Re: Carlisle Trailer Tires
I just replaced the tires on my Camper with the Carlisle 205/75 R-14 RH. For some reason trailer tires are the bastards of the tire world. Finding a good quality one is tough...even the Goodyear Marathons (considered by many in the RV world to be the best) have had issues. The manufacture date is important and if they are over 3 years old, most reputable tire shops won't mount them. Do not mount a higher rated sidewall (D, E, etc...) on a previously mounted C loaded wheel unless you can verify it's rated for that load (luckily most are). Some are rated for the 50psi, you are more likely to suffer a blowout that destroys the wheel (seen it happen!).
Tire inflation, as has been stated previously is very important. The C rating on most trailer tires is rated for 50psi, the D for 65psi and E for 80psi. Most C rated tires have a load rating of 1,360-1,820 depending on size and manufacturer.
You can plan on replacing average used trailer tires every 3-4 years, depending on use and storage practices. I definitely recommend this as last place I wanna find out the integrity of a tire is on the interstate.
I've so far liked the Carlisle RH as I've driven about 1,000 miles and they have shown no noticeable wear and they have maintained the appropriate pressure since mounted (April). One point noticed however, is that at the requisite 50psi they still seem to have more sidewall flex than my previous bias ply trailer tires. Flex = Heat in Bias ply tires. First set of the Radial trailer tires and so far so good!
I've got a buddy with the original Goodyear Marathons (1998 vintage) on his Stroker Bass boat trailer and they have always been garage stored and probably have less than 2,000 miles on them. Look brand new...but then so does his boat!
