Tire Recommendations

James Callahan

Senior Member
Joined
May 10, 2018
Posts
166
Location
Dalton, MA
My Rig
2019 Reflection 303RLS, tire size 235/80R 16. What is the consensus on tire manufacture for a New set of 4,
James Callahan
 
Would that be 12,000 lbs. GVW, or actually whats on the axles. If those Westlakes are OEM, they are probably past due for changing out. From what I've read, there aren't any really bad ST tires out now, except for the super cheap no-names from China. The Hercules are supposed to be good, and the new Carlisle are supposed to be good. And the Goodyear Endurance, seem to be okay if you don't put a lot of miles on your trailer. Their tread depth is shallower than other brands so you won't get the mileage that you might with other brands. But most trailer tires age out before they wear out, so not a big deal overall.
 
My Rig
2019 Reflection 303RLS, tire size 235/80R 16. What is the consensus on tire manufacture for a New set of 4,
James Callahan

Hi James,

I have been running Sailun S637T ST235-85R16's Load Range G since my 28BH was three weeks old. I am very happy with them. Night and day difference from the E Range Westlake ST235-80R16's that were OEM on it. They added about 1/2" to the height of the fifth wheel and better matched up with my truck.

https://gosailun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Sailun-TBR-Product-Sheet_S637T.pdf

Kevin
 
I also run Sailun load range "G", but I kind of figured 16,000+ lb. carrying capacity might equate to a rough ride. You can always lower the tire pressure, but that opens up another can o' worms. :)
 
I also run Sailun load range "G", but I kind of figured 16,000+ lb. carrying capacity might equate to a rough ride. You can always lower the tire pressure, but that opens up another can o' worms. :)

I run my Sailuns in the 95-100 psi range. I have never had any temperature or bounce issues. It just glides along behind he truck. I was looking for a nearly indestructible tire that would age out long before it wear out or failed.
 
Would that be 12,000 lbs. GVW, or actually whats on the axles. If those Westlakes are OEM, they are probably past due for changing out. From what I've read, there aren't any really bad ST tires out now, except for the super cheap no-names from China. The Hercules are supposed to be good, and the new Carlisle are supposed to be good. And the Goodyear Endurance, seem to be okay if you don't put a lot of miles on your trailer. Their tread depth is shallower than other brands so you won't get the mileage that you might with other brands. But most trailer tires age out before they wear out, so not a big deal overall.

Yes, 12,000 GVW and Yes on Original OEM

I’m looking hard at the Goodyear and the Hercules, Hercules are 12ply vs 10 for Good Year
 
From what I've read, there have been a few issues with the Endurance, but not a lot. The Hercules seem to have a decent track record.
 
Another vote here for the 235/85R16 Sailun tires. I'm on my second set (first was actually 235/80R16) but went up a size the last time. Have friend running the same and on his 2nd set. No problems with them either of us going on 5 years (it might be 6 years ?).

I was running at 100 but have put them back up to 110PSI (I think that is the max pressure). They are wearing well.
 
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Another vote here for the 235/85R15 Sailun tires. I'm on my second set (first was actually 235/80R16) but went up a size the last time. Have friend running the same and on his 2nd set. No problems with them either of us going on 5 years (it might be 6 years ?).

I was running at 100 but have put them back up to 110PSI (I think that is the max pressure). They are wearing well.
You did mean 235/85R16, didn't you? :)
 
Some of the recommended tires are good tires, but, imo, quite a bit more tire than a 303RLS requires. It's a little under 10k empty.
80psi Endurance tires or some other brand roughly equivalent should be lots I'm thinking. If it were me I'd be buying the Endurance tires. Maybe price check between Hercules and Endurance and see how things look?
 
Some of the recommended tires are good tires, but, imo, quite a bit more tire than a 303RLS requires. It's a little under 10k empty.
80psi Endurance tires or some other brand roughly equivalent should be lots I'm thinking. If it were me I'd be buying the Endurance tires. Maybe price check between Hercules and Endurance and see how things look?

You can get a set of Sailuns mounted and balanced for the price of 3 Endurance. Yes overkill but iMO a better bang for the buck. I paid around $168 or so for each tire and then took off two at a time and went to a local tires store. $25 each mounted and balanced. $772 vs $1049 at Discount with no sales tax added. I was very happy with my Endurance but monetrially it didn't make sense.
 
You can get a set of Sailuns mounted and balanced for the price of 3 Endurance. Yes overkill but iMO a better bang for the buck. I paid around $168 or so for each tire and then took off two at a time and went to a local tires store. $25 each mounted and balanced. $772 vs $1049 at Discount with no sales tax added. I was very happy with my Endurance but monetrially it didn't make sense.
I'm in Canada and wanted to see if the numbers were similar. Found the Sailun 637 at $260/tire ($193usd) and the Endurance at $270($200usd). So while up here the price difference isn't so big, with the Sailun being a G tire, I get the thinking
 
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Unfortunately, as you have seen by the comments, there is no consensus. People normally recommend what they have used themselves, even Westlakes, but for multiple reasons, I’d eliminate those made in China.
 
Unfortunately, as you have seen by the comments, there is no consensus. People normally recommend what they have used themselves, even Westlakes, but for multiple reasons, I’d eliminate those made in China.
But the best of the "G" rated tires are made by a Chinese company, and manufactured in Vietnam. Don't short list yourself without good reason.
 

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