replacing tires - what all do i need to do

[Bailey'sMom]

Hi All

I am planning to buy new Good Year Endurance tires to replace my old tires. Plan to ship tires to local tire dealer who will install them for me.

I have not yet called a local tire place, I would like to know what questions to ask or what specifically I need to tell them about since it is a camper and not a car.

Also, is there anything else should i ask them to do?

1. Balance tires (any special instructions for trailer tires vs car tires?)
2. Valve stems - should I upgrade valve stems and if so, to what & why?
-- Is this done by the dealer when they install the tires? or,
-- Is it something I have to order with the tires?


Based on prior posts, I also know the following:
1. Must raise the shells to change tires
2. Do NOT jack it up on the axle

Please give me the "for dummies" version.

Thanks all!

 

[BillnSue-HILO]

Replacing tires

We just replaced ours today with the Goodyear Endurance. We went back with the original 14”. We purchased online and had them shipped to the house then took them to Firestone. They mounted them and balanced. I did have them put in a steel valve stem due to the fact they can take more abuse. Total other than my sweat was $255.00 for the pair. Well worth it. The tires on my 2006 2720SL were just 2 years old but made in China and I just didn’t trust them. I jacked one side up then put the stabilizers down as a safety. Took them in one at a time. Hope this helps!

 

[Bailey'sMom]

So they mounted and balanced.....meaning you took them home and put them back on? I need the tire dealer to do all of that.

We just replaced ours today with the Goodyear Endurance. We went back with the original 14”. We purchased online and had them shipped to the house then took them to Firestone. They mounted them and balanced. I did have them put in a steel valve stem due to the fact they can take more abuse. Total other than my sweat was $255.00 for the pair. Well worth it. The tires on my 2006 2720SL were just 2 years old but made in China and I just didn’t trust them. I jacked one side up then put the stabilizers down as a safety. Took them in one at a time. Hope this helps!

 

[BillnSue-HILO]

Tires

Yes I took them off and put them back on. Here I usually use Discount tire as they have a huge lot so I could have taken it in and let them do it all but they have temporarily closed all the Discount Tires in this area due to the rise of COVID

 

[tentcamper]

I do discount tire also. I think its about the same price when it's all done. Except every year when I pack the bearings I have them re-balance the tires for free. I think 2 years back it was around 360 for 3 tries.

 

[Bill]

Sara -

Yes, you have everything right, and BillAndSue are giving you the right advice. The installer should be very willing to balance them for you - you should insist on it, and expect to pay a few bucks. Some old-time tire shops will tell you "We never balance trailer tires". Unacceptable. Insist.

As long as they have the tires off the wheels, you may as well have them replace the valves. It is easy with the tires off, and the cost is minimal. You want bolt-in steel valves. If you have 14-inch (load range C) tires, replacement is optional, since the tires will be inflated to 50 psi max, and rubber valves will take this amount of pressure. If you are installing 15-inch (load range D) tires, insist on new valves, since they will be inflated to 65 psi, and a rubber valve is iffy at this pressure. And even if you will have 50 psi tires, you might as well have it done, since you might decide to switch to 65 psi tires at some time in the future.

Bill

 

[Bailey'sMom]

This is what I am buying. My current tires are Good Marathons same size.

Load rating E

 

[Larryjb-HILO]

Like some one else suggested, I'd take the wheels off myself and take them in. That way you know that no one else is messing with the shells and potentially damaging something.

Also, I'd consider replacing the spare as well. Trailer tires are not usually replaced because they wear out, it's because they age. I wouldn't trust the spare.

 

[Bailey'sMom]

Hi Larry

I am physically unable to remove them and bring them in, but I will be extremely detailed in telling them what they can and can’t do.

I am also getting a new spare.

Like some one else suggested, I'd take the wheels off myself and take them in. That way you know that no one else is messing with the shells and potentially damaging something.

Also, I'd consider replacing the spare as well. Trailer tires are not usually replaced because they wear out, it's because they age. I wouldn't trust the spare.

 

[Bill]

Sara -

The only thing you really need to do is watch over the tire jockey's shoulder as he shoves the jack under the trailer and begins to pump it. If he pushes it under the axle, yell "NO!", and make sure he moves it. Don't rely on verbal instructions you've given to the guy at the front desk.

Before you go, get on your knees in front of the wheel, and make sure you know where the axle is and where the frame is. You will need to recognize at a moment's notice where he has placed the jack.

Bill

 

[Larryjb-HILO]

My concern is with some guys being overly rough. Over the years I've had various parts of my vehicles damaged by service techs. If they open the shell and yank hard on it, is that what damages the shoulder bolt holes ( the elongating of those holes)? Will they yank on the awning to latch the shells?

I'm not trying to scare you. A lot of this is my own paranoia. I've had:
1) grease squested all over brake linings during an oil change.
2) bolts lept loose on ball joints, leaving just a few threads left before it would fall out and leave me with no steering control at 60 mph on the freeway.
3) bolts not torqued properly for the camber adjustment for alignment. The next shop was surprised I made it there.

( I'm sure you will be fine. I just get paranoid. I figure I've got 6 lives left. )

 

[Bailey'sMom]

Spare Tire Access

Can you give me a quick run down of how you access the spare tire? My TM is still in the garage right now.

I have never actually pulled it out in the 7 years i have owned my TM.

Thanks for all your help!

PS I have an appointment for Monday for the tires.

 

[Kidkraz]

Sara, I’d call ahead and talk with the shop manager. Most good shops will always work with the customer. Explain to the manager that you need to watch the tech who’ll be doing the work, so they get the jack placed properly as has been mentioned already.
When I had mine replaced the tech couldn’t figure out where to put the jack, he almost used the axle as Bill has mentioned. I stopped him, showed him where to place it. They should be able to swap the tires out with the trailer outside the building not inside in a bay.

 

[Bailey'sMom]

All done!

Hi all

thanks for the help. I took camper to tire dealer today and the balanced the tires, installed new metal valve stems, and installed them on the camper along with a new spare tire. Made sure that they jacked up on the frame and not the axle.

My tires were original tires so it was long past time to replace them. Had plenty of tread but obviously 11 yr old tires are problem waiting to happen.

Got the GoodYear Endurance load range E 225/75R15 tires.

Sara