Bubbles on 5th Wheel Trailer Tires and Recommendation for ST235/85-16 Trailer Tires

Updated 01/11/2017 | Published 01/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2348)

$194.90

Westlake ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G

(550)

$393.98

Question:

Short of two years I had four New tires put on my fifth wheel. They are St23585r16. Just a few days ago I noticed all four tires have bubbles. I was told iby the RV place where I bought them and had them installed them is Dúrcaddue to hit them on the road. Thats as untrue as I won the lotto. I can understand if we were talking about one tire but four? They are Hercules tires. What would your expert opinion be? Thank you.

asked by: Rafael G

Expert Reply:

Common causes of tires bubbles include damage to the tire (such as hitting or rubbing a curb), failure of the plies inside the tire, overheating, and overloading. There could also be defects in the tires.

What I recommend is to go with the highest ply rated tire that you can get in an ST235/85-16. They will be stronger than tires with lower ply ratings and if hitting curbs or overloading was the issue then the stronger tires will help. To avoid overheating be sure the tires are inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire and stay under the max speed rating of the tire.

I recommend the Lionshead Westlake tire # LHWL410. This is a load range G rated for 4,400 pounds at 110 psi. It has a ply rating of 14 and is rated for 75 miles per hour. This tire also has a 5-year warranty, they will replace the tire no questions asked for the first 12 months from the date of purchase, and they have a 2 year Roadside Assistance program.

expert reply by: Michael H