Tire Suggestions

So as we were strapping down the tarp last night we noticed we probably just made it in the driveway. So we need new tires! We have a 2002 3023 what brand tires do you all recommend? Thanks Kate

[Redtail Cruiser]

You can't go wrong with Maxxis, load range D or E.

[Padgett]

I agree MAXXIS is probably the favorite tire but there are ofthers. Agree with LR D or E but key is that the tire rating is greater (I prefer 15-25% greater) than the static weight of the trailer on the axle. Also look for a tire with a nylon cap/overlay (essentially an extra belt).

I have Power King TowMax STR on my 2720SL but only have about 500 miles on them.

Some things to be careful of:
1) Have the tires balanced (yes trailer tires need balancing also perhaps more than a car since there are no shocks.)
2) Make sure they put on high pressure valve stems (LRD tires run at 65 psi, LRE at 80 psi)
3) Make sure the wheels are correct for the tire.
4) ST tires are only rated for 65 mph and only with proper inflation.

[tentcamper]

What brand tire did you have? What was the date code on the tire?

I agree MAXXIS is probably the favorite tire after the problems that goodyear was having with tires manufactured several years ago. My only concern when I was looking for tires, no one had Maxxis in stock. The tire shops around me, it would take 2 day to get one. I don't want to be on the road in BFE and lose a tire and not be able to find a replacement or wait 2 days.

I ended up with goodyears with a date code late in 13. We put about 8K miles on them this year without any issues.

[scrubjaysnest]

We have a set of Duran load range E. They are some kind of off brand but no trouble so far. Two years old. They will get another 4k plus miles in Dec. this year.

[hillbillyhotel]

also have them mount the new tires with the date code facing outward,

now two seasons on our maxxis , about 6 k on them, so far has served us well. no problems

They are Goodyear marathon trailer tires, but where do you find the manufactures date on them?

[Padgett]

May be only on one side but will be at the end of the DOT string and four numbers (this century) , two for the week and two for the year e.g. 3413 would be the 34th week of 2013. First two characters in the DOT string tell you who made it and where. See here.

[tentcamper]

When you go to get new tries. If the spare is as old as that camper, I would also replace it. It may look new, but it most likely will not hold up very long if you use it.

Trailer tires become a problem with age. Many people including myself, feel to play it safe, trailer tires should be replaced when they are between 4-5 years old. What I have read, it seems that oldest anyone said you you should let your trailer get is 7 years old. It seems people range from 4 years to 7 years with a lot of people in the 5 year camp.

Bottom line for me is, I don't want to be on the side of the road or fixing my camper when a tire go's. When you spread out the cost of the 3 tires over 4 years vs 7 years there not much cost difference per year. I figure it about $50 per year. $115 per year for 4 years vs $64 per year for 7 years.

[davlin]

+1 on the five year mark, tentcamper.

Dave