Trailer Tires; Power King Towmax v. Carlisle Radial Trail

[VivereDRSG]

I’ve got to invest in 4 new tires for my 2006 Sundowner 777 2H BP.

I currently have Carlisle Radial Trail ST205/75R15 C tires on it, and I’ve had NO ISSUES with them. They’ve made two trips from Texas to Massachusetts and back, sat during a snowy winter on pavement at the vet clinic in New Hampshire, and endured Texas weather. My Mom had these installed at Discount Tire about 4-5 years ago. Before I left MA, I had my trailer serviced at Yered Trailers in Medfield, MA. George did a GREAT job! We did discuss tires, and he said the Carlisle’s are alright if they’re all I can get, but I definitely need the D load range. He suggested the Power King Towmax tires. Whatever I get, make sure they’re sealed and balanced; very important!

I have some damage on the current Carlisle’s now, due to an oopsy on my part, so now I need new tires.

Tirerack.com has the Power King Towmax ST205/75R15 D for $82/each (not including S&H).

The Carlisle’s would be $109/each (not including S&H), but they don’t give a load range, just says: “Radial Trail RH Trailer Tire 205/75R15, 8 Ply”.

I do a decent amount of hauling, and am pulling with a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel. I want the best and safest tires. Like I said, the Carlisle’s have been good tires for me, but I’ve read a lot of negative reviews on them.

[wsmoak]

Definitely move up to load range D at least. C’s on a horse trailer are scary!

If you’re going with Chinese made tires, I don’t think there is a huge difference. I would stay away from Carlisle due to the multiple blowouts I had – but that was ages ago and they’ve probably totally retooled the factory by now. If they’re working for you… :::shrug:::.

Right now I’m using Gladiator which have a squarer profile than other tires. Before that I was happy with Greenball Towmaster. Prior to that, I really liked Titan which were made in the US.

[VivereDRSG]

How do I tell if they’re made in China? I have Michelins on both my truck and SUV.

I really don’t want to put light truck tires on my trailer, and I’m not seeing very many “Special Trailer” tires out there.

[VivereDRSG]

http://www.carlisletransportationproducts.com/product/tires/trailers-toy-haulers-towables/radial-trail-rh This says the Carlisle’s are made in the US. Tirerack.com does say that the Power King Towmax are Chinese made.

[tangledweb]

The Carlisle in that size comes in a load range C or D.
http://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Radial-Trail-Trailer-Tire/dp/B00513LGM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1405267753&sr=1-1&keywords=carlisle+5151371
http://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Radial-Trail-Trailer-Tire/dp/B0055BPQOE/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1405267175&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=carlisle+5151381

Amazon is not usually the cheapest price, so if that is the one you like you can probably get them for about the same price as the others by shopping around.

[cnvh]

I was rather surprised to discover that my local chain tire retailer (CJ’s) actually has trailer tires CHEAPER than what I can find online at the discount retailers, even without factoring in the installation price (which CJ’s does for free). So before you buy, you might want to price-check locally.

[clanter]

[QUOTE=VivereDRSG;7663945]
How do I tell if they’re made in China? I have Michelins on both my truck and SUV.

I really don’t want to put light truck tires on my trailer, and I’m not seeing very many “Special Trailer” tires out there.[/QUOTE]

here is plant code list … the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration mandates that every tire manufacturer register with the U.S. government prior to selling tires

http://www.tiresafetygroup.com/tire-dot-plant-codes-sorted-plant-code/

here is how to read your tire for plant code:

http://www.tiresafetygroup.com/how-to-find-dot-number/

[hosspuller]

@VivereDRSG;7663877

The Carlisle’s would be $109/each (not including S&H), but they don’t give a load range, just says: “Radial Trail RH Trailer Tire 205/75R15, 8 Ply”.

8 ply = load range D

[LSMarnell]

I heard that all trailer tires (ST’s) are made in China now. Even ones from companies still making tires here…

I have Goodyear Marathons on my trailer. I love them, BUT, yep, made in China.

[mlb722]

[QUOTE=wsmoak;7663916]
Definitely move up to load range D at least. C’s on a horse trailer are scary!

If you’re going with Chinese made tires, I don’t think there is a huge difference. I would stay away from Carlisle due to the multiple blowouts I had – but that was ages ago and they’ve probably totally retooled the factory by now. If they’re working for you… :::shrug:::.

Right now I’m using Gladiator which have a squarer profile than other tires. Before that I was happy with Greenball Towmaster. Prior to that, I really liked Titan which were made in the US.[/QUOTE]

I have gladiators now also agree regarding the profile. My trailer guy said they were a good middle of the road tire, in terms of cost and quality. So far, so good.

[VivereDRSG]

My local Discount Tire is who I’ve decided to go with. Since I’ve had good luck with the Carlisle’s, I’m going with them again. I did contact Sundowner and they said I can bump up to the 225/75R15. This means I can get into the Load Range E 10 ply.

$560 out the door. That’s tires, disposal of my old ones, sealed and balanced, installation. I may need to get a new spare too, but will see if it’s still good. It’s kept inside my dressing room on the trailer.

[tangledweb]

If you are changing size you should seriously consider a new spare. You are getting tires that are more than an inch taller than the old ones. If you only do local trips it won’t matter much but you don’t want to have to go far on mismatched tires.

[VivereDRSG]

[QUOTE=tangledweb;7669478]
If you are changing size you should seriously consider a new spare. You are getting tires that are more than an inch taller than the old ones. If you only do local trips it won’t matter much but you don’t want to have to go far on mismatched tires.[/QUOTE]

Agh crap, I didn’t even think about that. Thanks for pointing it out!

[kcmel]

Yes, when I switched the 205s to 225s, the last 205 to come off the trailer did not touch the ground!