R-pod Owners Forum : Replace Brand New Tires? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Replace Brand New Tires? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 22:29:27 +0000 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 10:10:47 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14451 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Replace Brand New Tires? : Many "name brand" tires... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140714#140714 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 14451
Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 10:10am

Many "name brand" tires have had issues off and on. Some more than others. As one tire dealer explained to me, "All tires look similar on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts, and you can't see it.".

I know there have been issues with Firestone, BF Goodrich, and Goodyear, and probably others. The bad apples usually get found out, and it is wise to pay attention to the ones that float to the top (err, bottom?).

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2021 10:10:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140714#140714 Replace Brand New Tires? : Yes Carlisle tires are (atleast... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140698#140698 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 14451
Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 8:06am

Yes Carlisle tires are (atleast some) made in china. But they have a long history of being the best trailer tire on the market. Go to any tire shop and they all recommend them. Now that goodyear makes the endurance, some prefer those, but I like old reliable. (plus i've had bad luck with goodyear tires in the past) As an added bonus, Carlisle Radial trail HD  tires are a better price. Should you change out new tires??? Only you can answer that question, peace of mind comes from feeling you are not taking a chance. For me, the right answer was changing out my brand new tires. I never felt I made a bad decision. ]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2021 08:06:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140698#140698 Replace Brand New Tires? : My 2015 179 came with 14 inch... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140695#140695 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14451
Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 7:31am

My 2015 179 came with 14 inch load range C tires rated at only 1750 lbs. Since my axle is 3500 lbs rated (and I run near that load) those tires provided no safety factor at all. I replaced them with 15 inch LRD’s rated at 2500 lbs. So, a lot depends on what FR in its infinite wisdom happened to put on your trailer.

It’s not as simple as just changing brands. So if you personally choose to prefer one brand or country of origin over another that’s fine, but please do be sure you also buy something with a good load safety factor (several sources recommend actual load not be more than 85% of rated tire load), maintain proper tire pressure, and check tire temperatures at your fuel stops. ]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2021 07:31:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140695#140695 Replace Brand New Tires? : Remember, if you're worried... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140687#140687 Author: lostagain
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 7:59pm

Remember, if  you're worried about "China bombs" that some Carlyles are made in China.]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 19:59:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140687#140687 Replace Brand New Tires? : +1, I've heard they are stout.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140679#140679 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 4:06pm

+1, I've heard they are stout.]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:06:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140679#140679 Replace Brand New Tires? : Those Westlake235/75R15 tires... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140675#140675 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 3:09pm

Those Westlake 235/75R15 tires are special for Hood River R-pods and are rated for 2340 lbs each (4680 lb per axle). They are what we've had on our RP179 since 2017, and they will probably age out before they wear out.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:09:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140675#140675 Replace Brand New Tires? : Well my story is a little different... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140674#140674 Author: JR
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 3:08pm

Well my story is a little different I have a 2019 179 we picked up in 2018 and the tires had a manufacturing date of 5117 figuring they should be good until the end of the 2022 season.  Looked over both tires, checked the lug nuts, adjusted the air pressure when we got the trailer out of storage and shortly after we left for Florida and got here safely.  We had a fellow Poder stop over to look at our solar system.  In the process of checking out our trailer, he had just put new Goodyear's on his 2021 180 wanting to get away from those china bombs, so he gave our tires a once over and guess what we found cracks in the side walls closed to the rims on both tires.  They are being replaced tomorrow with Carlisle st 225/75r15 load range D.  The tires have about 18,000 miles on them and have had 65 lbs in them from the get go.  Boy these fellow podders are wonderful to have around.  We still have both fenders attached to the trailer!!  Do we feel blessed.]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:08:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140674#140674 Replace Brand New Tires? : Today our 177 got new shoes. Carlisle... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140671#140671 Author: jato
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 2:15pm

Today our 177 got new shoes.  Carlisle Radial Trail HD load range "D", 8 ply, tire pressure is 65 psi.   On the way in to Discount tire (35 miles) we experienced some breezy conditions 40-45 mph cross winds.  With the existing Hartland tires (load range "C" at 50 psi) I experienced some sway as well as a lot of bulging on the sidewalls of the tires as we were traveling at 55 mph.  On the way home, night and day difference.  Same 'breezy' crosswinds, even seeing a couple trees blown over up to the road, yet the Carlisle tires did not bulge at all on the sidewalls and the pod seemed to track better as well. 

The guy at Discount Tire said he was amazed at how good our spare looked, a Tire King (that is what ours came with January 2011) that was in pristine condition and still had all the nubbins on it.   However the build date was 03/10, I wasn't going to trust it if we ever get in the situation where we need it.  Fortunately for the 36,000+ miles we have driven so far with our two previous sets of tires over some horrible road conditions we have never had tire issues; pray that record continues.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:15:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140671#140671 Replace Brand New Tires? : +1 to stay with your tires. I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140669#140669 Author: Cjommh
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 11:56am

+1 to stay with your tires. I have the same R Pod 192, have ~5,000 miles on it, check pressure and torque before each trip. No issues so far. I did install a TPMS sensor on each tire, highly recommend that! It has a small monitor on my dash and I can see tire pressure and temperature in real time.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:56:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140669#140669 Replace Brand New Tires? : We ran with the original tires... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140665#140665 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14451
Posted: 11 Mar 2021 at 10:52am

We ran with the original tires for quite a while. When I had a flat from a puncture, I got it patched. After that though, I started looking for new tires and replaced them with Carlisle LR-D tires. I've been happy with them. I've worn out some of those, some from an axle problem (lost camber so wearing excessively on the inside edge), and another that just must have been out of balance or round and was wearing in a way I did not like. We are good to go for this year's expected travels.

I also check the tire pressure and lug nuts regularly. The LR-D takes a higher pressure than the LR-C tires that came with the 179. I'm glad I upgraded them.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:52:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140665#140665 Replace Brand New Tires? : We just purchased our pod in February,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140654#140654 Author: Colonel Podder
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 9:41pm

We just purchased our pod in February, and I made the choice to change mine out. It's probably a 98% chance that one of the Westlakes would not fail due to a manufacturing defect. But I just felt better changing them out. I was already spending $20k+, so another $300 was not a huge deal. 

Any tire can fail for a number of reasons, but peace of mind was worth it for me to make the change. I purchased the Goodyear tire.
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:41:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140654#140654 Replace Brand New Tires? : We always check torque and pressure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140652#140652 Author: lostagain
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 7:44pm

We always check torque and pressure right before we leave.  On the trip we take along a little 2 cylinder 12v compressor to top off the tires as needed and torque the lug nuts with each departure.  It's all part of the pre-drive check list.]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:44:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140652#140652 Replace Brand New Tires? : I never start a trip without checking... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140650#140650 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 6:37pm

I never start a trip without checking inflation, along trip I use a TPMS, an infrared gun and a check of inflation on way back.  It is very important.  I have never had a trailer blow out (knock on wood), I don't buy cheap and I don't ignore tires and brakes.]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:37:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140650#140650 Replace Brand New Tires? : +2 Proper inflation is key to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140649#140649 Author: jato
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 6:23pm

+2  Proper inflation is key to reduce blowouts.  On the FB site there have been a number of individuals who have had blowouts so I ask: "What was the tire pressure last time you checked and did you check it BEFORE going out that day?"  Funny thing is that rarely has any ever answered back.

We have friends last year that had 6 month old gye (seems to be the mantra for many pod owners) that blew out on them, like nearly brand new tires!  I asked him if he had the tires at 65 psi (they were "D" range) and he replied he didn't check.  Told him to check the other one next day when it had time to cool down.  He did - it was 40 psi.  He thought it was ok by looking at it.  Problem is when you get 8 ply or more tires it takes a fair amount of weight to make any kind of bulge on it visually.  Now on my "C" tires there is a slight bulge all the time - even at the recommended 50 psi.
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:23:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140649#140649 Replace Brand New Tires? : +1 to others above. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140642#140642 Author: lostagain
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 4:43pm

+1 to others above.]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:43:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140642#140642 Replace Brand New Tires? : +2. I wouldn’t change tires... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140641#140641 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 4:41pm

+2. I wouldn’t change tires because of brand. I would if they aren’t adequate in their load rating. By adequate I mean having a load capacity with a minimum safety factor of 10-20% higher than half the load rating of the trailer axle. Your trailer’s axle capacity is 4400 lbs so each tire needs to be able to carry 2200 lbs. With a 10% safety factor that is 2420 lbs. So look up the load capacity of your Westlakes. If it’s >2420 lbs I’d leave them and see how they do. Do keep whatever tires you have on there inflated to the listed pressure when cold. Check them every morning or install a TPMS. There’s nothing worse for trailer tires than to underinflate them.,]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:41:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140641#140641 Replace Brand New Tires? : I drove my original tires for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140640#140640 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 4:09pm

I drove my original tires for almost 4 years before upgrading to a Load Range D tire.  I wouldn't advise switching out brand new tires.  What load range are your tires?]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:09:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140640#140640 Replace Brand New Tires? : Are they these Westlakes? If so... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140639#140639 Author: Pod_Geek
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 3:48pm

Are they these Westlakes?  If so mine have gone > 10,000 miles with zero issues.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Westlake/WST94FR.html
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:48:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140639#140639 Replace Brand New Tires? : I just purchased a 2021 R-192,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140638#140638 Author: Hardwear Hank
Subject: 14451
Posted: 10 Mar 2021 at 2:54pm

I just purchased a 2021 R-192, should I replace the tires with a better brand?
My has 235/75R15's should be easy to find a goodyear or other name brand.Embarrassed
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:54:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14451&PID=140638#140638