Tire and loading

[supton]

I bought a set of HF trailer tires for my camper, to replace the old ones. Same load range as the trailer came from the factory (same date code as the the build date). Which was a load range below what the manual actually required... Didn't catch that until later, and it's an old trailer, so no going after the manufacturer either.

Anyhow, these HF tires state 55mph max on them. I was worried and kept my speeds to 60-65mph. Until I hit traffic and was running behind, so I kicked up the pace to 65-70. Blended better in traffic anyhow. Best I can tell the tires are no warmer than the pavement. If I had to guess each tire is carrying no more than 600lb, out of a 785lb rating; pressure is set to max cold of 60psi. As you can tell it is a small trailer; due to the tire concerns it is running with nothing in it (no water, no propane, no luggage), so I think it is close to its rated 1,000lb dry weight.

Overloaded/overworked tires would get hot all over, no hot spots, right? So I've go no worries here?

 

[LotI]

What's the speed rating on the tire? I would think a tire sold for road service would be at least 'L' rated for 75mph.

 

[Donald]

Its a brave person who runs a HF tire on the highway.

 

[bigt61]

Is this the tire HF sells as a "spare"? I would keep your speed down and make sure you have another spare. Not a tire for long trips.

 

[rfeir]

Increase the pressure by 10lb but not higher than the max printed on the tire.

It is a scandal that such tires are not rated for at least 75 mph, are mostly lacking a nylon belt, etc. Where is the government when you need it?

 

[WishIhadatruck]

What is an HF tire? Harbor Freight? ST tires are (always?) rated for 65mph max. at the recommended inflation pressure. I have seen where some Goodyear ST tires say go 10psi higher to allow more speed (to 70 maybe?).

I agree about "where is the government when you need it", I see people going over 65 on a regular basis with ST tires on their trailers. They don't say it on the sidewall and most people are oblivious to the speed limit on the tires. They should be mandated to be higher, you don't find passenger tires that low. Passenger tire ratings start at L I believe which is 75 mph, that would be better.

 

[IndyIan]

I've had a blowout on a similar trailer behind the Tracker, it made me jump abit but no other issues. So if the worst happens, it probably doesn't matter much behind your truck.
OTOH, its a pain to change a tire at the side of the road.
I've started going to a local trailer manufacturer/dealer for my trailer equipment and advice. The parts aren't much more expensive than HF and they are a known quality.
They may be able to suggest an upgraded tire in size or quality and then it will be a non-issue.
I would get some good tires and keep the HF maypops for spares and have one less worry on family vacations.

 

[supton]

Yes, Harbor Freight. I have a brand new spare, and a rather old spare too. Tires set to max psi of 60.

As far as I know, it is the same tire they sell for their trailers. I knew I was going to need to change the tires on the utility trailer I have, so it seemed like an ok idea. At the time, that is. If I were to do it again, I'd buy something else.

This might be the last trip with this camper. Too small. Maybe one more trip, tops. Hard to justify buying another set if I am going to sell soon. Plus, it did manage 580 miles so far.

 

[supton]

Yes, Harbor Freight. I have a brand new spare, and a rather old spare too. Tires set to max psi of 60.

As far as I know, it is the same tire they sell for their trailers. I knew I was going to need to change the tires on the utility trailer I have, so it seemed like an ok idea. At the time, that is. If I were to do it again, I'd buy something else.

This might be the last trip with this camper. Too small. Maybe one more trip, tops. Hard to justify buying another set if I am going to sell soon. Plus, it did manage 580 miles so far.

 

[CapriRacer]

2 thoughts: If the tire says max speed 55 mph, then the load rating is also for 55 mph.

If you want to go to 65 mph, the "standards" say to reduce the load rating by 10%. Up to 75 mph? Another 10%.

Don't forget that there is side to side variation - I use 10% as a reasonable value.

So I think you are over the tire load limits. If I were you, I'd back down the speed and keep close tabs on these tires. Check the pressure and visually inspect before every trip. I'd even go as far as rubbing my hand over the entire circumference to check for bilges (USE GLOVES!!).

 

[gaijinnv]

Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
2 thoughts: If the tire says max speed 55 mph, then the load rating is also for 55 mph.

If you want to go to 65 mph, the "standards" say to reduce the load rating by 10%. Up to 75 mph? Another 10%.

Don't forget that there is side to side variation - I use 10% as a reasonable value.

So I think you are over the tire load limits. If I were you, I'd back down the speed and keep close tabs on these tires. Check the pressure and visually inspect before every trip. I'd even go as far as rubbing my hand over the entire circumference to check for bilges (USE GLOVES!!).


+1. Excellent advice.