21rbs tires...

[Capt J-rod]

This spring the camper is due for new shoes. The 21rbs came with 14" rims that really limits the tire selection. Has anyone moved to 15" rims? I've seen trailers with the BFG tires and the off road package. Is that a 14" Light Truck tire? I can only source 1 mfg that offers a 14" LT tire. Option B is the new good year endurance radials. I think this is the most likely cost effective solution. The clearances are pretty tight with the 14" which leads me to believe that there were some modifications done to the trailers to accept the off road tires. I have learned that no matter what I will have them balanced. I also kinda like the idea of buying them through sam's club for availability when out on the road. Any thoughts guys?

[djsamuel]

I have the Carlisle Radial Trail tires on my 21BHS for over 2 years now.  They've been great so far.  However, the next time I need to change the tires, I will take a good look at the Goodyear Endurance tires; not only because they are made in the US but because the specs look good and the feedback has been really good. 

Consider looking at Discount Tire as well.  They provide great service and warranty options and are located all over as well.  Would at least give you a cost comparison (assuming there is a Discount tire near you).

[Steve Sanders]

You're probably going to find as many different opinions as responses, but I'll share my two cents.

Unless you want to do an axle lift, you probably won't have room for 15 inch wheels and tires. I wouldn't want to do an axle lift because it raises the center of gravity which can cause stability issues, but opinions vary.

There are so many trailers that use 14 inch trailer tires, there shouldn't be significant supply issues, but the brand name options are definitely shrinking. I don't like buying "Brand-X" tires, but I haven't had problems with them yet either. The fact that my Quicksilver campers are less than 50% of load capacity probably reduces probability of failure.

I think the best option is to keep the size that it came with. There's no reason not to balance them. Just take care of them, inflate them properly and carry a spare.

I prefer bias ply trailer tires because they don't follow grooves in the road surface as much as radials do. I'm sure many will disagree with that, but that's why they make both types.

Steve

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Steve Sanders]

I'm about ready to consider Carlisle a "name brand" for trailer tires.  I've had several sets of them with no problems.

I think the most common problem with trailer tires is neglect. Failure to maintain proper inflation and not replacing them based on age leads to failure. Too often this kind of failure is blamed on the tire, with no regard to the other factors.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[charliem]

My 2014 21RBS came with the off road package and BFG 205/75-14 AT/KO tires. The off road package axles were angled an additional 10 degrees downward to provide some additional clearance. Unfortunately the 14 inch AT/KOs are not available anymore.  Goodyear makes the Wrangler in a 195/75-14 LT but they are expensive. Next time I will consider the Goodyear Endurance or the Wranglers depending on the thickness of my wallet. I really like the LTs but the Endurance look OK.

[Merlin]

I'm very happy with Maxxis radials and recommend them. Balance whatever you get, and include a matching spare if you switch from bias to radial.

[gibby]

I just upgraded mine on my 21RBS to Westlake STZC 205-75R14.

Went from the Bias ply to Radial, and towing is like night and day. But only have a couple of trips on them, so this coming season will tell.

As mentioned, don't forget to replace the spare too when going from Bias to Radial.

[Steve Sanders]

Don't forget to replace the spare if it's is 5+ years old anyway. A dry rotted spare will just lead to a second tire failure.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Fatdog2]

My 21BHS original tires 205 75 14 are reaching the 5 year point which I read is life span of trailer tires. I also read that RV  trailer industry has shifted to radial tires as of 2017.  Any recommendations to add to list so far, Maxxis, Westlake, Goodyear Endurance radial tires?

[Steve Sanders]

Five years is about the limit for any tire. The rubber starts deteriorating inside the tire and it starts coming apart from the inside out.

Trailer suspension design hasn't changed, but the tire manufacturers seem to be moving away from making bias ply trailer tires. It's really a matter of personal preference.

I prefer bias ply trailer tires because they don't follow grooves in the road surface as much as radials seem to, but that's just my preference. As long as the tire is within the range of acceptable sizes and can safely carry the load, it doesn't matter if you use radial or bias.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk