ok, ok, tires again

[Texas Firefighter]

I am just a newbie at all of this. I have found this site very informative, which we try to research everything we buy for our truck and trailer. I have been reading on this site and others about Mission tires and other sub-standard RV tires. I was at Discount Tires today getting my truck tires rotated and balanced and looked at the Michelin XPS RIB LT 235/85R16E and it looks great. I have Michelin tires on everything but this trailer. OK, here is the questions: Will this tire fit on the trailer ok? The tire will be 1" taller so that means 2" closer. Will there be clearence? I think Michelin website said weight of 3042 lbs./80 psi. Will that work Ok with my trailer? My trailer (2955RL) weight empty is 9995 lbs. acording to Montana website. Will I have any warranty problems with these tires being LT and not ST? Will the trailer being 1" taller with these tires will it change anything towing it? Any input will help. Thank you, I know you folks are tired of talking about tires.

[rogue]

John, is the weight the same (9995#) on the sheet posted in the cupboard in your unit? In 2007 they increased the axle from 5200# to 6xxx#, but not sure when. That also increased the gross weight from 10,400 to around 12,xxx. My 2007 2955RL was made early (Aug 2006) and has the 5200# axles. Sorry I can't help on the tire question.

[bsmeaton]

John,

Look on the left front sticker (outside) and read what the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is. Each tire should support at least one half of that rating. None of the other weights should matter.

I cannot help with height, but I do know you also need to be careful with rim width requirements for the new tire size.

[Texas Firefighter]

Thanks Rogue and Brad. The sticker on the left front of my trailer has GVWR/12125 and GAWR/5200. If each tire will support 3042lbs, 3042x4=12,168lbs. Now did I do that right? Will that work?

[bsmeaton]

No

Your tires do not have to support GVWR, because a good portion of that is being supported by the truck.

Your tires are 3,042 each X 2 = 6,084 lbs capacity. Axle GAVWR 5,200 lbs (each axle holds 2 tires). Those tires will support the minimum axle rating with a 716 lb safety margin (6,084 - 5,200 = 716)

[Texas Firefighter]

Brad,
In your opinion, would these Michelin tires be a good tire for my trailer? Should I keep looking around at diffrent brands. We are getting ready for a trip, and this summer we will be going to New Mexico, with a couple of long legs to drive. I mostly want to be safe but I sure dont want any blowouts when the road heats up in the day. Is there another brand of tire you would recomend? Thanks again!

[LonnieB]

Texas Firefighter,

The difference in tire height is not going to be enough to cause any problems, and the wheels that came stock on your trailer are sufficient for the LT235/85R16 tires.

Brad is correct as far as the weight and tire limits are concerned, there should be no problem there either.

Warranty will not be an issue if you go with the LT vs ST. Some of the Montanas came from the factory with LT rated tires in the past.

[bsmeaton]

John,

There you go - Lonnie the Man answered the size issue. I wasn't sure.

As far as Michelins, they seem like a nice tire. I just put them on my DW SUV as replacements for those factory Continentals and I'm impressed so far.

I would put them on my trailer too, but our GAWR is 7,000 lbs so the tires would not carry the full weight of the axle. I could monitor my weight to make sure I don't go over the tire capacity, but I haven't been real succesful monitoring my own weight and the scale is right next to me in the bathroom .

[LonnieB]

John,

The Michelin XPS Rib is an excellent tire, and would work well on your trailer. I have Bridgestone commercial light truck tires on mine, they have a little higher load rating at 3085 lbs, cost quite a bit less, have a stiffer sidewall, and IMHO, will do the job as well as the Michelin.

[Texas Firefighter]

Lonnie and Brad,
Thank you for your help. I think I will get them. Still going to look at a few more brands before I do. Brad I see you are or were a fed. firefighter. Are you still on the job?

[bsmeaton]

Thanks for noticing John! No more - I now do consulting work for DOE fire protection across the US.

Not that I wanted to leave, but they tore the nuke plant down a few years ago. Leveled - flat - grass and birds and Forest Gump on his lawnmower

[jjackflash]

Here's another discussion same topic.
Jack
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=26791

[krtam]

http://www.goodyear.com/rv/pdf/rvbrochure.pdf

Checkout this website listed on another post.
Our new Montana came with basic Goodyear tires listed in the brochure. (not Missions, yea!)
I noticed in the Anniversary edition amenities, Goodyear tires are included. So even though our 2008 Montana is not an Anniversary edition we got the Goodyear tires. I guess Keystone does listen.
Does anyone know if the Goodyear tires are an improvement??
Sharon

[bsmeaton]

Kevin,

Which Goodyear tires are installed?

[krtam]

I believe they are the Goodyear Marathon. I just checked and they have these numbers on them ST235/80R16. does that help?

[jjackflash]

quote:Originally posted by krtam

I believe they are the Goodyear Marathon. I just checked and they have these numbers on them ST235/80R16. does that help?

Goodyear Marathon like Mission tires made in China!

[wersqu]

To add one more manufacturer. my 2003 Monty came with Ameritrac General LT 235/55 R16's stock from the factory. I have not had one problem with them. I will be replacing them within the next two weeks as they are now 5 years old. Plenty of tread but I believe in the 5 year replacement theory. I will be replacing them with an LT tire. I have a tire shop I trust and I will go with their recomendation on the next set.

[LonnieB]

Tim,

Are you sure of the size on your tires? I have gone through every tire data book I own, and cannot find an LT235/55R16 with a load range/rating high enough to carry the weight of these Montanas. Maybe you meant LT235/85R16?