Should I replace tires now or later?

[KeithZ]

Originally Posted by ReagentGrade

Adrian,

YES!!!

I'm with Jim on this. I had year separation on a two year old tire. The tread flapped around and caused $5,000 damage before I could stop. I now plan to replace my tires every three years with the best tires I can get at the time I buy them.

Rich

Oh that doesn't sound good. You always need good tyres. It's amazing how bad some people let their tyres get before they change them.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by advenas

The Carlisle tires that came on my 17B are basically a rain / pavement tire which is great for towing between RV parks.

Well mine have done the Alaska Hwy. and two Baja's and are about to head across Canada. I guess we all have our own comfort levels.

Ron

[advenas]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Well mine have done the Alaska Hwy. and two Baja's and are about to head across Canada. I guess we all have our own comfort levels.

Ron

Agreed. Glad your tires have held up well. I'm kind of picky about my tires. Given that I'll mainly be on back roads I'd like to have a more aggressive tread and the eight ply D rated tires vs the rain tread and six ply C rated tires that came on my 17B. The Goodyear Endurance seem like a good choice.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by advenas

Agreed. Glad your tires have held up well. I'm kind of picky about my tires. Given that I'll mainly be on back roads I'd like to have a more aggressive tread and the eight ply D rated tires vs the rain tread and six ply C rated tires that came on my 17B. The Goodyear Endurance seem like a good choice.

Good tires from what I've read. I plan to use Goodyear Endurance once it's time to change the factory Carlisles.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by advenas

Given that I'll mainly be on back roads I'd like to have a more aggressive tread and the eight ply D rated tires vs the rain tread and six ply C rated tires that came on my 17B.

Just in case anyone doesn't realize this...
these are not six-ply or eight-ply tires. The "6-ply rating" and "8-ply rating" descriptions are just a redundant way of saying "Load Range C" and "Load Range D". The "ply ratings" mean "equivalent in load capacity to a tire from many decades ago which was constructed very differently and had this many layers of reinforcement".

Typically, modern light truck and trailer tires typically have two or three sidewall plies, plus some belts under the tread; the Load Range C and Load Range D tires may have the same number of plies in their construction, and neither will have six or more plies.

TireRack: TIRE TECH - Load Range / Ply Rating Identification

I understand the idea of choosing a higher-than-required load range for a reserve of carcass burst strength. The risk of referring to ply ratings is just that someone thinks there will be more layers of reinforcement protecting the sidewalls with a higher load range.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Just in case anyone doesn't realize this...
these are not six-ply or eight-ply tires. The "6-ply rating" and "8-ply rating" descriptions are just a redundant way of saying "Load Range C" and "Load Range D". The "ply ratings" mean "equivalent in load capacity to a tire from many decades ago which was constructed very differently and had this many layers of reinforcement".

Typically, modern light truck and trailer tires typically have two or three sidewall plies, plus some belts under the tread; the Load Range C and Load Range D tires may have the same number of plies in their construction, and neither will have six or more plies.

TireRack: TIRE TECH - Load Range / Ply Rating Identification

I understand the idea of choosing a higher-than-required load range for a reserve of carcass burst strength. The risk is just that someone thinks there will be more layers of reinforcement protecting the sidewalls with a higher load range.

Brian looking to replace tires on trailer . There are 2012 tires . Is the D better then C in strength ? Confused ? Pat

[steve dunham]

I understand where a more aggressive tread may be beneficial on a tow vehicle ( traction , steering ) but since the tires on a trailer are basically going along for the ride . Does a more aggressive tread have any effect on towing ? . I can see where hydroplaning could be an issue.
IE ; Would snow tires on a trailer make it tow better on snowy roads?

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Brian looking to replace tires on trailer . There are 2012 tires . Is the D better then C in strength ? Confused ? Pat

What about D Carlisles ? Maxis ? I think I want to wait on the Goodyears until they have been used for awhile . All opinions appreciated. Pat

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Brian looking to replace tires on trailer . There are 2012 tires . Is the D better then C in strength ? Confused ? Pat

Tires of Load Range D will have higher weight-carrying capacity than tires of Load Range C, but only if inflated to the higher pressure allowed for the higher load range.

A Load Range D tire normally allows an inflation pressure of 65 psi (and requires 65 psi for maximum capacity); a Load Range C tire normally allows an inflation pressure of 50 psi (and requires 50 psi for maximum capacity). If you inflate a Load Range D tire to 50 psi or less, it has the same capacity as a Load Range C tire at the same pressure.

Sidewalls of tires of Load Range D may have greater resistance to damage by hazards (rocks, curbs, whatever) than tires of Load Range C, but not necessarily.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Tires of Load Range D will have higher weight-carrying capacity than tires of Load Range C, but only if inflated to the higher pressure allowed for the higher load range.

A Load Range D tire normally allows an inflation pressure of 65 psi (and requires 65 psi for maximum capacity); a Load Range C tire normally allows an inflation pressure of 50 psi (and requires 50 psi for maximum capacity). If you inflate a Load Range D tire to 50 psi or less, it has the same capacity as a Load Range C tire at the same pressure.

Sidewalls of tires of Load Range D may have greater resistance to damage by hazards (rocks, curbs, whatever) than tires of Load Range C, but not necessarily.

Thankyou Brian . Pat

[BCnomad]

So my new D tires are " good to go" as long as I can inflate past 50?

[advenas]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I understand where a more aggressive tread may be beneficial on a tow vehicle ( traction , steering ) but since the tires on a trailer are basically going along for the ride . Does a more aggressive tread have any effect on towing ? . I can see where hydroplaning could be an issue.
IE ; Would snow tires on a trailer make it tow better on snowy roads?

My hunch is the only benefit of a more aggressive tread on a trailer tire would be in stopping and/or side to side movement. In my case the side to side would be beneficial for some of the back roads (gravel, rock, bare dirt) I travel which aren't necessarily flat all the time. However, I also want the higher load rated D tires for safety. Again, this is my personal preference. YMMV.

[Rossue]

Was glad I replaced my OEM Carlisle which still had about 25% of its tread left or maybe 4/32? Anyway we traversed for East to West Kebler Pass after it had rained some in October '15. They put some clay-like substance to smooth it out evidently and the trailer while going downhill through a beautiful Aspen Grove started sliding towards the oncoming side if that dirt road. Don't know for sure that the new Maxis made a difference, however it felt a little close for comfort.

The Goodyear Endurance looks good and is at a good price point: $110 for 205/75r15. Probably my next set.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by BCnomad

So my new D tires are " good to go" as long as I can inflate past 50?

They're good to go at 50 psi... or even less - anything over 35 psi provides adequate capacity. They don't need to be pumped up any higher, but you can, such as for higher speed rating or stiffness.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Would snow tires on a trailer make it tow better on snowy roads?

Yes. For one thing, the trailer tires would be less likely to lock up under braking; once locked, lateral traction is gone so control is lost. This is essentially the same as the rear tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle; winter tires on only the front is a really bad idea.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Was glad I replaced my OEM Carlisle which still had about 25% of its tread left or maybe 4/32? Anyway we traversed for East to West Kebler Pass after it had rained some in October '15. They put some clay-like substance to smooth it out evidently and the trailer while going downhill through a beautiful Aspen Grove started sliding towards the oncoming side if that dirt road. Don't know for sure that the new Maxis made a difference, however it felt a little close for comfort.

The Goodyear Endurance looks good and is at a good price point: $110 for 205/75r15. Probably my next set.

Hi Ross so you bought the Maxis ? The Maxis made you slide ? Or would of because of the road surface made you slide ? Pat

[Rossue]

Pat, I was going slow due to conditions yet the trailer started a slow slide as I was going slightly right and slightly downhill. I think having the new tires helped keep it from going into the ditch on the oncoming side of the road. Don't think the brand mattered though.

I will say the Maxxis have significantly more tread and have had them longer/more miles than the Carlisles.

[float5]

Originally Posted by BCnomad

So my new D tires are " good to go" as long as I can inflate past 50?

What company? According to Carlisle, their trailer tires should be inflated to the highest psi they allow for that tire.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Pat, I was going slow due to conditions yet the trailer started a slow slide as I was going slightly right and slightly downhill. I think having the new tires helped keep it from going into the ditch on the oncoming side of the road. Don't think the brand mattered though.

I will say the Maxxis have significantly more tread and have had them longer/more miles than the Carlisles.

Ross good to know . I was thinking of the Maxis as replacements . I was thinking of the D? Pat

[Rossue]

Mine are C; interesting that the Endurance skipped that category.