new tires

[gregg-bean]

Almost time to buy new tires i need some thoughts.Lt for sure but what brands etc? Please help thanks.

[kingdaddy]

Do a search on tires and you will find lots of informative threads!
I am going with BFG Commercial T/As personally. Lots of people have had good luck with them.

[exav8tr]

For the Montana or the TV? Nice to know what model trailer and truck you have so we could make an informed recommendation....

[camper4]

Lonnie is the man. You can search here and get LOTS of info.
I have Michelin M/S on the TV and BFG Commercial TA's on the monty. I am happy with both.

[7.3Ford]

I put five BFG Commercial TA's on the Monty last September. Got them at Discount Tires. Very happy with them, and best part made in USA.

[Clemson1881]

I think the Goodyear Marathon or Missions are the tires of choice around here.

Choice to bash that is.

[sailer]

My bet is BFG on all 5 tires. I have 13000 miles now and they look like new..And USA made sailer

[moutard2]

Hey sailer ... your 2009 3465SA was factory shipped at 11,855 lbs. I'm assuming that you may have added some water, food, clothes, etc. to that weight and that you may be at 12,500 lbs. or more. The BFG Commercial T/A is a load range E with a maximum load rating of 3042 lbs. at 80 lbs. psi. That's a gross trailer weight of 12,124 lbs. You can do the math I'm sure!

[bncinwv]

Gotta subtract pin-weight moutard2, couple of thousand pounds difference there!!
Bingo

[8.1al]

Don't forget the pinbox or front legs carry 20-25% of that trailer weight. Ours weighs 13,600 but the pin weight is 2800, leaving 10,800 on the tires.

[moutard2]

Yes you're absolutely correct about deducting (most of the) pin weight! I'd like to see folks thinking more about safe weight limits though. I can't help but think all the discussion about the Marathon's blowing sidewalls may have more to do with weights, pressures and curbs than the quality of the tire. Thanks for pointing out the pin weight consideration however because it is in fact should be considered for sure.

[moutard2]

AND ... it's this kind of discussion that makes this forum invaluable!!!

[gregg-bean]

tires are for 2007 mountaineer 342pht model.I have firestone trans force at on tv. Which is a 2005 gmc sierra 2500hd duramax 6.6.

[NCFischers]

I deducted 2900# for tongue weight and my BF Goodrich Commercial TA's are well within weight range.

[moutard2]

Given that our roads are not always as smooth as glass, your tires experience different loads as you bounce along to your destination so please ensure that you've built in a good measure of safety into your weight calculations as the full pin weight is not always on the pin.

[DonandJudy_12]

I have my 3rd set of Firestone Transforce HTs on the Monty & a 2nd set on the TV in 8 years on the road fulltime- Am very satisfied with the service- Have not had a single failure so far- I maintain 80# in all tires- Good luck with your decision!! JHMO- Don

[DarMar]

One cannot simply take the loaded trailer weight minus the pin weight or take the trailer weight(all four tires scaled) then divide by four and assume they are ok on individual tire basis. That was fairly accurate when we had our 3400 and ran the BGFs. With our newer 3455, and I am sure similar models, there if FAR MORE weight carried on the drivers two tires than the curb two. Example our 3455 weights 11264 loaded with all four tires scaled, seems we should be OK with 3042 lb. tires, right. Problem is the drivers side weights 6072 lbs. and the passenger side is only 5192 lbs, a 3042 lb. tire just won't work. JMHO

[FLtravelers]

There's been lots of talk in here about Goodyear's G614's. My cheap Marathons only had one blowout (one too many) in the first 20,000 miles. I just switched to the G614's. I like the load range and 14 ply. We'll see how they do on the long haul.

[cgeis48]

I had a Montana 3400RL with the Marathon tires (Made in China) and I watched the air pressure like a hawk and had no tire failures. My full timing brother-in-law has the same 2011 Montana 3400RL and had a blowout that took out the side of his trailer. He's meticulous about his rig and his tires were at 80 psi.
Another brother-in-law, who is meticulous (must run in the family), had a 2010 Montana 3150RL and the same tires and had a blowout with extensive trailer damage. In both cases the blowout was on the side of the RV with the most slides. Personally I have my doubts about the quality of the tires. The repair shop said they were very much underrated for the 3400RL.
I just spoke with a Customer Service Rep at Keystone and was told the tires are more than adequate but, as I read (above) about the unbalanced weight distribution and the added weigh of liquid in the tanks plus two AC units, dual pane windows, etc - I wonder if they are marginal tires. The "Made In China" part is disturbing to me - China's record is not that good. I noted that some owners are more confident with the "Made in the USA" tires. I guess they don't want another set of Marathons.
The 3400RL with the Radius end cap accommodates very sharp turns which increases tire scrubbing to the extreme with a lot of weight on them - both of my brother-in-laws had tread separation and a blowout. Thoughts?

[pineranch]

Just put G-614's on yesterday. I now need to recheck the Monty's height. Looks like she's tall in the saddle, bullet proof with chest out.
Mike