Time for a Westlake tire update

[vonzoog]

Peace of mine always a long way. My tires have around 2000 miles and I’m replacing next week.

[jim1521]

Julie, "how good do you want to feel?" is the real question you want to ask yourself. It's not about the number of miles that are on the tires, or even the manufacturing date (in this case). Look at the construction of the Westlake tires and compare it to the construction of the Goodyear Endurance tires. For me personally it was a no brainer; I installed the Endurance tires.

"What's on YOUR trailer?"

[klenger]

If you upgrade now and never have a problem, you will never know if it was worth the $$. If you don't upgrade and have a problem, then you will wish you had.

I don't even want to think of the 3rd possibility of upgrading and still having a blow-out.

[Iamjulieb]

If you upgrade now and never have a problem, you will never know if it was worth the $$. If you don't upgrade and have a problem, then you will wish you had.

I don't even want to think of the 3rd possibility of upgrading and still having a blow-out.

And to think that 3rd possibility could become a reality. I'll just always worry about tires.. lol

[Jimbuck]

Tire size question:
After reading miles of comments about the Westlakes and getting ready for our first season on the road, so far only 500 miles on them, are planning on doing the upgrade.
Current size: 205/75R15
Is there an issue of going to
New size: 225/75r15

[Cate&Rob]

Tire size question:
After reading miles of comments about the Westlakes and getting ready for our first season on the road, so far only 500 miles on them, are planning on doing the upgrade.
Current size: 205/75R15
Is there an issue of going to
New size: 225/75r15

Depends on the GDRV year and model that you have. The 225 tires will be slightly larger. What is the distance between the original tires and what is the clearance at the top, to the trailer body? (BTW . . . this is not likely going to create any problems)

Rob

[TucsonJim]

Jimbuck - There is a height difference of 1.2" between the two tires. Since half of that difference will be above the axle and half below the axle, you will be .6" closer to to the fender well. Look at your present tires when the coach is loaded. If you have roughly four inches of clearance or more between the top of the tire and the fender well with your current tires, the new ones should fit fine and not rub on the fenders.

You also want to make sure you have adequate clearance between the tandem tires. If you have more than 2.5" now, you should be fine there too.

Jim

[Jimbuck]

Thanks just checking as good to know size range.

[Rick & Linda]

Hi JCR,

A fair question.

To be more specific (if I can jump in on your request) . . . has anyone who monitors their tires with a TPMS experienced a Westlake tire failure without warning ? Outside this forum, I have talked with folks (not GD owners) using TPMS and learned that TPMS has found leaking valve stems, cracked rims and tire punctures, all leading to low tire pressure which stresses the tire but is not the tire's fault.

I am very much aware of my RV tires. I am new to this and have read much about the "China Bomb" experience and the ST vs LT debate. I have posted comments on this on several different threads on this forum. I watch my TPMS constantly. We stop every couple of hours (the "crew" in our avatar demands regular ball chasing sessions in trade for quiet travel ). At each stop, I scan my tires across the tread with the IR temp readout discussed elsewhere on this forum.

Tread depth is equal across all four tires. I can't find any of the cracks reported by others. Maybe it's an age thing ? Maybe Westlakes only last 3 years when other brands will last 5 ?? So far . . . from all I can measure . . . there is nothing to fear from Westlake tires.

Rob

Addendum: We have 5000 miles under the wheels, plus delivery mileage, so not far behind Scott and Jan on miles travelled.

Rob, could I ask you perhaps what seems to be the acceptable temperature for tires while traveling?
Thanks

[Cate&Rob]

Rob, could I ask you perhaps what seems to be the acceptable temperature for tires while traveling?
Thanks

Hi Rick,

I had to pay more attention to this today . Typically, I look for differences and don’t pay a lot of attention to the absolute numbers! Today, travelling on 60F pavement at 50F ambient temp, I measured 75F on the shaded side tire treads and 90F on the sunny side treads at a rest area stop after two hours of driving. I recall earlier discussion that 120F was as safe maximum but this doesn’t seem reasonable for the SW where the pavement temperatures can approach this.

Rob