Question by Marla Marla: Is there really a difference between “light truck” rated tires and “trailer tires” for an rv?
Both are the same size but the cost is MUCH higher for the RV tire yet no tire salesperson can explain to me what the difference in the construction of the tire actually is.
Best answer:
Answer by aerocentral01
You’re buying from idiots, if they can’t explain the differences.
If you’d like, you may do some research at the manufacturers’ websites, but in a nutshell, the differences can be summed up by considering the differing tasks these tires are expected to do:
RV tires can be driven under power; they also steer and provide most of the braking. Trailer tires need to have super-stiff sidewalls, so your trailer doesn’t develop “the sways” while towing.
Load ratings also differ greatly; trailers are usually loaded more-heavily than RVs or light trucks. Thus, the rubber compounds are tailored to their tasks (in addition to the tailoring already required by the factors mentioned above).
The pricing is largely a function of the volume of manufacturing. Lower volume: higher price.
Advice: Use trailer tires on a trailer.
What do you think? Answer below!
Please read other answers to this question at the very bottom of this page, below you will find a video and related articles that will try to answer the question, if you have a proper answer please post it at the bottom.
tire is brand new and has about 2 miles on it…didn’t look very round when the dealer had it in the wheel balancer but said there was no problem with it…rims are brand new…tires are 175/80D13 Carlisle Sure Trail
3 Tips To Prevent Class A Travel Trailer Tire Failure
Like any other vehicle, travel trailer tires go out. If this happens while driving down the road, it can be disastrous. Therefore, it is important to properly inspect the tires before every trip. Here are three things you need to check on a regular basis.
Check the Tire Age
Every tire has the week and year it was manufactured stamped on the tire wall. If the tire was made before 2000, the number will be three digits. If the tire was made after 2000, the number will be four digits.
Since any tire made before 2000 should be changed immediately, we will only worry about the four-digit stamp. The first two digits represent the week the tire was made. For example, 01 means the tire was made the first week of the year (the first week of January), while 51 means the tire was made the 51st week of the year, or the next to last week of December.
The second two digits represent the year the tire was made. It is a standard format. For example, 01 means it was made in 2001 and 10 means it was made in 2010.
RV tires are made to last six years. Therefore, any tire six years or older needs to be changed due to the high probability it will have a blow out.
Check the Tire Tread
Even if the tire is less than six years old, you need to check the tread. A good rule of thumb to go buy is the penny trick. Stick the top of a penny into the tire tread. If you can see Lincoln’s head, then you need to change the tires. If you cannot see his head, the tires are fine.
Check the Tire Pressure
You can find out the proper tire pressure by reading the manual. Alternatively, the tire air pressure is also written on the side of the tire. It will say PSI recommended at … Once you know the appropriate pressure, checking the tires are simple.
• Purchase an air pressure gauge at a local hardware store
• Unscrew the tire valve cap
• Place the air pressure gauge on the tire valve
• Firmly and evenly, press the air pressure gauge against the valve. This will either
o Blow out the pressure stick to give a reading or
o Give a digital reading
Safety is always important, and checking your travel trailer tires should top the list. Don’t become the victim of a preventable accident. Check your tires regularly.
Whether you are an experienced RVer or a newbie, and whether your Class travel trailer is new or used, everyone needs a reminder on safety. One of the easiest accidents to prevent is the tire blowout. However, not taking the time to prevent tire failure is likely to cause damage.
If you are lucky, a tire blowout will only damage your RV. If you are not so lucky, people could be seriously injured. You can take precautions to prevent such a tragedy by following a few simple steps.
Check the Tire Tread
Before any trip, you should always check the tire tread. The old standby works great here. Take out a penny and place it in the tread. If the tread does not make it up to Lincoln’s head, it is time to replace the tires.
Check the Tire Pressure
Again before any trip, you need to check the tire pressure on your recreational vehicle. Check out the owner’s manual on the RV to figure out what the tire pressure should be. Over-inflated and under-inflated tires can cause undue wear and tear. Additionally, the tire is likely to expand from the heat of driving. This can cause tire failure.
Check the Age of the Tire
Travel trailer tires are expected to last six years. Therefore, you need to change all the tires around the sixth year, whether they appear to need replacing or not. This one little expense now can save you costly RV repair and possible human injury.
The easiest way to check the tire age is to look at the code on the side of the tire. Tires have the date manufactured stamp right on the side. If the code is only three digits, run don’t walk to replace those tires. It means the tires were made before 2000. Those tires are over ten years old and need to be replaced fast.
Since 2000, tires have gone to a four-digit code. The first two digits are the week it was made and the last two digits are the year. It works a like this:
0708 – This tire was made during the 7th week of the year (February) in the year 2008.
5110 – This tire was manufactured during the 51st week of the year (December) in the year 2010.
Follow these guidelines to keep your Class A motor home operating at its best. As we all know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
For more information on New or Used RVs, contact Tom Sylvester at tsylvester@beaudrymotors.com or by phone at 1-800-860-0281. Or visit Beaudry RV at http://www.Beaudryrv.com/
Article from articlesbase.com
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Truck tires are meant to have power run through them, and also used for steering.
Trailer tires have simpler tread design, and also do not have to have the same traction ratings.