New Tires and Wheels

[FlyboyTR]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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-HILO]

...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]

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]

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-HILO]

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

 

[dab1950]

St225/75r15 ?

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.

 

[FoosShark]

I have a 2004 2619 and I was thinking of ordering these 15"x6" wheels from etrailer.com
https://www.etrailer.com/p-560545WS2.html

because of the Load rating: Capacity: 2,830 lbs

and using the Endurance ST225/75r15 E rated tires capacity 2830 lbs

Etrailer seems to be the only outlet selling 15"x6" wheels with a load rating over 2200 lbs (that are not 6 lug)

you can also use promo code 98XL3 for 5% off

 

[FlyboyTR]

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.

Thanks. I have read several posts where people were using the 225... I will look at that again this morning. Thanks!

 

[FlyboyTR]

I have a 2004 2619 and I was thinking of ordering these 15"x6" wheels from etrailer.com
https://www.etrailer.com/p-560545WS2.html

because of the Load rating: Capacity: 2,830 lbs

and using the Endurance ST225/75r15 E rated tires capacity 2830 lbs

Etrailer seems to be the only outlet selling 15"x6" wheels with a load rating over 2200 lbs (that are not 6 lug)

you can also use promo code 98XL3 for 5% off

Dang..... Those were the wheels I intended to order. I clicked on the wrong ones. I just checked and they have already been shipped. I will contact eTrailer this morning. Thanks for posting this.

 

[Bill]

Correct me if I'm wrong but ST225/75R15 tires on a 2720 are too big with or without a lift kit.

Well, that's not quite right. I had ST225/75R15's on my 2720SL, and they fit just fine. My trailer did have a factory-installed 2.5 inch lift, but there was more clearance above than was required by Dexter's 3-inch rule.

What does NOT work is 7-inch wide wheels, rather than 6-inch. While the tire fits the wheels just fine, the whole thing is just a bit too wide for the wheel well, and requires that the wheel well cover be modified a bit. If you are tempted to do this, look at post #57 by RockyMtnRay in 2007 in this thread
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/forum/showthread.php?p=36373&highlight=inch#post36373.

In the same thread, Ray also found that a 15-inch tire also had plenty of clearance above, even with no lift kit. Remember, a 15-inch tire has only about 3/8 inch more radius (above the axle) than a 14-inch tire.

Bill

 

[FlyboyTR]

Well, that's not quite right. I had ST225/75R15's on my 2720SL, and they fit just fine. My trailer did have a factory-installed 2.5 inch lift, but there was more clearance above than was required by Dexter's 3-inch rule.

In the same thread, Ray also found that a 15-inch tire also had plenty of clearance above, even with no lift kit. Remember, a 15-inch tire has only about 3/8 inch more radius (above the axle) than a 14-inch tire.

Bill

Bill,
Thanks for the clarification on that. Appreciated!

 

[wbmiller3]

Both the Goodyear and Carlisle tires I use are ST225/75R15

 

[FlyboyTR]

UPDATE...

All my parts from TM came in, without hardware for the lift kit (I will buy locally). Still no invoice, confirmation email, etc, etc. Also, nothing has been billed to my credit card. I will give them a few days on that and check with them to see if they would like to get paid. Odd...........

I found all the bearing to be in good shape but am replacing all of them anyway. The brake shoes were cracked x4 and the magnets were worn. I went ahead and ordered a pair of self adjusting brakes and will just start new.

My new wheels arrived and the Goodyear's will be mounted today. I will have everything sitting and waiting for the brakes to arrive...then mount up and be ready to leave on the four week trip this Saturday! CRAZY...

Running out of time...but covering a lot of ground!

 

[FlyboyTR]

Second Update...

Removed the axle, ground down the welds and prepared to install the new lift kit. Yep...another problem. The lift kit tubing was drilled at 9" center to center. My axle is 8" center to center on the mounting bolts.

I am growing weary of this mess........................sigh.

Oh a happy note, my credit card was charged for the items. However, I still have no invoice. Again...................sigh...............

I ended up turning the square tube a quarter turn and redrilled it to 11/16" (same as the misplaced holes. Anyway...It is now installed!

 

[Bill]

UPDATE...

All my parts from TM came in ... My new wheels arrived and the Goodyear's will be mounted today.

Of course, after the tires are mounted on the new wheels, you will have them balanced. Do not skip this, no matter what the tire jockey tells you. Balance the spare, too, if you have time and it isn't already done.

Before mounting the tires, it is not a bad idea to replace the rubber valve stems that came pre-loaded into the wheels, upgrading them to metal bolt-in stems. The rubber stems are good for 50 psi, but not so much for 65 psi. And the rubber ones tend to crack after a while, especially if you ever get stem-mounted TPMS sensors.

Bill

 

[FlyboyTR]

Of course, after the tires are mounted on the new wheels, you will have them balanced. Do not skip this, no matter what the tire jockey tells you. Balance the spare, too, if you have time and it isn't already done.

Before mounting the tires, it is not a bad idea to replace the rubber valve stems that came pre-loaded into the wheels, upgrading them to metal bolt-in stems. The rubber stems are good for 50 psi, but not so much for 65 psi. And the rubber ones tend to crack after a while, especially if you ever get stem-mounted TPMS sensors.

Bill

I had specified metal valve stems and balancing, also noted on the invoice. After an exhausting day...I went and picked them up. $274.00 for two Goodyear Endurance tires, mounted and balanced with customer carry out. They loaded them in my car. I didn't even look at them until about 30 minutes ago, after installing a new shower faucet in the TM. What could top of this day.... there's not the first sign of a weight anywhere on either tire. Also the valve stems are metal with the rubber pull through (they type that a TPMS sensor can be added to the inside...NOT what I had requested). I'm at the end of my road (which doesn't happen often...). So tomorrow I will carry them back up there and get them balanced and see what we can do about the stems.

Had my horizontal LP tanks recertified today. They expired 4 months ago. $41 for the pair. Stopped by Costco to fill them up with LP...only to find they were out of LP...maybe tomorrow!