Time for a Westlake tire update

[MidwestCamper]

The right choice of replacement tire might be different for an Imagine than for a Momentum . . .

Rob

Thanks Rob, I should have stated my trailer is equipped with D rated tires. I most likely will not run them (E rated tires) at max pressure where I am after the heavier construction to provide a higher safety factor.

[Cate&Rob]

Thanks Rob, I should have stated my trailer is equipped with D rated tires. I most likely will not run them (E rated tires) at max pressure where I am after the heavier construction to provide a higher safety factor.

MidwestCamper - If you complete a "signature" that will automatically go on the bottom of each of your posts, this will help others to better understand your comments/questions, based on your trailer and tow vehicle. (I figured out that you have an Imagine by looking at your profile)

E rated Endurance tires would be a good upgrade tire choice for an Imagine (in my opinion). Endurance tires are new to the marketplace . . . before this, Maxxis tires were the go-to tire in this size range and these have a long history of being good tires too.

Rob

[DaveMatthewsBand]

Speaking of these high-rated tires...
Wouldn't a set of 4 tires that are rated to carry let's say 16k-20k lbs be overkill on a trailer like mine that only weighs 9k fully loaded?
Seems like most of you guys have big fifth wheels, your trailers weigh twice what my tiny 27 foot fifth wheel does, so for example if I put your tires
on my trailer, wouldn't it bounce around a lot because the trailer is so much lighter than what the tires were designed for?
Or, is the general consensus I should get tires with ratings much higher because they'll last longer?

[vonzoog]

In my opinion anything above E rated is overkill for you. I ran E rated tires on two different 5th wheels (11k and 13K) for years without any problems and lots of interstate driving at 70mph.

A G rated tire is suited for the 14k and up weight categories .

[Cate&Rob]

The tires and the suspension should share the load and impact absorbing. Specs for both should stay reasonably close to the trailer weight being carried. To dramatically stiffen the suspension with much stronger springs or to dramatically stiffen the tires with much heavier side walls and higher air pressure, means that the other half (either springs or tires) is doing all the flexing. Stronger springs and/or stiffer tires also means that the trailer and contents will be suffering a rougher ride. Note that some tire companies offer air pressure tables based on load being carried. Running at the max pressure on the tire sidewall is not always necessary or advisable for best tire performance.

Rob

[DaveMatthewsBand]

.. Note that some tire companies offer air pressure tables based on load being carried.
Running at the max pressure on the tire sidewall is not always necessary or advisable for best tire performance.

Rob

Similar to car/truck tires then right? The tires on my truck say 80psi but I only run them at 60psi if I'm not towing.

[Airrace]

Dallas, I have blown up and shredded at least a dozen tires. Everyone of them was a ST235/85R16 E rated tire. Some of the blow outs were self inflicted by not replacing the other tire on that side. From my Air Force loadmaster days I knew dang well I over loaded that other tire. With that being said I think there is something wrong with E rated tires. I would have tossed the new tires if they were not G rated. My Reno buddy swapped his E for G rated 2 years ago and included a trip to Oshkosh.

[D2Reid]

Dallas, I have blown up and shredded at least a dozen tires.

Misery loves company! I'm on G rated tires so should be good to go for a while.

[DaveMatthewsBand]

Somewhere in there is a joke about X-Rated tires, I just know it!

[Iamjulieb]

We picked up our new Imagine 3 weeks ago. As co-pilot most of the time, tire blow outs have always been my biggest concern. We took delivery in Sacramento, California. Our Westlake tires were manufactured 2717-3317 range. But how many miles were already put on the trailer tires to sales lot? Minimal?

I've been sick in bed and literally have read through this entire thread trying to make up my mind, replace our Westlake 225/75R15 117/112L now, run them for another 1000 miles or just replace them with the Goodyear Endurance which are in stock at our local tire shop for a great price with $60 mail-in-rebate?

Any suggestions from you seasoned veterans would be greatly appreciated.
Julie