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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Kenda/loadmaster tires
Hank,
I've been running Loadstar Karrier's for the last 8 years on my race trailer, not much different that a larger TT.
I blew out marathons and others prior to that. I did up the wheel size to 16's and I run the 235/80R 16's G rated 14 ply. I've never had a tire issue since switching to these tires. I don't beleive Marathons are made in the US anymore, but they had massive sidewall issues. I for one don't care where they are made as long as the warranty is good and I can get service when I want.
http://www.kendausa.com/specialtytires/trailer.html- call them and ask for Ricki, she will answer all of your questions.
Another note: I pull that trailer 20K miles a year and also change out the tires and brakes every January. Your living on the edge if you run your tires more than that.
Good Luck
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SCOMP225
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01/31/10 05:47am |
Towing
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Our Winter Camping Lessons
We just returned home from Red River, New Mexico. It was our first true winter camping trip. We learned much from the boards prior to our trip and used all the recommendations but learned much more actually doing it.
1. If you don't have an artic package on your RV or living experience in cold weather...rethink the trip. RV.Net members warned us about camping in Red River but we thought we were experienced enough campers to handle it. We don't have an artice package. We have heated tanks, solid underbelly, heated storage areas, heat wrapped pipes, additional lights in the bins, 100 watt bulb utility lights stategically placed along pipe areas, RV antifreeze and space heaters. We were ok until it hit - 7 then pipes froze. We now know our RV has it's limits.:B
2. Make sure you know how much propane your rig will actually use to heat. When the experienced guys on this board write that heating sucks propane...they really mean it sucks propane. We had full propane tanks and took an additional tank. It was a good thing. Two days before we left, we received a letter from the RV park telling us that no propane is sold in Red River during the winter. That will now be one of our first questions asked when planning any winter trip. We didn't run out of propane...but left a day early when lows were predicted to reach -20. I'd hate to be stuck in -20 and no propane source if needed.
3. Had read about condensation but never dealt with condensation before. If you are a flatlander, warm weather camper...you have no idea how much condensation there can be in a RV. Make sure you have a dehumidifier and read all tricks for handling condensation.
4. Make sure your tires are good. Unfortunately, we had the dreaded loadstar tires. We had 2 blow out on this trip. We looked in Roswell for a new tire after the first blew but Wal-mart and Sams only had ST 205 so we didn't buy one and pressed our luck trying to get into Texas. One blew 25 miles east of Roswell, New Mexico on the 26th around 5:00 PM. We barely limped to an oil field road. Fortunately for us, Roswell has a 24 hour tire service who had the ST 235's we needed. The blow out caused damage to the skirt and the emergency call plus tires cost us 525.00. Lesson indeed learned. What if we were coming down a mountain and the tire blew...all the what ifs. I knew from reading this board that there were Load Star tire issues but I thought it wouldn't happen to us.
It was a great trip for skiing, learned much about winter camping and have a profound respect fcr the true winter campers out there. We fell in love with Red River and plan to return but for any winter trip there, we'll leave the RV at home. ;)
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6X5er
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12/28/09 11:15am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: New tires needed on Niagara
Oldman5, you say that that the dimensions are slightly taller, do you mean the dimensions on the stock tire or the Hankook? I looked at our current loadstar and there is not a lot of clearance currently. As far as I can tell, they have not been rubbing. Also, did you just have the tires mounted to the stock rims? Thanks for the helpful information.
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On my trailer the stock Kenda Loadstar tires were making rub marks on the heavy side of the trailer on the inner fender.
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The Hankook tires were mounted on the original aluminum wheels that came on my trailer.
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The Hankook tires are very slightly larger in diameter----a tire man would say were the exact same size as the Kenda tires.
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OldMan5
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--Note: I've been on some very rough mountain roads with this trailer,
so rough I have had the entrance door snaps come loose and drop the door on the slide & counter. And have the filler (trim) piece between the back of the shower and the rear bunk bounce out and be on the floor under I opened up the trailer. I take good care of my stuff & use it, but where I camp most people take tents.
That most likely accounts for the rub marks I have but you don't have.
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OldMan5
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11/11/09 04:47pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: New tires needed on Niagara
Oldman5, you say that that the dimensions are slightly taller, do you mean the dimensions on the stock tire or the Hankook? I looked at our current loadstar and there is not a lot of clearance currently. As far as I can tell, they have not been rubbing. Also, did you just have the tires mounted to the stock rims? Thanks for the helpful information.
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popupbound
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11/11/09 03:38pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: New tires needed on Niagara
OldMan5 here----I am very pleased with the performance & wear of the Hankook tires as mentioned above. As noted I run them @ 60psi and I have not noticed any edge wear at all. I also raised the trailer slightly by moving the front spring mounting to the lower hole which raised the trailer about 1/2"-3/4". I was seeing some rub marks on the plastic fender wells on the heavy side even with the original tires, after about 2,500 mile this summer & some very rough roads I see no tire contact on the fender wells.
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If you go with the Hankook tires--I'm sure you'll be pleased.
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OldMan5
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ps.
The trailer handles great----I was told by Fleetwood & others not to use radials and stay with Bias tires--and that this trailer would handle well with radials. Wrong--- On freeway, forest roads, fast curvy mountain roads---I find no problems with handling. Look at what I'm pulling with!
Oldman5 - we too have wear issues on the stock Loadstar tires which came with the pup. We have the 2007 Niagara and we are looking to replace them this winter to be ready for next season. I have looked into the Hankook and I see that you have moved the front spring to the lower hole. Did you have to do this because the new tires were rubbing or was it just for more clearance? If we go with the Hankook tires, would they fit properly without moving the leaf spring? I did get the measurements for the Hankook and the Loadstar but I am not sure what all the numbers mean. Hankook - OD=26.3, SW=7.6, TW=5.5, TD=12.5 and the Loadstar - OD-26.3, SW=7.8 (I was unable to find the other numbers). Thanks for the help
The tire contact issue was there before I changed the tires. The flimsy plastic inner fenders don't hold shape perfecting and the clearence is tight to begin with. The slide on mine actually touches the top of the inner fender well and may be causing the fender to be a little lower than the other side. If I had not changed the front spring hole position, the original tires would have rubbed thru before long. The contact only occurred when the springs were being compressed from bumps and poleholes while driving. There was some clearence when not moving.
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In regard to tire size---they are almost identical in demensions--very slightly taller. The original tire size is a tight fit.
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Hope this answers your questions
OldMan5
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ps--When I weigh out my trailer on all points I'm at not over the max ratings, but right there. I dry camp alot---I'm always carrying a full fresh water tank, full propane tanks.
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OldMan5
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11/11/09 10:42am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: New tires needed on Niagara
OldMan5 here----I am very pleased with the performance & wear of the Hankook tires as mentioned above. As noted I run them @ 60psi and I have not noticed any edge wear at all. I also raised the trailer slightly by moving the front spring mounting to the lower hole which raised the trailer about 1/2"-3/4". I was seeing some rub marks on the plastic fender wells on the heavy side even with the original tires, after about 2,500 mile this summer & some very rough roads I see no tire contact on the fender wells.
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If you go with the Hankook tires--I'm sure you'll be pleased.
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OldMan5
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ps.
The trailer handles great----I was told by Fleetwood & others not to use radials and stay with Bias tires--and that this trailer would handle well with radials. Wrong--- On freeway, forest roads, fast curvy mountain roads---I find no problems with handling. Look at what I'm pulling with!
Oldman5 - we too have wear issues on the stock Loadstar tires which came with the pup. We have the 2007 Niagara and we are looking to replace them this winter to be ready for next season. I have looked into the Hankook and I see that you have moved the front spring to the lower hole. Did you have to do this because the new tires were rubbing or was it just for more clearance? If we go with the Hankook tires, would they fit properly without moving the leaf spring? I did get the measurements for the Hankook and the Loadstar but I am not sure what all the numbers mean. Hankook - OD=26.3, SW=7.6, TW=5.5, TD=12.5 and the Loadstar - OD-26.3, SW=7.8 (I was unable to find the other numbers). Thanks for the help
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popupbound
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11/11/09 05:57am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: New tires needed on Niagara
We were having some irregular wear problems on our stock Loadstar tires similar to what you have described. We purchased Greenball Towmaster radials at Costco in the same size and load rating as the stock tires. We have not had any issues at all and they wear much better.
Dan
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azemptynesters
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11/09/09 07:58pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Another tire question
I put Loadstar bias-ply LR D 13" tires on my 25'TT after the Goodyear and Maxxis radials kept coming apart. Put 9,000 miles on them this summer and they held up OK. Except that I put the rated 65 psi in them (1650 lbs capacity) and the front tires wore down around the center. I wrote Kenda Tires. They recommended only 50 psi for the actual 1200# load. I'll buy more Loadstars for the next trip.
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Marinermark
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11/08/09 08:40pm |
Towing
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RE: 2010 Mahindra
Mahindra Trucks are affordable, tough, power-packed, 100% guaranteed and
deliver 30 MPG highway*.
I have to agree with the Skupper...I don't think too many people will be yukking it up.
I copied the feature list:
Mahindra’s mid-size trucks and SUVs offer a blend of ruggedness, performance
and affordability. They have the largest payload of any compact pickup truck
(2,765 pounds)* and an estimated 5,000 pound towing capacity*.There are Mahindra tractors in the west and I've looked at them. They look, basic, simple, rugged. I'm sure the trucks are similar. That payload is excellent...2800 lbs and the long box...a good feature. There are lot's of people ..ranches and farms who need a rugged smaller truck with a good payload. Not every one buys a truck to pose with...lol:B All excellent features...traction control...ABS, stability control...to me that's important.
Top it off with a 4-year 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and you’ll find
that these babies are even more cost-efficient than the best hybrids and are
brimming with uncompromising features.
30 MPG* • 4-WHEEL ABS BRAKES • UNIQUE SYYLING • EXTRA LONG CARGO
BED • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL • TRACTION CONTROL • ROLL-
OVER MITIGATION • 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION • AM/FM/CD/USB
AUDIO SYSTEM
It's a diesel...which is what I would like to see more of...small diesels like they have in Europe and Asia...we in NA need to follow suit.-
It's funny that this story just appeared. I just finished talking to a small construction company boss. The guy had two trucks on the job. An old IH 1600 Loadstar...old grain truck and a Japanese market Suzuki 660cc, 4WD...cab and box....both doing yeoman service.
I'm starting to see quite a few of these small Japanese trucks shipped over here and used as little work trucks in construction, farms and ranches.
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lesmore49
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11/06/09 11:11am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Another tire question
loadstar search
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smkettner
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10/21/09 02:18pm |
Towing
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RE: Another tire question
Stay away from Loadstar tires, pure trash. Had to remove mine after only 1 year and 5,800 miles.
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tvman44
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10/21/09 01:34pm |
Towing
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Another tire question
Has anyone purchased tires from Eastern Marine online/Trailertires.com? Or anyone running the "Loadstar" brand trailer tires? Looking for opinions on both. Thanks for any input you have.
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Andrew65
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10/21/09 01:07pm |
Towing
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RE: trailer parts superstore
If Loadstar and Carlisle is all they have to offer, I would pass. Jim
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jimw606
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09/28/09 04:48pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Which brand replacement tire?
Well I thought maybe the karrier loadstar G rated 235/85R 16 was gonna be an improvement. BUTT NNOOO!!! Mine are 2 1/2 years old and less than 5000 miles. Yesterday I found a fist sized bubble on a sidewall of one so of course I no longer trust the rest!!!! I actually got through to roger at kenda and he was happy to let me know that I am 6 months out of warrenty!!! If your RV shopping and see karriers(kendas)make them replace the tires or your gonna have to.
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cabanaman
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09/09/09 06:22pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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I was hopefull about my kendas BUT NOOO!!
Well I thought maybe the karrier loadstar G rated 235/85R 16 was gonna be an improvement. BUTT NNOOO!!! Mine are 2 1/2 years old and less than 5000 miles. Yesterday I found a fist sized bubble on a sidewall of one so of course I no longer trust the rest!!!! I actually got through to roger at kenda and he was happy to let me know that I am 6 months out of warrenty!!! If your RV shopping and see karriers(kendas)make them replace the tires or your gonna have to.
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cabanaman
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09/09/09 04:41pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Trailer Weigt vs Tire Rating...
100% guarantee your problem is this; Tires are LoadStar ST225/75R15 "D" tires. Have done some research that shows the "D" tires are rated to carry 2540lbs @ 65psi.
If you look you will surely see that they are labeled "Made in China"
There is hundreds of comments on "China Bombs" and the miserable outcome of trying to run them. Best solution is to replace the underrated 15 inch wheels with 16 inch wheels and Lt series tires from a reputable manufacturer.
Also remember that the axles carry only about 80% of the trailers GVWR or loaded weight. The remaining 20% is pin weight carried by your truck.Replacing ST tires with LT tires is allowed, HOWEVER you need to reduce the max capacity by 9% according to MotorHome magazine a few months ago. This is due to the abuse a trailer (5th or TT) puts on them with the twisting forces generated when turning tightly. ST (Special Trailer) are designed for this, LT (Light Truck) are not. Unlike MH tires, TT and 5th wheel tires should always be run at max pressure.
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Deen
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07/30/09 07:29pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Trailer Weigt vs Tire Rating...
100% guarantee your problem is this; Tires are LoadStar ST225/75R15 "D" tires. Have done some research that shows the "D" tires are rated to carry 2540lbs @ 65psi.
If you look you will surely see that they are labeled "Made in China"
There is hundreds of comments on "China Bombs" and the miserable outcome of trying to run them. Best solution is to replace the underrated 15 inch wheels with 16 inch wheels and Lt series tires from a reputable manufacturer.
Also remember that the axles carry only about 80% of the trailers GVWR or loaded weight. The remaining 20% is pin weight carried by your truck.
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donn0128
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07/30/09 03:28pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Trailer Weigt vs Tire Rating...
Hopefully, this is in the right place. I tried doing a search, but didn't find what I'm looking for.
I had a blow-out on my 5th wheel during my recent trip to the CA coast. (Not that far, I live near Sacramento)
Did the pre-trip air pressure, lug nut checks. Tires are LoadStar ST225/75R15 "D" tires. Have done some research that shows the "D" tires are rated to carry 2540lbs @ 65psi.
After the blow out, I've been thinking. 4 tires carrying 2540lbs ea = 10160lbs. My surprise is that the UVW of the trailer in 10K. It grosses at 12,400lbs. I've thought about "E" rated ST tires, but they carry 2830lbs @ 80psi x 4 = 11320lbs.
So...it appears that the tires are way under-rated from the beginning. In talking with someone else, though, (more thinking) with some of the weight carried by the truck at the kingpin (or landing gear when parked), do the tires really carry the weight for the whole trailer -OR- do they only carry the "left-over" weight thus allowing for what appears to be under-rated tires to be put on?
I gotta say, I'm slightly concerned at this point. How many more of my tires are gonna blow? Having to change a tire is not exactly my favorite thing to do on a RV trip. Point of reference, bought this trailer in Feb'07...the only blow-out I've ever had in 15 years of RVing. We've had PU, a 24ft TT and now the 5er.
If anyone has some insight....I'd be glad to listen.
You've probably got two 5K axles and the GVWR includes the pin wt. A lot of TT just barely cover the axle capacities. Thus your tire capacity is 10,160. My total tire capacity is 7040 at max inflation pressure for two 3500 axles and my GVWR if 7549. So you're better off than I am and I usually have between 6700 and 6900 on my TT axles.
I know that sounds way too close and should make tire problems more likely, but I've been running ST tires with those margins for 50 to 75K miles w/o a single flat/blow out.
Same margins apply to my rear TV tires which have a max rating of 3042 a tire at 80psi for a total of 6084 and I often have 5800 to 6100 after a 60gal fuel stop, but the 6100 drops real fast due to fuel usage and I don't normally carry that much fuel all the time.
Because of how close I am to my maxs, I always hit the scales after my first fuel stop on an extended trip so I can know that while close I'm still within the max ratings.
Larry
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LarryJM
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07/30/09 01:53pm |
Tech Issues
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Trailer Weigt vs Tire Rating...
Hopefully, this is in the right place. I tried doing a search, but didn't find what I'm looking for.
I had a blow-out on my 5th wheel during my recent trip to the CA coast. (Not that far, I live near Sacramento)
Did the pre-trip air pressure, lug nut checks. Tires are LoadStar ST225/75R15 "D" tires. Have done some research that shows the "D" tires are rated to carry 2540lbs @ 65psi.
After the blow out, I've been thinking. 4 tires carrying 2540lbs ea = 10160lbs. My surprise is that the UVW of the trailer in 10K. It grosses at 12,400lbs. I've thought about "E" rated ST tires, but they carry 2830lbs @ 80psi x 4 = 11320lbs.
So...it appears that the tires are way under-rated from the beginning. In talking with someone else, though, (more thinking) with some of the weight carried by the truck at the kingpin (or landing gear when parked), do the tires really carry the weight for the whole trailer -OR- do they only carry the "left-over" weight thus allowing for what appears to be under-rated tires to be put on?
I gotta say, I'm slightly concerned at this point. How many more of my tires are gonna blow? Having to change a tire is not exactly my favorite thing to do on a RV trip. Point of reference, bought this trailer in Feb'07...the only blow-out I've ever had in 15 years of RVing. We've had PU, a 24ft TT and now the 5er.
If anyone has some insight....I'd be glad to listen.
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31REHauler
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07/30/09 01:26pm |
Tech Issues
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Tires
Last year I replaced the tires on our rv. I went with what was on the camper when we bought it used. Goodyear Marathons ST205/75R15 with a load range "C", 1820lbs. I looked for but could not find load range "D" tires to fit.
Yesterday in Northern Tool + Equipment I saw my size tire in load range "D". They have it made by Loadstar and the tire is called "Karrier". So I did a search on this rv.net forum and didn't read very good things about Loadstar tires.
I have over the years also read about people using Michelin tires on their rv's. Looking at their web site they don't show that they make trailer tires. I run Michelin on both the wife's car and my truck and have since I had good success with a set about 20 years ago.
I was wondering if anyone had any reports on the Loadstar?
Is it alright to run "non" trailer tires on an RV?
Anyone know of a ST tire in my size that has a load range "D"?
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Papa
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Papa & Mimi
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07/30/09 05:40am |
Towing
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