New Reflection...new to FWs

[Abby Normal]

Hi All,

We are newbies who have just purchased a GD Reflection 337RLS. We are anxious to join the camping community, but before we set out we have a question. I've read that the tires on these RVs are of poor quality because they are made in China. We don't want to start out on the wrong foot, so we would appreciate any advice on whether we should have new tires (and what kind) put on before we pick up the RV.

Thanks in advance.

Melody

[bertschb]

Welcome to the Grand Design family! There are a couple long threads about just this topic. To summarize, many folks feel the Westlake tires are fine and get many thousands of miles out of them without any problems. Others like myself feel tires are one of the most important safety items on the RV and decided to replace the factory tires with something better. Whatever you decide to do, I'd recommend getting a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) like this one https://tsttruck.com/product/507-starter-system-kit/. Always keep your tires properly inflated and check them visually at each stop.

[oldguy]

Welcome aboard, and congrats on your 337. We are finishing up our first season with ours and we love it.

We have been RVing for 40 years now, and I have yet to have any tire problems.I keep them covered in storage, check air pressure often, and crawl underneath to check the general condition before every trip. Lucky maybe, who knows. There are so many opinions out there, it's impossible to count. I would say, if different tires will make you more comfortable, then go for it.

John

[mksnyder]

welcome guys, congratulations on your new camper, you're gonna love it!

I'm with oldguy John, never had tire trouble, but have heard plenty of horror stories. Buy a tire pressure monitoring system (TPM), and keep a close eye on that, keep the tires covered when not in use, and be sensible when you are towing (it's not about how fast you get there, it's about getting there). But also, as John mentioned, by all means, be comfortable in towing that thing around...you won't save any money IF something bad happens..

[Second Chance]

Like a couple of the other "old guys," I've been pulling RVs and large boats for over 40 years. I've only had one tire problem with a trailer, but it was due to road debris (rebar, I think). It happened to be on a WestLake on our current Reflection, but it certainly wasn't the tire's fault. In fact, with the damage inflicted by the rebar, a lesser tire might have started to disintegrate and do damage to the RV. Also as stated above, we run a TPMS and it alerted me immediately to the loss of pressure and allowed me to get to the side of the road quickly.

Rob

[notsosan]

Unless you go to a G rated tire, it is very difficult (maybe impossible) to find an ST tire that isn't made somewhere in Asia. A lot of people go to LT tires as an alternative and the GD manual says either are acceptable. I don't know anything about Westlake tires because I went to 16 inch wheels on our 303. While we have all heard lots of stories, I have been using ST tires on our 5th wheels since 2002. Two sets of Goodyear Marathons, one US made, one Chinese and currently a set of Carlisles. I always use the max sidewall pressure on the tire, don't exceed 65 MPH for anything other than a very short time and keep them covered when not travelling. So far I have had no tire problems at all except for abnormal wear on one because of a bent axle. Not the tires fault but I ended up changing them all because they were six years old.

I agree with John though, you want to do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Takes the fun out of things if you are continually worried about your tires.

[steve gravelle]

notsosan, educate me as to where GDRV is OK with LT tires. I cannot find it!

[Abby Normal]

Thank you all for your input. I feel more comfortable now and feel no need to change the tires.

[BGandME]

There are no ST tires made in USA. All of them are made overseas. T

[Bamaman]

I switched to Bridgestone Duravis R250's as soon as I got my new trailer to the campground--LT (E) tires.

You wouldn't believe the difference in beef vs. the OEM Westlakes. The sidewalls of the Bridgestones are 1" thick, and the tires must weigh 10 lbs. more each. It's hard to believe the NHTSA would rate ST tires higher in weight carrying capabilities, as there's no way the Westlakes are in the class with the Bridgestone ribbed tires.

The Bridgestones cost $197 @ Costco, and they were fresh out of Bridgestone/Firestone's warehouse in Nashville--2 hrs. from me. I sold the Westlakes on Craigslist within a week so Peace of Mind cost me a net $600.