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Old 10-16-2017, 06:25 PM   #1
mtlakejim
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Best choice tires for large Keystone

We just purchased a 2018 High Country HM 381TH. This is a 41', three axle, toy hauler hybrid. I have heard a LOT about "Chinese tires" that come stock from the factory. Having experienced what a blowout can do in the past I am naturally concerned.

While we are not made out of gold, I do spend money where it matters and obviously tires matter, a LOT. Our typical load will include a motorcycle and kayaks in the garage. I generally tend to drive with the flow of traffic pacing with the 18 wheelers on interstates (with a good front cushion). That means that it is not unusual for me to run at about 74mph on open stretches of highway. I generally think it is far safer to go with the flow than drive the speed limit (its the idiots that drive really fast and lane change or the slow pokes blocking traffic that get us all in trouble isn't it?). For certain, I ALWAYS like to have a cushion of safety in the tire rating. That being said I have the following questions:
1. Are the factory tires safe for the for the first year (we typically just camp a couple times a month within a 3 hour drive from the house with an occasional longer trip maybe once per year)? Or should I replace them immediately?
2. What is the best mid priced (as in we don't want the cheapest but don't want to break the bank either) tire brand and what load range/rating should I get to have a good safety "cushion"?
3. Related to above, I hear a lot about ST, LT and such ratings. What is really the best to run on a trailer? Is it a cost thing or what?
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Old 10-16-2017, 06:36 PM   #2
mhs4771
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I guess it depends on what tires your new unit has. If they're Rainier I wouldn't move it off the lot until they were changed. Our Travel friends went through all 5 Rainier tires on their new Jayco a couple of years ago on our Canadian Maritime trip.
A good mid-priced tire that seems to be working good is the Sailun S637, many here on the Forum swear by them.
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Old 10-16-2017, 06:45 PM   #3
Lenny K
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How about telling us what brand and load range you have on it now. Wouldn't be surprised if you had Sailun tires on it already. If so, you are good to go as they have been the tire of choice by most members.
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Old 10-16-2017, 07:02 PM   #4
CaptnJohn
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All I'll add is my 2017 HC arrived with Rainier tires ~~ LR E for crying out loud! I called the tire shop and asked the owner to get me Sailun 235/80/R16 LRG tires, including one for the spare. They are rated at 4080#. He called and said he found them but also found the 235/85 R16 LRG for $10 less each. These are rated at 4400#. The 5er went from the dealer to the tire shop. The owner gave me $30 each for the OEM tires. I had previously contacted the manufacturer of the wheels and confirmed they were rated for 110 PSI. The valve stems are metal as well.
Installed the bill was $875 minus $150 for the OEM so $725 to replace 5. The 235/80/R16 Sailuns are now standard on Montana models.
I considered paying twice as much for the 2nd best ~ GY G614,, for about 3 seconds.
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Old 10-16-2017, 07:03 PM   #5
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You need a good G rated tire, Sailum or Goodyear G614s. Either one will work. The Silum is the cheapest. I WOULD NOT go on any long trips with the standard ST tires that most likely came on your camper.
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Old 10-31-2017, 09:19 PM   #6
Eddiea
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I agree, have had two fail in less than a year
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Old 05-30-2018, 10:13 PM   #7
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I switched to Goodyear G614 RST TIRES, after blowing 5 China bombs. The G614 is made for 5th wheels. Never have to worry about blowouts again.
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Old 05-30-2018, 11:25 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by jhardenbrook View Post
I switched to Goodyear G614 RST TIRES, after blowing 5 China bombs. The G614 is made for 5th wheels. Never have to worry about blowouts again.
Most are going to Sailun S637 as they have a better reputation than the G614 at half the cost. Also, OEM on new Montanas.
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Old 05-31-2018, 12:06 AM   #9
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Yikes, just bought new set of G614s today. I’ll consider that new OEM Tire in three or four years. We are full time.
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Old 05-31-2018, 02:43 AM   #10
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jhardinbrook, I would not be so quick. First hit on Bing.... http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/24548901.cfm
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Old 05-31-2018, 08:21 AM   #11
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Tire replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptnJohn View Post
Most are going to Sailun S637 as they have a better reputation than the G614 at half the cost. Also, OEM on new Montanas.
The “Sailun” tires are made in China. Considering not only our tariff issues going on, in the event like most things from China, their general product quality hasn’t improved, the warranty replacement and store location will certainly be a factor when on the road. “We’ve had great performance and longevity with the Good Year G614’s” and Good Year stands behind their products nationwide...
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Old 05-31-2018, 10:21 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by perfect5th View Post
The “Sailun” tires are made in China. Considering not only our tariff issues going on, in the event like most things from China, their general product quality hasn’t improved, the warranty replacement and store location will certainly be a factor when on the road. “We’ve had great performance and longevity with the Good Year G614’s” and Good Year stands behind their products nationwide...
I'll stay with Sailun as I prefer not to have problems. The 614 is a good tire, Sailun just has fewer complaints. If prices go up they are unlikely to more than double to equal 614 price. Quality? I'll happily pay for it and Sailun is above reproach. My dealer gets them overnight like 614s. To each their own comfort level.
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Old 10-16-2017, 07:04 PM   #13
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Understand this is a brand new 2018 that was already on the lot (IE: we didn't order it in from the factory). Came with Rainer ST. ST235/180R load range F.
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Old 10-16-2017, 07:07 PM   #14
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And I should mention this is a triple axle....
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Old 10-16-2017, 10:01 PM   #15
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Even the cost of replacing six tires is still far cheaper than the down time and the cost of many thousands of dollars in repairs that will be needed when any of the six blow and destroy your trailer. Many ignore the suggestion to replace their new tires with the good G range tires, then cry when they do have one fail and the side of the trailer is all mangled. It's all about what you are willing to risk and can afford, also known as risk management.
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Old 10-17-2017, 01:04 PM   #16
mtlakejim
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Rohrmann,


Having seen what a blowout can do and just generally preferring everything I have to be overbuilt leads me to lean toward replacing the tires. I did on the last camper I bought (used) even though I had a blowout before I got the chance to get it to the tire shop.


That is why I am on here asking the questions to see how the factory tires fair and determine what to go to that will give me plenty of excess rating.


Fortunately I have a flatbed trailer that can take the factory tires so I won't lose a lot of money. If I had ordered the trailer from the factory instead of taking the one on the lot, I would have asked about the tires and got better ones to reduce the hassle.


Thanks for all the responses so far.
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Old 10-20-2017, 09:32 AM   #17
beeje
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I don't care what brand tires they are. IF THEY ARE ST TIRES, GET THEM OFF ASAP. Just got back from the Talladega race and on the way home saw probably a dozen or more trailers on the roadside with blown tires.
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Old 10-20-2017, 01:08 PM   #18
CaptnJohn
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beeje View Post
I don't care what brand tires they are. IF THEY ARE ST TIRES, GET THEM OFF ASAP. Just got back from the Talladega race and on the way home saw probably a dozen or more trailers on the roadside with blown tires.
I'll keep my Sailun 235/85r16 ST tires made in China on my 5er before any LT tire plus $1000.
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Old 10-20-2017, 01:04 PM   #19
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I wonder if lesser tires wouldn't work here. Axle weight is about 4400 per axle. That is only 2200 per tire - way under any tire you would put on these units.
Just a thought......
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Old 10-20-2017, 04:35 PM   #20
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Most here are saying stay away from the ST tires. Why? Also folks are saying the Sailun S637 is a good tire but both the 235/80R16 G load index 129/125L 14 ply max 4,080# @110psi *AND* the 235/85R16 G load index 132/127L 14 ply max 4,400# @110psi are ST tires. http://www.sailuntires.ca/MRT/S637.html
I'm considering looking at the Sailun S637 235/75R17.5 load index 143/141L 16 ply max 6,005# @125psi. With new rims total $$ will be ~$2,000.
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