Should Same Factory Tire Size and Load Rating Be Used on Grand Design Reflection 357BHS  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey John! The Aluminum Jaguar Trailer Wheel like # 274-000011 can handle a psi up to 200 if you add the Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem # AM20906. As far as tires go I would definitely keep them the same size. People ask all the time about upgrading to a larger tire and it almost never works out because of clearance.

The difference between 235/80R16 and 235/85R16 isn't massive but I don't think you're going to gain anything by switching. I don't really think it is necessary but, if you want to make a change I would go from Load Range E to F. Load Range G might be alright but you really don't want to add new tires and find out you have a bumpy ride causing a problem instead of an upgrade.

You had the right idea with proper monitoring and maintenance, this is the most important factor. I do recommend adding a TPMS system like # TM89FR or # TM38FR if you don't already have one. If you need anything else feel free to reach out in the comments below.

expert reply by: Robin H

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Aluminum Jaguar Trailer Wheel
(click to enlarge)

John M.

4/22/2025

Thanks for the reply. Problem I’m finding is to get a Carlisle HD tire in F rating I can only source a 238/85 not an 80. Although they do have the size listed on their website page no one stocks it. The camper currently has the 238/85 size on it now with no clearance issues. However they are G rated and I’m sketchy about going G again. I bought the RV that way. I like Gladiator tire brand as they seem to have decent reviews and their stock sizing for load rating is much simplified. The 235/80/16 in their line up is an F rate. Plus the speed rate is higher than that of many other brand labels. Seems like they upgrade all the tire rates in their line up as all the corresponding sizes they carry are 1 load letter higher than that of typical industry standard sizing. Maybe that’s good maybe it isn’t. I don’t know. Do you have a hands down tire recommendation?

Robin H.

4/22/2025

@JohnM if I were to really recommend one tire over any other it would be Goodyear but we no longer carry those. I know there are a lot of people who like Carlisle tires, they're probably a fine choice. It is really easy to get lost in all of the reviews and accounts of what is good/not good with trailer tires. Especially when you have a lot of people who don't check the pressure and blow a tire because it wasn't properly inflated, then they go and blame the brand. If you have that tire size on your trailer right now it should be fine. I don't think the 80 vs. 85 difference will matter, I only commented on it because I don't think there is anything to gain with the slightly larger size. If that is the only way you can find that load rating then go for it.

John M.

4/22/2025

@RobinH Thanks for the feedback. My main goal was solely to buy upgraded peace of mind. Gladiator tires are big in the south. Theres more heat down there so that’s reassuring to subscribe into their brand label. Carl star changing name does worry my thoughts. I don’t know. The price for 5 load F Gladiators is 50$ less than 5 load E Carlisle’s. The Gladiator tire is also heavier by weight in either load rate than the Carlisle. Food for thought. It’s a deeprabbit hole indeed to climb into, to which many never go.

Robin H.

4/22/2025

@JohnM that is why I like the Goodyear Endurance. They're really high quality, the name is known, their reputation still stands. Most of these other tires come out of China, as so many things do anymore. I don't really have a big problem with that but aside from tread differences it is hard to say if there is any real difference in many of the tires. For all we know they're all coming out of the same set of factories with different names thrown on the tire. This is especially true as more and more brands appear on the market. I haven't seen much on Gladiator tires, I'll have to check them out. We do get questions on other brands from time to time so it is good to be familiar with them.