Aftermarket TPMS for Trailer Tires

[Murphie]

I'm wondering if we would even be at this junction if the Jayco trailers came with a set of tires that had a more reliable record. I realize that you can have a blow out or flat regardless of tire or brand but I'd feel better if I was able to trade up to a better tire. I vaguely remember reading about someone who was able to get into a better tire for his trailer by changing to a larger profile/size. Is there a better option out there that your aware of?

[David472]

Originally Posted by Murphie

I'm wondering if we would even be at this junction if the Jayco trailers came with a set of tires that had a more reliable record. I realize that you can have a blow out or flat regardless of tire or brand but I'd feel better if I was able to trade up to a better tire. I vaguely remember reading about someone who was able to get into a better tire for his trailer by changing to a larger profile/size. Is there a better option out there that your aware of?

Murphie,
I think you have something there. I have read recently in Trailer Life Mag, where a fellow was plagued by tire blowouts. His trailer came with 15" tires. He upgraded to 16" tires and has since gone many thousands of miles with no trouble at all. In both situations the tires were Goodyear Marathon. I have also read in a different spot, that typically car tires are run at about 30% of rated load, where as many TT tires are run at 80% to 90% of rated load. This article went on to say that to avoid TT tire failure, the best approach is to not run them at that percent of rated load, and to go larger if a person needs to achieve that. Maybe this is the key, aside from the usual pressure and age factors.

Just calculated, and in my particular case, I'm roughly at about 69% of rated tire loading on my TT.

[jim44646]

I was towing a 30' enclosed car trailer with a car inside to a track in Colorado. It was one of those all day all night drives. It was about 3:00 AM and after going threw several construction zones we pull in for gas. While we were filling up I did a walk around. To my surprise I had apparently hit something in one of those construction zones cause one tires had a chunk out of it and the other was shredded. The tire that shredded took out most of the wheel well. We found pieces of shredded tire in the trailer. Didn't hear nor see any thing until we stopped. I know using a good tire is a must. No matter how good the tire, road hazards can still get them.

[Murphie]

David,
Yes that is where I read the article. I totally agree with your reasoning. If you want more insight on this I got linked to the airstream forum where they have had on going discussions on the same issue. It appears that a lot of people have gone to a Michelin LT truck tire and have been more than pleased with their results. However Michelin recommends you stick with a ST rated tire because of the liability issues.

So.... I would not be surprised to see Michelin come out with a similar ST tire within the next year or so to fill the void. I will run my trailer with the tires I have on now for next years camping season but will hopefully switch to a better tire then.

After reading all these posts I have come to a decision that a monitoring system is indeed warranted. Let me know which one you decide on.