Tires
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: Non-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Same as podmods, just... not for pods
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11370
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 8:54am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Tires
Posted By: gunny
Subject: Tires
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 9:23am
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Is there anybody out their that has had trouble with there westlake tires? |
Replies:
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 4:30pm
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Curious as to how you got these on your r-pod. Are these replacement tires for the original ones from the factory? What are your tires doing? Sidewall issues or what?
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 5:11pm
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He has an HRE...
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 5:47pm
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That's an all terrain tire on HREs, Google it, there is some comments. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 6:54pm
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We also have the HRE, and at least on ours, they are ST235/75R15, and rated for 2340 lbs. I haven't been able to find an "equivalent" tire online, as they are a non-standard size. The closest you can find are ST225/75R15. I suspect that Forrest River, and possibly other manufacturers ordered these special. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 12:37am
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I have discussed the 15 inch Westlake CR 857+ ST 235 75/r15 tires that came on our 2017 HRE Green 179 several times on this forum. I was always hesitant to replace the 235's with the only possible replacements, 225's. Our driveway has a slope, and with the 235's I had to remove the rear stabilizer save-a-jacks to get up the driveway. However, in February I installed the Lippert 3 inch risers. What a difference. Now I would not have a problem with the 225's. We just completed a 2,500 mile trip from Idaho down to Sedona, then up to Lee's Ferry, SLC, and finally home to Idaho. I watched the tires closely. The C rated tires have considerable flex. Around the Vegas beltway in the heat, I'd even say "squishy" (technical term). With our 179 loaded, the C rated tires are close to max. I'd like to get a tire with a higher rating/ply. This should make the sidewalls stiffer and better handle the weight. I'm less concerned about speed. 65 is our max. That said, I do like the aggressive tread on the Westlakes and the clearance the 235 provided. I know it's only a 1/2 inch, but sometimes that's all you need. Truth be told, I'm not taking it in anywhere I think I'll get close to the treads terrains potential. I have searched the internet for a higher rated ST 235 75r15 tire. None exists. Sometimes the Westlake tire on our pod is a unicorn and can't be found on the google machine. The option is 225's or LT/passenger tires. From my reading I have learned that passenger tires on a trailer is not a good idea. The tires held up on the road trip fine. But honestly, they are the one issue I can't get off my mind. Prove me wrong, I'd love to have another option that keeps the original size. By the way...the trip was awesome. Driving down thought Nevada and up though Utah, never saw the same sights twice. Thanks ------------- Smith's in Hailey Early 2017 179 HRE http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 9:10am
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Wow. Didn't think that the height difference between a 235 tire and a 225 tire would be that significant. Personally, I think putting radial tires on a TT is a poor decision, but it seems the majority of "ST" tires these days are radial. When it comes time to replace our ST235 tires, I will probably bite the bullet and go with ST225 tires, but I'll be on the lookout for bias ply tires if they exist. Just poking around a little bit, and I found that not all ST225/75D-15 tires are the same outside diameter. Note that this Loadstar tire is 28.1" diameter: https://www.easternmarine.com/loadstar-st225-75d-15-trailer-tire-lr-d - https://www.easternmarine.com/loadstar-st225-75d-15-trailer-tire-lr-d And this one is 28.7" diameter: https://www.easternmarine.com/arisun-st225-75d-15-trailer-tire-load-range-d - https://www.easternmarine.com/arisun-st225-75d-15-trailer-tire-load-range-d ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 9:02am
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I think the actual difference some tire guy gave me was 3/8s. But then he made the comment that with the higher ply tire, the sidewall wouldn't flex as much, so you make some of that up. Since the slope of my driveway made coming and going so difficult I couldn't spare to lose an 1/8th. Now that I have the axle risers it shouldn't be a problem. I think I'm going to have to say goodbye to the tread of the West Lakes and move into a better 225 tire.
Thanks ------------- Smith's in Hailey Early 2017 179 HRE http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods |
Posted By: TheFornstars
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 4:27pm
| Have you looked for 30 X 9.50 R15? Will be slightly taller and wider. 1.11" taller and .25" wider. I have not owned my Pod long, but from my observation this might work. Maybe someone will chime in that has tried. |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 4:42pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: TheFornstars
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 5:30pm
I have not looked, it was just a suggestion for an alternate path. After looking, during a meeting
 , I can not find any either. |
Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2021 at 8:34am
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I'm going to bump this post with updated info. Etrailer now has Westlake replacements for the original stock HR trailer tires in ST235 75r15 size. They still have the aggressive off road tread that is also highway acceptable. They are load D, which increases capacity to 2,910 per. Up from the original tire at Load C. This may be the solution I've been looking for... It only took a few years. I wanted to share. 51 inches of snow in three days here in Idaho. Skiing yesterday at Sun Valley was amazing! Wood River Pod isn't going any where until spring break, which means I need to keep it clear so that I can get it out in March. Snow blower got a workout yesterday. Today I'll clear the roof. Happy New Year! http:// www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Westlake/WST54FR.html - https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Westlake/WST54FR.html
------------- Smith's in Hailey Early 2017 179 HRE http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2021 at 11:24am
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Wow, that is one 'stout' looking tire! Should do the trick. Looks a lot beefier than the gye that so many are switching over to. When you get them mounted let us know how they perform. I am in the market to replace my Hartland "C" tires this April. They turned 5 years old last November, but since our 177 is in hibernation mode here in northern Michigan, they are as well. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2021 at 3:56pm
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They are stout looking, not convinced yet to put a "recommended off road tire" on my Pod that spends considerable time on highway, and I'm not in market to do the 15" wheel upgrade. My 14" Carlisles, D rates are doing fine so far. Not to say may be another's cup of tea. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2021 at 6:59pm
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What would be the advantage of an aggressive tread pattern on a trailer tire? It’s not like they are drive wheels, and aggressive tread does cause more rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. I don’t get why they would be benefit. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2021 at 7:04pm
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Zactly :) ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2021 at 9:10pm
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I've been wondering that too. What's the point apart from looks? ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2021 at 11:58pm
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It is next to impossible to find a replacement for the Westlake ST235 75r15 that came standard on the HR RPods. All replacements in a ST want me to go down to 225 and lose 1/2inch est. on the tire height. Before I got the FR axel risers I had to lay down 2x8s to make it up my steep drive. Now with the risers I can come and go without the hassle. I'm afraid that going to a 225 would get me back to boards. I agree, the majority of my time is highway, but occasionally we've been able to get back into some Idaho boondocking where these tires, correction, the size of the tires have been helpful. I've driven to Zions, Sedona, and Monument Valley on these puppies from Idaho. They do alright on the highway. What I like most is that these are now in Load D, whereas my originals only came in C and were close to maxing out the load limit. Yes the tread is aggressive and I never plan on finding myself where I may need such tread, but I need the height. This is the only 235 ST tire replacement I've found. That gets me up my drive and in to sites where others potentially can't. Were headed back down to Vermillion Cliffs for SB. Can't wait. Gonna hit House Rock Valley Road to get into Stateline Campground. Need every bit of clearance to get through those washes and gullies. Don't want to leave the black and gray tank valves on the ground prematurely. :) As always, I appreciate the conversation. Thanks ------------- Smith's in Hailey Early 2017 179 HRE http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2021 at 2:43am
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Ok, it’s ride height. I have the riser kit and st225/75r15 LRD’s (having upgraded from 14 inch LRC’s both for clearance and load capacity). I’ve been over some pretty rough ground (at crawling speed to be sure) and haven’t bottomed out yet, but everyone’s situation and experience is different.
You’re right that the 235/15’s aren’t readily available in st tires. But those “off road” Westlakes are crazy expensive not counting the rolling resistance effects on fuel economy. Can you stop on your driveway and measure how much clearance you have to see if the half inch would be a problem? Or you could just mount the 225’s and see if you’re back to having a driveway clearance problem. If that half inch does create a problem for you then you could add a couple of shims to your risers, or maybe even just raise or lower your hitch height a little depending on where the clearance problem occurs. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Welchsoft
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2021 at 3:49pm
| Has anyone asked FR for a recommendation of tire to replace the 235's? |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2021 at 5:28pm
Why would it matter about tread pattern on a trailer tire other than appearance? They are not drive wheels nor steering wheels, so traction doesn't really matter, and an agressive tread pattern just increases friction, making the tire run hotter and reducing fuel economy. I went with a stiff sidewall LRD, high pressure low rolling resistance trailer tire and called it good. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2021 at 6:34pm
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+1 Great advice. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2022 at 7:38pm
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I have a very nice factory wheel off a 2018 Rpod-180 that is taking up room in my attic. Is any one interested. |