RE: PU tire replacement

[Beavis & Ace]

 
I have been researching tire replacement for our 98 Coleman Sun Ridge--seems the more I look the more confusing.   I m sure the current tires have alot of miles left in them but the side walls are beginning to show stress cracks and treads show a strange wear pattern--like out of balance??  Should a trailer tire be balanced?  Can anyone provide information or share their experience on what might be causing the strange tread wear and if there is an advantage of buying a radial tire or a bias ply tire--the only difference I can find  is the radial is a 6 ply tire while the bias has an 8 ply rating at the same price.  My coleman dealer carries only radial tires  but I have been told Coleman equips all new trailers with the bias tire--I know mine came with bias.  Any comments would be appreciated!!

[Preacher]

 Beavis & Ace
If I remember from the previous board, you want to stay away from the radial tires.  Since radial tires " flex"  more than bias you will have a greater chance of sway.  Also radial tires typically will not handle the weight that the bias will.  I personally would go with the 8ply bias.  As far as balancing, I always have my trailer tires balanced.  The trailer seems to pull smoother.  Also I do believe that it gives me better tire wear.
 
 I always try to go back to as close as original as possible and have only bought bias ply tires for my Coleman since that is what came on it.

[AustinBoston]

 Beavis & Ace
I agree with Preacher entirely, but want to add a few things.
 
 Unusual tread wear can be a sign of a lot of things.  Without a better description, it s impossible to do anything but guess.  It would be helpful if you answered some questions:
 
 Is the tread worn more on the inside or outside?
 Is there more wear on the edges?
 Is there more wear in the center?
 Is it cupped or scalloped?
 Is the left tire wearing differently from the right?
 
 Even if we had a photograph of the wear, most wear patterns can be caused by a variety of things.
 
 Most trailer tires never wear out.  Because of lower rates of use, they typically need replacement because of dry rot.  Evidence of dry rot includes the cracking you mentioned.  Tire replacement may be closer than you think.
 
 Austin

[Ab Diver]

 Beavis & Ace
Beavis, the tires that originally came on your Sun Ridge are Duro C78-13ST , rated at 1660 lbs. @ 65 psi. These are not radial tires, but *are* what you need to replace the tires on your trailer now. The stress cracks you see on the sidewall are a definite indicator that you should replace the tires.
 
 Like Austin said... without seeing the tire, trying to guess what caused the " strange wear pattern"  would be a shot in the dark. Just make sure you get the new tires balanced. If the 18 year old tire guy says it s not necessary, *insist* on having them balanced, or take your business somewhere else. Even on a small trailer tire, balancing *does* make a difference.

[Beavis & Ace]

 Beavis & Ace
It certainly is great to be able to tap into the experience of the board members and thank you all very much for " sharing"  with me.   To answer Austin-Boston s question--my strange wear pattern is between the middle and ouside and in an elongated pattern.  I did not buy the radials for the very reasons listed by the replies and felt staying as close to original as possible on this type equipment was best-- feel much better with the assurance from your responses.  It just blows my mind that no one in this area has these tires and say they can only get the radials--Thank goodness for the net.    Thanks again!!!

[tlhdoc]

 Beavis & Ace
I agree with the others, get the bias ply tires.  I am surprised that your Coleman dealer doesn t sell the Duros. []  I would to a tire shop or another Coleman dealer and get the proper tires.

[brainpause]

 Beavis & Ace
http://www.durotires.com/duro_bias_trailer_tires.htm
 
 There s a link to the tires for your Sun Ridge.
 
 Larry

[Tim5055]

 Beavis & Ace
Remember, a trailer tire may need to be replaced long before the tread wears out.  Generally rot or UV damage will be the death of the tire long before the tread wears out.  Maintain them properly and keep a good eye on them for signs of dry rot like side wall cracking. While I had originally planned to replace mine around age 4 - (long before I thought they would become a problem) I actually had to replace them after the second season.  Upon close inspection mine started t develop severe cracking/splitting in the bottom of the treads.
 
 Trailer tires are available as just a tire or in a tire-rim sets.  If your current rims are rusted, go for the sets.  When you replace them make sure you get at least the same load rating or higher.  If you do buy a higher rated tire don t automatically assume you can pack more stuff in your camper.  The tires are only one part of the system which determines the capacity of the trailer.
 
 When you replace your tires remember the spare!
 
 
 Check out my [link=http://www.title-3.com/Tires.htm]Trailer Tire Web Page[/link]

[wiininkwe]

 Beavis & Ace
We had some really strange wear on the tires of our Coleman Yukon, took it to the dealer, and at first we thought it was due to the axle having lost it s  camber , but found out that the axle is ok, the former owner may have towed it very overloaded, a lot.   The tires were forced out of alignment while being towed, and wore on the insides.   After putting the new tires on, it seems to be ok.
 T
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