14 inch load range D tire

Is there such a tire? I have trolled through this discussion and can't find any reference to such a beast. I have a 2720 SL and have had two flats so far in only 1 year. The present tires are ST215/75R14 size. The originals were Goodyear Marathons, of which only the original spare is left. I would rather not go through the trouble to switch to 15 inch wheels. What I need is a 14 inch load range D tire.

There are several tires that will work. I'm using the Kumho 875 in 205R14 size. They are load range D. I only have 200 miles on it so far, but I've liked it thus far. It's almost exactly the same height as the factory Marathon, but a little narrower (which I think is a good thing - gives some clearance for the fender covers). They'll fit the same rim as the Marathons.

I'd recommend also replacing your valve stems and balancing the wheel as well (if for nothing else then to keep the trailer's stuff from bouncing around and to keep the wheel bearings from getting beat up too badly).

Other than writing a check, I had no trouble at all changing to 15" rims and tires. Should you decide to do this, make sure your TM is a recent model with the lifted axle so you have a bit more clearance in the wheel well. And if you store in a garage larger tires will raise the TM a bit.

I purchased the Kumho, put steel stems and balanced also. My Goodyears were only two years old but I didn't want to take a chance on a failure. Purchased Kumhos from Tirerack.com and delivered in two days.

Currently running load range D 14's . . . See signature. No problems so far but not to many miles either.

We switched to Kumho's and they have worked well for 8,000 miles. They take more pressure and ride harder, so I would balance them to help with vibration. The grill on the stovetop bounced off with the new tires and now I put a towel on top when folding down to hold it in place.

What is the rating on the D rated Kumho's?

I have balanced the tires, but I don't understand the need for steel valve stems. What is wrong with the rubber ones? I haven't found Kuhmo tires anywhere. Do narrower tires have any advantage? I wonder why the load range D tires are narrower than the original equipment tires.

The valves are not necessary but recommended for the higher pressures. I think width and load are independent factors, load mostly impacted by sidewall strength. A narrower tire would have the advantage of less drag. I have been elated with my 195 14 Kuhmo's and I have 1800 miles on them in 1 year so far.

Originally Posted by terryh

I have balanced the tires, but I don't understand the need for steel valve stems. What is wrong with the rubber ones? I haven't found Kuhmo tires anywhere. Do narrower tires have any advantage? I wonder why the load range D tires are narrower than the original equipment tires.

Terry, I hope you are ready for some reading.

You can find the Kumho Euro tires at www.tirerack.com or here:

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...38&postcount=9

and all down the page here:

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...t=kumho&page=2

and here (all mixed in with 22 pages of posts)

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...&postcount=130

The Euro tire sizing (195/R14C Load Range D) is different from the metric tire sizing (215/75R14) and is explained here:

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...85&postcount=7

Here is just a few posts on the advantages/reasons of metal stems:

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...1&postcount=10

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...se+valve+stems

You should be occupied (or overloaded with info) for a while now. Sorry