Changing tires on a Solitude, Damage to wheels

**Txfivver** · 04-13-2021, 06:44 AM

When I had my Sailuns installed I took them to a local truck tire shop that balanced the Westlakes last year. They also struggled with getting the Westlakes off and even more so getting the Sailuns on. These G rated trailer tires are pretty darn stiff in the sidewall area. They wanted to use truck tire irons because their typical tire mounting machine couldn't do it. I said no way, that would damage the rims. They used 3 guys to help on the machine and it still took 3 hours to swap over 5 Sailuns, no rim damage though. Your damage is from using tire irons, sorry it happened.

**Viper02** · 04-13-2021, 06:58 AM

For one the valve stems are NOT what is required for high pressure.. ALL metal screw on is ALL that should have been put on and they owe you new rims ... I have a tire changer here at the house and change tire all the time and this is below amateur work

**bfs673** · 04-13-2021, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by geotex1

So, I just looked at your photo closely on my laptop. I do not know the recommended tire pressures for your 2018 from the factory nor the size of Sailuns your replaced them with, but do know I have never come across a snap-in valve stem rated more than 100psi (cold pressure). Be sure you have appropriate stems for your application. I personally only run valve stems that match the maximum cold inflation inflation pressure of the tire, which is just left over from my years in my old money-pit of a hobby! LOL

Oh swell, I had no idea about snap-in valve stems. They mentioned replacing the valve stems and used a high pressure stem... clearly not high pressure enough. I went with the same size as the OEM tire and same rating.
I'm glad you said something. I just searched for snap-in valve stems, and haven't found one rated for > 100psi either.

Now I'm really

**boyscout** · 04-13-2021, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by bfs673

Has anyone changed tires on their Solitude? Picked them up this afternoon, got them home, and to my surprise they are scratched significantly, and the rim is severely damaged in multiple places where it was obviously a crow bar or bar of some sorts. Am I crazy to think these should've been installed without significant damage ?!? It's EVERY wheel. I don't think I'm being nit-picky here. Below is an one of them.

We had a tire repaired at roadside by a tire specialist who seemed to know what he was doing. After struggling for long minutes to get the tire off the rim so he could repair it, he advised that he'd have to get rough with it and might damage the rim. He pulled out some really big irons and did get it off. Did some visible damage, but nothing nearly as severe as that in your photo.

Good luck in your battle.

**bfs673** · 04-13-2021, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by geotex1

I'm sorry, but where are you located and had this done? There's nothing special about the wheels from Lionshead. Any tire shop with modern tire changing equipment can easily break them off and install new without damage! Even any if the Tire King franchised brands!

I'm in the Albany NY area. I went to 3 different tire shops before I could find someone willing/able to install these G rated tires.

I've sent the company an email with well documented photos of all 4 wheels. They called back and stated the job was difficult and had to use bars. Offered to refund my mounting fee.
I declined the refund and will continue to work with them on new wheels.

Oh, called multiple tire shops. NO ONE can do these wheels with the standard tire machine.

Why is this such a nightmare?
How do shops that are capable complete this job?
Is there a different machine that is needed that most shops just don't have?

I'm a bit beside myself here.

**Txfivver** · 04-13-2021, 11:50 AM

@bfs673 what part of the country are you in? Have you called truck tire shops or a trailer dealer? Dealers that sell horse trailers, gooseneck car hauler trailers etc often have the equipment to mount the G tires. The place I used had an old clapped out tire machine like the ones you see at Discount Tire or Walmart tire shops etc. It was worn out and barely mounted to the floor lol but that's why it took 3 guys to hold the tire and the machine. They heavily soaped the tire bead and that poor old machine got it done with no damage. They use tire irons on the big semi tires because those guys could care less about a scraped up rim. I would call the truck tire shops or equipment / construction trailer dealers in your area. Good luck to you man! Here's mine after the Sailuns were mounted, no damage to rim.

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**JKellerJr** · 04-13-2021, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by bfs673

Oh, called multiple tire shops. NO ONE can do these wheels with the standard tire machine.

Why is this such a nightmare?
How do shops that are capable complete this job?
Is there a different machine that is needed that most shops just don't have?

I'm a bit beside myself here.

Discount tire said the same thing after initially saying they would. Went across the street to Firestone complete auto care and they did it on their standard machine without any issue or damage. And they were cheaper than what discount quoted.

**bfs673** · 04-13-2021, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Txfivver

@bfs673 what part of the country are you in? Have you called truck tire shops or a trailer dealer? Dealers that sell horse trailers, gooseneck car hauler trailers etc often have the equipment to mount the G tires. The place I used had an old clapped out tire machine like the ones you see at Discount Tire or Walmart tire shops etc. It was worn out and barely mounted to the floor lol but that's why it took 3 guys to hold the tire and the machine. They heavily soaped the tire bead and that poor old machine got it done with no damage. They use tire irons on the big semi tires because those guys could care less about a scraped up rim. I would call the truck tire shops or equipment / construction trailer dealers in your area. Good luck to you man! Here's mine after the Sailuns were mounted, no damage to rim.

Good idea on the commercial trailer shops. I've tried calling my local RV shop, and were not very helpful. They outsource to a local shop, called the shop and they weren't really sure what I was talking about, and had no input on the snap-in valve stem; everything I've read so far leads me to believe this is bad.

Have calls into other larger RV shops in the area; we'll see what they say.

**geotex1** · 04-13-2021, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by bfs673

I'm in the Albany NY area. I went to 3 different tire shops before I could find someone willing/able to install these G rated tires.

I've sent the company an email with well documented photos of all 4 wheels. They called back and stated the job was difficult and had to use bars. Offered to refund my mounting fee.
I declined the refund and will continue to work with them on new wheels.

Oh, called multiple tire shops. NO ONE can do these wheels with the standard tire machine.

Why is this such a nightmare?
How do shops that are capable complete this job?
Is there a different machine that is needed that most shops just don't have?

I'm a bit beside myself here.

I can only speculate the shops are very small and/or cater to just average passenger tires. If so, the machines they use are painfully basic, but a skilled user can still use them without butchery! The issue is large diameter with stiff sidewall. This is not a common automotive combination and even machines for run-flats aren't correct because of the overall diameter involved. That said, I've never seen a shop that sells serious 4x4 tires not have a more advanced tilt arm machine with assist. The local chain joint here has made it no-brainer with Hunter Revolution machines. The truck and trailer shop I go to, uses a heavy duty machine (635HD) which is super convenient and easy to use (yes, I have) and between tulip clamp and the hook, there's no damage! Imagine telling a burly trucker you've torn up his 22.5 or 24.5 inch mirror polished Alcoas because it was hard...

**bfs673** · 04-14-2021, 11:23 AM

I am pleased to note the repair facility has taken full responsibility for the damage and has ordered all new wheels for the trailer.
The GM for the company (they have multiple locations) reached out today to discuss as well.

They are also investigating use of the snap-in valve stem; something they claim are used in semi-trucks that they work on. I've requested they only use an appropriate all metal valve stem, They've agreed to reach out to Grand Design to identify and source the OEM component used when sold new.

Their next challenge is to find one of their larger and more experienced locations to move the tires onto a new wheel. The GM mentioned he will personally work this issue and remain involved to ensure the process goes as it should.

I'll report back when completed; but so far I'm very pleased with their response!
Accidents/screw ups happen; that's when you find out a companies customer service position!