit that you can purchase. If you like to work on things you may be able to install it yourself. See signature.

Originally Posted by Ranger Rick

Is there a simple way to raise the trailer to increase clearance without going through the expense of upgrading to 15" wheels?

The simplest way may be to put some 2x4s down in the dip. I know that doesn't increase your clearance, but if that is the only place where you have problems, it might work for just parking.

[MudDog]

Are you scraping on the rear of the trailer, or at the hitch...or both?

If it's only for a short distance and WDH is properly adjusted, you may be able to install some skid wheels.

My dad had the type in the first picture in the below link on the rear of his Komfort trailer years ago.

The "Mini-Roller Weld-On" look to be more durable...

http://www.rvpartscenter.com/RV_Part...kid_wheels.htm

[mecicon]

I have read every post and cross post on Tires, Tires, Tires...

Most of my travel will be in the 4th and 1st quarter of the calendar year. Heat should not be an issue, the bearings are packed, the trailer will be packed not over the limit but packed (hunting gear, dog food, propane, toilet charged, fresh water full, food, clothing, et cetera).

Having just purchased the TM I would rather put $400 in tires than $600-$700 in tires and lift kit, at this time.

Of all the 14" Load Range "D" tires what can be recommended?

Cooper?
Kumho?
Hankook?
Michelin?
Triangle?

I have not found any Continentals yet.

Or are they all about the same. I understand that balance is vitally important with the harder riding tire. I found some Coopers (on ebay) and of course Sears has Hankook and Kumho. Every independent tire dealer looks at me like I am a unicorn when I tell them what I want.

Tell me your experience Brand, # Miles, # Years with the tires.

Thank you.

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by mecicon

Having just purchased the TM I would rather put $400 in tires than $600-$700 in tires and lift kit, at this time.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. A set of tires will cost you $300-$400, and the lift kit costs about $40 and can be installed yourself or done by a shop for probably $50. But you may already have the lift kit as it was installed on later models.

So first off, what model do you have?

Perhaps more important than brand is weight capacity. I would simply install the tire with the greatest capacity I could find. Of all the brands you listed, except for Triangle for which I am unfamiliar, I would go with any of them, provided they all had the same capacity and they were all trailer tires. Do not install passenger vehicle tires on your trailer.

If you move up to a 15" wheel, you can get a E load range tire, which puts you in an even better position.

As you can see in my signature, I have had 2 Kumho blowouts, just 2 days apart.

Dave

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

I'm not sure what you mean by this. A set of tires will cost you $300-$400, and the lift kit costs about $40 and can be installed yourself or done by a shop for probably $50. But you may already have the lift kit as it was installed on later models.

So first off, what model do you have?

Perhaps more important than brand is weight capacity. I would simply install the tire with the greatest capacity I could find. Of all the brands you listed, except for Triangle for which I am unfamiliar, I would go with any of them, provided they all had the same capacity and they were all trailer tires. Do not install passenger vehicle tires on your trailer.

If you move up to a 15" wheel, you can get a E load range tire, which puts you in an even better position.

As you can see in my signature, I have had 2 Kumho blowouts, just 2 days apart.

Dave

You are generally right about the price, but I am going to replace all three tires with load range D. The 15" would require lift kit, tires and wheels.

My TM is a 2006 2619 with (currently) 14" wheels.

I am NOT considering anything but a trailer tire, hence load range D.

How many miles on your Kumhos?

How many years?

Thanks.

[ShrimpBurrito]

FYI, my Kumhos just blew out a few months ago after 3 years and who knows how many mlies. Maybe 10,000 at most. Mileage is never the issue -- the tires looked practically brand new.

I upgraded to 15" wheels at that point. It's not as expensive as you think. The tires are roughly the same price, and wheels are only about $35-$40 each (x3). Total cost for labor, tires, mounting, and wheels was ~$500. I'd much rather pay an extra $100-$150 now than change another tire in 100 degree heat and waste 6 hours on a trip.

You probably already have the lift kit installed.

Dave

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

You probably already have the lift kit installed.

Dave

I will check that first. If it already has the lift kit I will just go with 15".

It seems like its the 'years' not the 'miles' that matters most on these tires.