Tire Choice for 18K-Gross Weight 5th Wheel Toy Hauler that Has Frequent Blowouts

Updated 04/07/2015 | Published 04/05/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(2430)

$191.18

Karrier KR18 ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range F

(2430)

$194.98

Question:

I have a 2010 Keystone Raptor with 3 axles. It has a blowout nearly every time I use it. My most recent one was today. As of right now, I have 5 brand new Triangle ST tire on it. This one that blew was a Hi-Run tire. I havent had a blowout on the Triangles yet, as I have replaced each blowout with a Triangle. However, I am seriously considering selling this toy hauler because I am so sick of blowouts. I dont know whether to just get another Triangle to make a complete 6 of them, or change to something even more heavy duty. The camper list a dry weight of 13,250lbs, and a GVWR of 18,000lbs. What is your recommendation?

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The most common causes for a tire blowout on a heavy trailer are incorrect inflation (too low or too high), overloading beyond rated capacity, running them at too high a speed or a problem with the trailer suspension or hubs that causes the tires to run out of proper alignment. This can place more stress on a small portion of the tire and lead to failure. If tires on all axles are failing then this last possibility is unlikely.

It is always best to use the same trailer tire all around. If you use tires that don't match, you could experience problems of overloading and overheating, which can lead to tire failure.

You referenced the Kenda Karrier tire ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10295. This radial trailer tire carries an E Range load rating of 3,640 lbs at 95 psi. Six tires like this will give you a total weight carrying capacity of 21,840-lbs.

If your current Triangle tires are rated high enough to give you a reasonable safety margin then I suggest replacing the last of the old tires with the same Triangle tire so you have a complete matching set all around. Since you have had no issues yet with the other 5 tires, this suggests that maybe you have found your solution.

If you do have more blowout issues then I would suggest using the highest load rating tire you can find in your size. We offer a Kenda Karrier radial trailer tire in Load range F - rated for 3,960 lbs at 95 psi - which would give you extra capacity and safety margin if you are currently using a lower-rated tire. This is part # AM10501 and it is illustrated in the linked video. Radials are a good choice since they tend to run cooler than bias ply tires and provide better road contact as a result of their greater flexibility.

expert reply by: Adam R