Need new tires - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Hartness53 · 05-01-2011, 02:42 PM

Hey everyone, first post here I believe!

Last year I got a 1985 Hi-Lo for $500, i'm not sure what model it is but it is 20' long. I need some new tires, the ones on it say F78 14, they are bias ply tires, but i'm not sure what this means in radial size any help would be appreciated. Thanks Christian

RichR · 05-01-2011, 03:22 PM

Try this website for starters: Availability of Replacement Trailer Tires for Size F78-14 Tires | etrailer.com

You should get tires made for trailers that have ST ratings. As to brand, that is a topic of discussion. Our Hi-Lo has Goodyear Marathon tires, made in USA.

JackandJanet · 05-01-2011, 07:31 PM

As Rich said, it's all "discussion" (opinion). My trailer came with Goodyear Marathons. They both failed at about 5000 miles and two years due to cord separation. Yes, to answer your unasked questions, they were always inflated to 50 PSI cold, I pull the trailer at 65 MPH and I did not have enough extra equipment in the trailer to overload it (according to the placarded weights posted.) The OEM tires were load range C radials.

I have since gone to Maxxis M8008 ST radials, Load Range D. I am much happier with these new tires.

- Jack

RichR · 05-02-2011, 09:22 AM

This is a little off the track, but invest in a good tire pressure gauge. A good quality dial type gauge is best. I have have seen the pencil type gauges give some pretty erratic readings. Tire pressure is critical on trailers and low pressure can mean tire failure. Always keep a tight eye on your tires.

georgiapeach · 05-02-2011, 06:03 PM

Do NOT get tires made in China. We've owned several campers, and we refuse to take delivery of one with Chinese tires. They lack an ingredient that keeps them solid, and they will crack/separate in sometimes, less than a year. The code on the tire can be used to trace the source.

JIM L · 05-03-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackandJanet

As Rich said, it's all "discussion" (opinion). My trailer came with Goodyear Marathons. They both failed at about 5000 miles and two years due to cord separation. Yes, to answer your unasked questions, they were always inflated to 50 PSI cold, I pull the trailer at 65 MPH and I did not have enough extra equipment in the trailer to overload it (according to the placarded weights posted.) The OEM tires were load range C radials.

I have since gone to Maxxis M8008 ST radials, Load Range D. I am much happier with these new tires.

- Jack

I have the same tires as above,(Maxxis), did 12,400 miles to Alaska no problems. Always go with ST tires with the highest load range, watch your tire pressure, adjust your WD hitch so TV and RV are level, (equal load on tires) and you will rarely have tire problems.

captbobster · 05-30-2011, 02:18 PM

I don't understand why the Marathons are so bad. I have 4 on my 28 and 3 of them are from 2006 and one from 2009 and they all look new. Has anyone tried the recommendation from Goodyear of running 10lbs extra pressure if your going to run over 65mph? Also my tires were made in USA but I see the new ones are supposedly made in China, but they carry a 6 yr warranty. Maxxis are made in Taiwan, I guess nothing is made here anymore, not even Hi Lo's. I have also had Loadstar on a smaller trailer and had good luck with them, bought from etrailer.
Who know what causes some of these tires to go and others don't.

Fireballsocal · 05-30-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgiapeach

Do NOT get tires made in China. We've owned several campers, and we refuse to take delivery of one with Chinese tires. They lack an ingredient that keeps them solid, and they will crack/separate in sometimes, less than a year. The code on the tire can be used to trace the source.

This is just false info. Please don't spread it.

RCREYES · 05-31-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireballsocal

This is just false info. Please don't spread it.

So true. There is nothing wrong with Chinese made tires. I've used them on airplanes with no problems. (They are FAA approved.)

PopRichie77 · 05-31-2011, 05:15 PM

The country of manufacture is molded into the side wall of the tire near the rim, you don't have to crack any code to see where it was made, someone that says you do don't know what they are talking about. The Goodyear Marathons that came on my 2209 are made in China, also I bought a spare tire over a thousand miles from where I bought the trailer and it was made in China also. I am sure the tires have to meet Goodyear specs. I am not happy that things are not made in this country., but it doesn't mean that the quality can't be good.

RCREYES · 05-31-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopRichie77

The country of manufacture is molded into the side wall of the tire near the rim, you don't have to crack any code to see where it was made, someone that says you do don't know what they are talking about. The Goodyear Marathons that came on my 2209 are made in China, also I bought a spare tire over a thousand miles from where I bought the trailer and it was made in China also. I am sure the tires have to meet Goodyear specs. I am not happy that things are not made in this country., but it doesn't mean that the quality can't be good.

Well said.