camperguy99
Loveland CO
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Joined: 07/18/2008
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I have a 2007 Keystone Challenger with Nankang ST235/80R16E tires on it. I just had one throw the tread and do $3000 damage to the 5th wheel. One other one appears to have air under the tread. These tires have around 6K miles and otherwise appear to be new. I want to switch to an LT235/85R16E Michelin RIBs tire (the best?) but they are an inch or so larger diameter than the ST tires. I will only have about 1" of space between the tires (33" Dexter axles.) Is that enough? I do need the 3040 pounds capacity of the LT's. The rims are 16x6 8 lug 80 psi rims. The LT245/75R16E has a narrower diameter but only 2780# capacity. Has anyone made this tire change?
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Craig A
Tampa Bay Area, FL
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Joined: 02/12/2006
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I got rid of my Mission (Chinese) ST23680R16E and put on some BFG Commercial T/As that are LT24575R16E. They've done great and are roughly the same diameter.
Beautiful wife of 30 years
23 year old son, college student
100 lb lap dog (Black Labrador & Rhodesian Ridgeback)
2002 F250 4 door, 8 foot bed, 7.3 PSD with Hypertech software, timbrens, 3.73 rear axle
2006 Montana Mountaineer 344RET
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rammer
Abilene,Tx
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Joined: 02/04/2002
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I went from 80r to85r 1" dia but 1/2" gain between each tire and height works great for Me just to have maypops off.Less rpm and runs cooler.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Take a look at Maxxis ST tires in the E rating if you're concerned about the Ribs. Nothing wrong with ST tires but you need GOOD ones like the Maxxis.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles)
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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SVETTEGIRL
OCALA FL
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Joined: 09/20/2008
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camperguy99 wrote:I have a 2007 Keystone Challenger with Nankang ST235/80R16E tires on it. I just had one throw the tread and do $3000 damage to the 5th wheel. One other one appears to have air under the tread. These tires have around 6K miles and otherwise appear to be new. I want to switch to an LT235/85R16E Michelin RIBs tire (the best?) but they are an inch or so larger diameter than the ST tires. I will only have about 1" of space between the tires (33" Dexter axles.) Is that enough? I do need the 3040 pounds capacity of the LT's. The rims are 16x6 8 lug 80 psi rims. The LT245/75R16E has a narrower diameter but only 2780# capacity. Has anyone made this tire change?
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SVETTEGIRL
OCALA FL
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Joined: 09/20/2008
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I HAVE A KEYSTONE RAPTOR 37 FOOT TOYHAULER 3 AXLE WITH 225 75 15 INCH CARYILE TIRES
I HAVE SWITCHED TO 235 85 16 INCH GOODYEAR MARITHON TIRES AND FILLED THEM
WITH NITROGEN( TO RUN COOLER) WITH LESS RPM
NO MORE TIRE PROBLEMS NO MORE CHINA JUNK
THESE TIRES ARE WIDER AND TALLER MUCH BETTER RIDE
KEYSTONE IS LIKE EVERY RV MANUFACTURER USE THE CHEAPEST TIRE AND GET IT
OUT THE DOOR LET THE CONSUMER UPGRADE AND PAY FOR THE BETTER TIRES
AND NO HELP WITH REPAIRS IF INCURED THEY SAY SEE THE TIRE MANUFACTURER
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h2guy
Ain't seen a sign yet!
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Joined: 03/26/2005
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Svettegirl, please turn off your CAPS.
Rick & Carolyn
01 Ford SC 4x4 DRW
01 CarriLite 5ver
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camper26
Lancaster PA
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Joined: 09/30/2003
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I made the same switch. My Keystone Fuzion toy hauler came with Carlisle ST 235/80/16. I took them off immediately and switched to Firestone Transforce LT 235/85/16E tires. Perfect fit with no issues.
In my opinion, any LT tires is going to be better than the ST tires.
Others may disagree, but my personal experience has convinced me.
My toy hauler with gear is heavy and I have not had any tire issues with the switch. I even put 6000 miles on this year with no issues.
Good Luck.
DW, The kids, 13 and 7
Chelsea-mini schnauzer
2007 Silverado 2500HD 6.6L D/A 3:73 4x4,CC,SB, Timbrens
2008 Fuzion FZ302 Toy Hauler
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greg0rn
Republic of Vancouver Island
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Joined: 11/03/2004
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It is all about being cheap. To save a few bucks consumers buy the least expensive (but at the same time the biggest) trailers that are on the lot. Soon problems surface. Blown up tire is a serious event, especially while towing huge rig on interstate at 70mph.
Anyway, back to initial question by camperguy99. Can he mount 32" tires on 33" axles? He is right, there is only 1" gap between them (maybe even less, with all those centrifugal forces acting on tires.) I do not know if it is ok to do it, so I'd phone Dexter with this question.
I've had GY Marathons (USA made) on my 2004 trailer. Each one was manufactured at different time, but on average they were 2002 vintage. Thanks to Presuure pro (at least for most part), did not have any blowups. I used them, in all my ignorance, for about 25,000 miles, before switching in September to XPS Ribs. I feel much more comfortable now.
So, here is my present setup:
- 11,000 lbs GVWR 5th wheel (over 2000 lbs of which is on the hitch)
- 10,400 lbs axles
- 12,200 lbs tires (3050 x 4) with metal stems
- Pressure Pro (the best safety equipment on my rig)
- exaust brake (would not tow trailer without it)
- 1 ton truck with 3400 lbs CCC (lots of reserve here)
Soon I'll be switching to a 2' longer trailer. I shall make sure that XPS ribs are mounted on the wheels before leaving dealer's lot.
Recommend to everyone buying a new trailer to do the same. Soon industry will adjust.
* This post was
edited 11/03/09 07:15pm by greg0rn *
Greg, Shirley, Misha (the dog)
2006 1 ton Dodge with CTD, SRW, extended cab, 4x2, short box, 3.73 LSD, J-brake, Superglide hitch, Prodigy controller, Line-x, Pressure-Pro.
2004 Citation Supreme 26RKS 5th wheel
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PhilipB
MO
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Joined: 01/30/2004
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I had similar experience with Kenda Klevers. Repair to 5er $1500 plus 4 new tires. I only have about an inch of clearance between my tires. No problems.
I can only imagine what the NTSB would be doing if auto makers were putting these tires on our cars.
Camping Family
Me, Mom, 3 Boyz & Toyz
2004 GMC 2500HD D/A CC
2005 Ameri-Camp 321QBS
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