Spare Tire Dilemma

Camping Couple · 06-29-2015, 03:41 PM

We have been RV'ing for quite a few years now. We have been fortunate not to experience a tire failure during any trips. 99% of our trips have been within 150 miles.

We have decided to travel to the Black Hills in South Dakota in August. After reading several threads here about the Towmax tires, I feel uncomfortable without traveling with 2 spares. The Towmax tires have a date code of 4913. They are not cracking or anything and are in great shape. I figured I could purchase a spare without a rim and get it mounted if I had too. Any thoughts?

I have researched online and decided to purchase a Carlisle Radial Trail RH Trailer Tire as the spare. I'll probably upgrade to these tires after this trip to D load tires from my current C load tires. These tires also have a 80 MPH speed rating.

I'll take any comments and suggestions. The trip is coming up quick

ALJO · 06-29-2015, 04:51 PM

I haven't had problems with the Towmax Tires and many others didn't either, but some had problems. The biggest cause of tire fails is heat and can be caused by improper tire pressure and speeds over the rated limit. Extreme outside temperature will add a bit to the failure rate. I always check my tires and bearings at stops and never had a heated tire or bearing in the 45+ years of RV-ing. Never go over 65 mph.
If you want to run at higher speeds get recommended tires which can handle those speeds.

Jagiven · 06-29-2015, 05:21 PM

I would not worry about tow max tires. We did a similar trip two years ago. No issues, the roads are in good shape. Your running 14" tires or larger, so finding a replacement will be easy. Just check you tire pressures every morning.

Personally if I could, I would replace them with LT's, they are much better tires.

Camping Couple · 06-29-2015, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I would not worry about tow max tires. We did a similar trip two years ago. No issues, the roads are in good shape. Your running 14" tires or larger, so finding a replacement will be easy. Just check you tire pressures every morning.

Personally if I could, I would replace them with LT's, they are much better tires.

Yes I am running 205/75R15C. Did you run your tires at max pressures? Believe it or not, we will be below our GVWR. It just two of us. If you wanted to switch to LT's, you would have to change rims too right?

Iraqvet05 · 06-29-2015, 08:20 PM

I believe most of the issues with Tow Max tires are on TTs larger than yours. I just returned from 600 mile trip and have over 1500 miles on my Tow Max tires and have no issues. I also run 65 mph max. A buddy of mine has a 2012 26BH with the Tow Maxes and well over 5000 miles on his TT with no problems.

Murff · 06-29-2015, 08:32 PM

I would Google any brand of tire you may consider purchasing and read reviews.
Murff

Jagiven · 06-29-2015, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camping Couple

Yes I am running 205/75R15C. Did you run your tires at max pressures? Believe it or not, we will be below our GVWR. It just two of us. If you wanted to switch to LT's, you would have to change rims too right?

I always run max tire pressure. For me LT's are our of the question as the htt's run 13 inch tires, and 14 inch will not physically fit in the wheel wells. If they would fit they would be my choice for replacements.

I am confident I have well over 10K miles on our current tires, and plan to put on another 5K miles before the end of next year. I have one rear tire showing a bit more wear then the others, but I think it is from tire scrubbing getting in and out of our driveway.

Jack in Alaska · 06-29-2015, 11:42 PM

Carrying a new unmounted spare is a good plan. If you trash a tire you can install the mounted spare, find the nearest tire shop and have the spare tire mounted. You are then ready to roll. You will probably have purchased the tire at home and shopped for a good price, not buying it at Gippo Joes Tire shop along the way.
In eighty Alaska Hyw. trips (40 round trips) we had only 3 flats. I carried an extra tire for the RV and the truck. Only used the RV tire once. We did not have that good experience by using Walmart specials or 4 for the price of 3 deals. Buy the very best tires that you can find. I used Michlein or Toyo's on my truck and Goodyear G614's on the RV. Not cheap but safe and trouble free.
Your tires are the only thing that you have between your very expensive rig, your life and complete disaster. Use good stuff. It is worth it in the long run.

RedHorse1 · 06-30-2015, 08:48 AM

We got 7500 mi out of our TM's and 2 failed in a 75 mi stretch and a third was going to fail SOON. Like Jack we replaced with G'year 614's. These are $$$ and are LT tires, not ST. Never pulled over 65 and kept an eye on pressures with a tire monitor. The monitor also kept me from damaging the wheel well and underside of the 5th.

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