Escape 5.0 TA Wheels & Tires

[JLModer2]

So-- We just picked up our new to us 5.0 TA. It doesn't have a lot fo miles on it yet...

We bought it used, and it came with the steel rims. Has anyone swapped them out for Alloy ones?

What tires did you go with? Size? Where did you get them?

Thanks,

John

[JLModer2]

Also, has anyone put slightly larger tires on? Like going with the ST225 75 R15's for the slightly larger profile and a little more weight rating?

John

[padlin]

I have the Endurance 205/75's and see no need for something wider as the track is pretty nice as is, but if that's what you like there is plenty of room width wise. I have the leaf springs and a higher tire will be pretty close to the mud flap, there's about an inch of space on mine. If you go with 225's the width changes 20mm, the height changes 75% of that or 15mm, meaning 15mm closer to the mud flap.

I think.

[JLModer2]

Well, it looks like they would fit, but not sure it is worth it, things would be very tight, and I probably wouldn't be able to use the XChock with them...

Are the Endurance tires your preference? Mine has Rainer ST's. Not sure what the "good" trailer tires are anymore... These at D rated, and look fine, but there aren't many miles on them.

Looking buying aluminum rims, a lot of places will sell rim and tire together, mounted and balanced on-line... Seems the popular brands are Kenda Loadstar, which has an M Speed rating as well, or GlobeStar, which has the same Load rating (D), but an L Speed rating.

I really do not need to replace the tires now...

John

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by JLModer2

Also, has anyone put slightly larger tires on? Like going with the ST225 75 R15's for the slightly larger profile and a little more weight rating?

Escape used a larger size (I think it was ST225/75R15) on the single-axle 5.0, at least for a while, to get more load capacity. Any of the tandem-axle Escapes have more capacity than they need with four ST205/75R15 tires at even 35 PSI, so while a tire with a wider tread may provide better stability, there is no capacity benefit.

Originally Posted by padlin

If you go with 225's the width changes 20mm, the height changes 75% of that or 15mm, meaning 15mm closer to the mud flap.

I think.

That's right. The sidewall height will increase by 15 mm (nominally), and so overall diameter by 30 mm.

[rubicon327]

We swapped the painted steel for aluminum and love the look. I went with the same rims that ETI offers which are Hi Spec Series 03 but there are a lot of options. I didn’t want to be able to see too much of the brake/hub assembly behind so ruled out some of the more open designs.

For tires I recommend buying them separate and mounting either Maxxis M8008’s or Goodyear Endurance. Probably a few more dollars but you won’t be disappointed. No good reason in my mind to change size from 205/75. This works out because you can buy the rims now and delay purchase of the tires until you wear out what you have first.

Found the rims at recstuff.com for the best price.
https://recstuff.com/trailer-wheels/...trailer-wheel/

[cpaharley2008]

My first 3 Escapes had various tires, Marathons and Carlisle and the new 2019 has the Rainier tire, all were on the chrome wheels. The prior tires all took 50 psi and I was surprised that the Rainier is 65psi rated. BTW, do not forget to get 5 chrome replacement wheels in case of a flat.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

BTW, do not forget to get 5 chrome replacement wheels in case of a flat.

I would contend that you really only need 4 unless you insist on rotating in the spare. The steel wheel can stay on the back with tire cover. So what if it doesn’t match the rest if you get a flat. It is only to get you home or to the tire shop.

[gbaglo]

On rotation, Reace recommended only rotating front to back on the same side on tandem axle trailers. Since I have single axle, my spare still has a chalk mark on it. It's well aged out, but I'm only thinking about replacing it ( B.C. ain't Texas ).

[cpaharley2008]

With 5 matching wheels, in case of a flat, your spare will match your existing wheels, with 4 you will have to dismount and remount and re balance the tire on the existing chrome wheel and remount the plugged tire on the mismatched wheel. . The plugged flat tire will then be your spare.

[Farther]

Going from a steel wheel to alloy you may need a different lug nut. I'm sure others will comment if I'm wrong.

[padlin]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I would contend that you really only need 4 unless you insist on rotating in the spare. The steel wheel can stay on the back with tire cover. So what if it doesn’t match the rest if you get a flat. It is only to get you home or to the tire shop.

My thoughts too, and it's what I did in practice. The steel rim was only on from the highway until I got to the next town that had a tire shop.

[Rossue]

No issue for new Escapees as ETI makes you buy 5 alloy(not chrome) rims for some time now. Save your $$ and get stock steel then buy alloys of your choice at first tire purchase. Painted alloys are used on most luxury cars now and are much easier to maintain.

[gbaglo]

What's the advantage of alloys if they are painted?

[Rossue]

Google it.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

What's the advantage of alloys if they are painted?

A polished alloy surface doesn't stay clean and nice looking very well. That can be fixed with a clear coat, but paint is probably more durable than clear coat. The HiSpec wheels are polished and clear-coated.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

The prior tires all took 50 psi and I was surprised that the Rainier is 65psi rated.

Yes, recently Escape has supplied tires which are Load Range D, so they have a 65 PSI maximum inflation pressure; it's presumably what they got a good deal on.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

A polished alloy surface doesn't stay clean and nice looking very well. That can be fixed with a clear coat, but paint is probably more durable than clear coat. The HiSpec wheels are polished and clear-coated.

My painted steel wheels go 'round.

[GaryandEllen]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Yes, recently Escape has supplied tires which are Load Range D, so they have a 65 PSI maximum inflation pressure; it's presumably what they got a good deal on.

We ordered a trailer to be completed in Jan, and just today Escape said it will have Rainier Class C Tires.

[JLModer2]

Interesting. Thanks for the input all.

I will likely order the wheels form RecStuff in a bit and re-use the tires until they are worn out.

John