Tire Upgrade For A 2023 Forest River Wildwood 31KQBTS With ST225/75R15 Castlerock Tires

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Question:

Good evening, I was wondering if you’d be able to provide some guidance. I have a 2023 Forest River Wildwood 31KQBTS with Castlerock ST 226 tires. They are the tires that came on the trailer. Last year I had the wheel bearings repacked. I also check the PSI before each trip. Yet in the course of two trips I’ve had three blowouts. On the last blowout when the tow service came out to replace the tire he had mentioned I should get the bearings repacked saying it was sticking some even though they were recently done and not a ton of miles driven. In all cases I was below 70mph I usually try to stay below 65mph. The one blowout was under 55 if I recall. Anyway long story short I’m on the market for some beefier tires that can handle higher speeds more for the heat rating than actually going fast. I believe I read there are different N ratings and 10 or 12 is really good? I also wanted some advice on bearings or other issues that could be wrong. I took it to an RV service center to have the bearings packed and inspect the tires before the blow outs and he didn’t appear to notice anything wrong. Next April we plan to do a 6 month trip out west through deserts and canyons I definitely don’t want to be having blowouts every week. Also any recommendations on TPMS? I don’t mind spending money if something is significantly better and going to keep my family safe, but don’t want to spend money if there’s something comparable but paying for the “label” if that makes sense. Also on tires, do you know if I need to take it to an RV service center to place the tires or can I go to a local place? If I buy tires through you can I have them shipped to the shop instead of my house so I don’t have to transport it all? Also I would be looking at 5 tires 1 for the spare. I appreciate you taking the time to read this lengthy message. Have a great day.

asked by: Michael H

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Expert Reply:

Hi Mike!

If you are looking for a heavier duty tire, I recommend the Taskmaster Provider ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E # TR225LRE. This has an M Speed Rating (81 mph) and the Load Range E means it has 10 ply sidewalls. Out of all the tires we currently carry, this is going to be our best option. Taskmaster it what a lot of OEMs use and we have always had very good luck with them. There are tires out there that have higher speed ratings, but the M is the highest we currently carry for just the tire at the moment.

Oh and any tire shop can mount these tires, it does not have to specifically be a trailer place. Just don't let whoever does it talk you into requiring them to be balanced. All they need to do is match the low spot on the tire to the high spot on the wheel, and vice versa. That's how manufacturers "balance" them before shipping out to distributors and it's all you really need to do. We can also ship things to different address, so that's no issue at all. You would just place one order for the stuff you want delivered to you and then another order with the parts you want delivered somewhere else.

TPMS is always a good idea and I have had really good success with the TST TPMS for RVs - Color Display - Signal Booster - 4 Tire Sensors # TST-507-RV-4-C. It's easy to set up and it's easy to use. You can add more sensors as needed (it can actually handle up to 115 tires!!!), but it comes with 4 out of the box. A lot of TPMS manufacturers say they can be used on rubber valve stems, but I don't trust that and highly recommend the Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem - 1-1/4" Long # AM20906 if you don't already have metal ones. I've heard too many stories about TPMS breaking valve stems to ever recommend going with rubber ones.

Lastly, if you bearings were repacked and the tech said there was still some sticking, I would replace all of them. They can get out of round or break down, which could be what he was feeling. Repacking will definitely help, but only so much. I'm not sure which axles you have, but if you let me know the capacity and axle tag numbers, I can definitely find you the right kit. I would do a full replacement of the bearings, races, and seals to be on the safe side.

Side note, since you are having so many blowouts, it may not hurt to have an RV tech check you axle alignment. Something might have gotten a little out of whack after the first instance and that could have caused a bit of a domino affect. The hangers that hold the suspension together aren't typically super beefy and something like this could potentially bend one a little. You're probably fine, but it wouldn't hurt to have it checked.

Where all are you desert plans taking you? I grew up in Southern California and went out to the deserts quite a bit.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Tire Upgrade For A 2023 Forest River Wildwood 31KQBTS With ST225/75R15 Castlerock Tires

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