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Topic ClosedWestlake Tires - Event Date: 17 Jul 2020 - 30 Aug 2020
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Joined: 24 Jun 2020
Location: Fountain Valley, CA
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Westlake Tires
    Posted: 17 Jul 2020 at 11:37pm
Recently purchased my first R-Pod 180. I was wondering how many R-Pod owners are still using the original Westlake tires? If so how have they preformed and how many miles do you have on them? My Westlake tires were manufactured November 2018. I have had prior RV's, fifth wheels and have not had very good luck with tires from China. Thinking about running them for about 5000 miles or 4 years which ever comes first and getting some Goodyear tires. Thoughts ?
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 5:44am
What is the load range of the tires? If they are load range C like my 2016 RP 179's tires, they are close to the top of their carrying capacity. That said, I used mine for several long trips before changing to load range D Carlisle tires. Goodyear Endurance load range D tires have a pretty good reputation also.

If you plan on using them, keep an eye on the tire pressure. I did and I was still told by someone that my tires looked like they were low. That is when I realized that the weight of the 179 which is similar to that of the 180 was too much for the LR-C tires. The side walls flex too much which means that heat is building up. If that can't be dissipated it will build to the point of tire failure, even if the pressure is correct. I think that is what has happened with many of these tire failures. While I have seen tire pressure monitors, I have not seen anything that is also a tire heat monitor.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 6:06am
+1. 

You need to look deeper into this than just the manufacturer. Load capacity and proper inflation are critical. FR has at least till recently shipped rpods with 14 inch LRC tires on them that are rated just at the minimum they can be to maintain the 3500 lb axle rating (1750 lbs per tire). That is a blowout waiting to happen, especially with improperly inflated tires. I personally have no concerns about running Chinese tires, but mine are 2500 lb rated 15 inch LRD's and I check the inflation daily.

To check for tire sidewall heating (as well as bearings and brakes) an IR thermometer is handy, can be done quickly at every fuel stop. 
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 7:14am
Yes, it can be done at a stop with an IR thermometer. However, there is no good way to track it while on the road that I know of. Touching the tires and hub at a stop will give you an idea of heat also. That is what I have been doing. So far, I have not burned my hand. I don't touch the brake drum though as it would be hot, especially right after braking.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 7:20am
I think comparing the two tires with an IR thermometer will  probably tell you when you are beginning to have a problem with one of them. If one starts getting significantly hotter than the other its a red flag. So far I haven't seen differences of more than a few degrees and that's probably from the sun shining on one tire more than  the other. 
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 9:40am
I use an IR thermometer on my tires and hubs, whenever I stop. I compare the tires temperature on the truck, with the camper. They usually are within a couple degrees. I also check the hubs and compare both sides. They actually run pretty cool, I was pretty surprised to see them running about 85 degrees on days when it's 95 degrees. Even though I would expect that just seconds after braking the hubs would be hot, it doesn't seem to be the case. I am putting a TPMS system on, that monitors temperature, but I don't know how that would track the temperature of the tires. 
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 10:09am
Originally posted by mjlrpod

I use an IR thermometer on my tires and hubs, whenever I stop. I compare the tires temperature on the truck, with the camper. They usually are within a couple degrees. I also check the hubs and compare both sides. They actually run pretty cool, I was pretty surprised to see them running about 85 degrees on days when it's 95 degrees. Even though I would expect that just seconds after braking the hubs would be hot, it doesn't seem to be the case. I am putting a TPMS system on, that monitors temperature, but I don't know how that would track the temperature of the tires. 

I do get noticeable trailer drum heating after a couple of stops. but I didn't at first. If you're not the you might want to make a few stops or do a downhill run then compare brake temps between the tow vehicle and the trailer. After I did that the first time I realized the TV brakes were doing all the work so I bumped up the level on my brake controller and did it again and things evened out a lot better. 
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 10:10am
My TPMS mounts on the tire valve, so the indication of temp is the air coming to that valve. It gives a trackable temp, I would think the heat it would not sense well is the hub, not the tire.
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 10:12am
If they are the 15" Westlake tires as are used on the Hood River Edition models, then they have much higher rated load capacity than the 14" tires. The 15" Westlake tires on our HRE is 2430 lbs. Well above what is required for safety reasons.
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 10:51am
My ST235/75/R15 have a load range 2910# . It is a "D". Tires look good but always a concern about tires from China. Some tire "experts" suggest switching them out right away. Why take a chance.
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