[font size="3"]Our trailer has only about 5000 miles on it and the tires are worn out. (Not fun to discover when we're 1000 miles from home.) Husband has been careful about tire pressure, so it's not that. Is this normal? Do Camplites normally come with cheap tires?[/font]
Several folks here have had problems with factory installed tires.
The trailer radials we installed replacing the original tires have 5000 or 6000 miles on them and planning the next trip out west
using same tires. They are still in good condition.
Brenda,
That sounds odd.
Last I looked at about 4,500 miles the stock tires on our 21BHS looked fine.
I'll confirm the brand and shoot a photo shortly.
Temperature, road surface and speeds all can make a difference, along with tire pressure.
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7734/17642676758_fca56af9e8_z.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8820/17830479235_8b9b77de1c_z.jpg)
[quote source="/post/11035/thread" timestamp="1431977483" author="@fasteddieb"]
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7734/17642676758_fca56af9e8_z.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8820/17830479235_8b9b77de1c_z.jpg)
Here's threads about tire issues:
http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/562/unusual-tire-wear-on-13qbb
http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/976/cracks-brand-new-tires
Rather than start a new thread, I figured I would revive an existing one. I repacked the bearings in my 21BHS today. As part of that process, I wanted to check one tire that I noticed was very slowly losing air over the last couple of months. The pressure would be down about 10 psi over the course of a month. When I removed the tire I found a very small 1/2" nail had penetrated the tire and was leaking air. The very fact that such a small nail could cause a leak in these tires really disturbs me. After I showed her the nail, my wife is in favor of replacing all of the tires prior top our trip to Tennessee. I'm amazed that such a small nail was able to penetrate the tire, especially through the thick part of the tread. It appeared to be about a 22 gauge nail. I did successfully put a plug in the tire and it is holding air now (checked with soapy water).
Am I off base here, or do you agree that this really puts the durability of these tires in question? I can't imagine a nail this small being able to penetrate a tire on my car/truck.
Here is a picture of the nail taken from the tire:
(http://i.imgur.com/dBgXjJbl.jpg)
It is VERY difficult to penetrate a car/truck tire with a nail, let alone one that's about 3/8 inch. Makes me wonder how much there is to a ST tire?
Doug, switch your tires to Maxxis radials or equivalent; you will have much greater piece of mind while rolling down the highway. That is what I did after all the cracks etc. appeared in my tires on a new trailer. I think I saw somewhere in this forum that LL was switching to radials on new trailers but not sure.
The dealer I bought mine from didn't inflate the tires properly to 50 psi. I should have checked them. My fault. So now I have premature wear. I have never had much luck with trailer tires. My old trailer was single axle it was harder on tires. That's one of the reasons I bought a Camplite. I replaced the worst one last year and I made sure they are properly inflated. Three of them have a funny wear pattern but I was going to use them for awhile. I don't put that many miles on them and I always cover them for winter. Most tires show cracking in the base of the treads after about five years. The rubber breaks down and they should be replaced. I would really like to try the Maxxis tire I hear they are the best. I don't know if I can get them where I am located. I wonder sometimes if I get the better tire though and I have to replace them in five years anyway or should I just buy the less expensive ones and run them for five years.
We have researched and looked around quite a bit on the topic of replacement tires for Travel trailers because of the problems we've read about in this forum with the tires that come with the CampLite trailers. While LivinLite has been putting better tires on their campers now for a few months (have upgraded to radials from bias ply), the Vail Sport tires are still a Chinese tire and we wanted to know what other options were out there. We found that there are no trailer tires made in the U.S. anymore and that there are quite a few cheap ones made in China that most of us would not want to consider. However, I agree with comment above about Maxxis tires, which seem to be be the best choice out there. I spoke with a representative from Maxxis and found that they are a U.S. company (based in GA) that does all of their own manufacturing, so even though their tires are made overseas they are made in Maxxis factories by Maxxis employees. They do not subcontract the manufacturing of their tires to someone else and they follow their own strict quality and manufacturing guidelines. We have read many good things online about their tires and they seem to have a good reputation. We plan on having Maxxis tires put on our new camper when it arrives at the dealer. We were advised by the person at Maxxis to contact one of their distributors to get the tires, instead of ordering them from them directly online (he said they really aren't set up to sell this way and you can get a much better price through a distributor). You can find the nearest distributor on the Maxxis website www.maxxis.com
And of course if you don't have a local dealer you can order them (Maxxis tires) online and have a local tire shop mount them. That's what I'll do next year before our big trip west.
[quote source="/post/15567/thread" timestamp="1443410411" author="@sandroad"]And of course if you don't have a local dealer you can order them (Maxxis tires) online and have a local tire shop mount them. That's what I'll do next year before our big trip west. [/quote][p]I think Les Schwab carried Maxxis, so just build in half a day while coming out to the NW Regional CL meetup.[/p][p]
[/p][p]PS. Oregon has no sales tax. Yet.[/p][p]
[/p]
Old topic, but an update...
Our original tires on our 21BHS are now pretty much due:
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5444/29874949770_d60b04b6cf_z.jpg)
2 1/2 years and about 12,000 miles - not too shabby.
Vail Sport ST's
ST205/75D14
Called the nearest Maxxis dealer in Alcoa, TN They don't have the Maxxis in stock, but recommended a radial tire: the Carlisle Radial Trail HD. $532 for four, installed balanced and tax inclusive.
My local guy has nothing good to say about Carlisle, is lukewarm on Maxxis and recommends a Hertage Max STR.
Thoughts?
[quote timestamp="1475848592" source="/post/25217/thread" author="@fasteddieb"]Called the nearest Maxxis dealer in Alcoa, TN They don't have the Maxxis in stock, but recommended a radial tire: the Carlisle Radial Trail HD. $532 for four, installed balanced and tax inclusive.
My local guy has nothing good to say about Carlisle, is lukewarm on Maxxis and recommends a Hertage Max STR.
Thoughts?[/quote]I bought the Carlisle Radial Trail RH trials almost a year ago. The HD tires are the newer version of the RHs. These tires have been great. They seem very durable, have had no problems at all, have an 87MPH speed limit, and they tow great.
I wouldn't hesitate to get them.
Quote from: @fasteddieb" timestamp="1475848592" source="/post/25217/threadCalled the nearest Maxxis dealer in Alcoa, TN They don't have the Maxxis in stock, but recommended a radial tire: the Carlisle Radial Trail HD. $532 for four, installed balanced and tax inclusive.
My local guy has nothing good to say about Carlisle, is lukewarm on Maxxis and recommends a Hertage Max STR.
Thoughts?
Not to be too cynical, but the "local guy" will very likely recommend was he has in stock and is the most profitable. Do your own research on the Heritage by searching for reviews. The Carlisle HD you listed and the Maxxis 8008 are great.
[font size="3"]I don't have any impression of Summit Heritage tires, but I do get favorable readings on Maxxis. For comparison, here are the original tires on my 2014 21RBS at 34 months with 32K miles (actually 31,570). They are 14 inch BFG All-Terrain T/A KOs and will definitely age out before they wear out. I just put the same tires on my truck in a larger size. Very happy with LTs.
[attachment id="1765" thumbnail="1"] [attachment id="1766" thumbnail="1"]
EDIT: The above stated mileage includes some non-towing miles on the TV. As such, the actual trailer tire mileage will be somewhat less, but certainly more than the 7k and 12k miles noted by others. Most likely in the 25K-30K range. This leads me to believe the cheaper ST tires, China or not, may not be so cost effective. At 2-1/2+ years these BFGs will certainly age out before they wear out.
[/font]
Quote from: @sandroad" source="/post/25219/thread" timestamp="1475853410Not to be too cynical, but the "local guy" will very likely recommend was he has in stock and is the most profitable.
[font size="3"]I agree. Cynical you are, but you're also correct. As with everything else, look for the motivation and follow the money..............[/font]
Our original tires on the Camplite 21BHS lasted 7,000 trailer miles. All 4 of them had places where the tread was just about gone. We went to Les Schwab after the LL reps got a look at our tires at the PNW Rally in July. Now we have Maxxis.
I called American RV to see about getting new tires there. American RV was the dealer who came to our rally. I was told that they don't sell tires. Hence the trip to Les Schwab.
Quote from: @charliem" source="/post/25220/thread" timestamp="1475854272[font size="3"]I don't have any impression of Summit Heritage tires, but I do get favorable readings on Maxxis. For comparison, here are the original tires on my 2014 21RBS at 34 months with 32K miles (actually 31,570). They are 14 inch BFG All-Terrain T/A KOs and will definitely age out before they wear out. I just put the same tires on my truck in a larger size. Very happy with LTs.
[/font]
We have the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's on our 21BHS as well, and love them. Only have about 5,000 trailer miles on them so far, but absolutely no problems or signs of wear at this point. The only thing I'm concerned about right now is where we will be able to get replacements when we need them, because we've been told that BFG is no longer making an All-Terrain LT tire in the 14" size. Haven't been able to find a 14" A-T LT tire yet, but still looking. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know. Good thing it will be awhile yet before we need them!
Quote from: @gbpack" timestamp="1475868179" source="/post/25224/thread[quote timestamp="1475854272" source="/post/25220/thread" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]I don't have any impression of Summit Heritage tires, but I do get favorable readings on Maxxis. For comparison, here are the original tires on my 2014 21RBS at 34 months with 32K miles (actually 31,570). They are 14 inch BFG All-Terrain T/A KOs and will definitely age out before they wear out. I just put the same tires on my truck in a larger size. Very happy with LTs.
[/font]
We have the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's on our 21BHS as well, and love them. Only have about 5,000 trailer miles on them so far, but absolutely no problems or signs of wear at this point. The only thing I'm concerned about right now is where we will be able to get replacements when we need them, because we've been told that BFG is no longer making an All-Terrain LT tire in the 14" size. Haven't been able to find a 14" A-T LT tire yet, but still looking. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know. Good thing it will be awhile yet before we need them![/quote][font size="3"]It appears you are correct. BFG no longer offers the A/T KOs or KO2s in 14 inch, but Goodyear makes their Wrangler ATs in LT195/75R14. Maxxis offers their ST Radial 8000 in 205/75R14 with an 6 ply rating, equivalent to LR C, that should fit fine. It's only 10 mm wider and about 0.35 inches bigger in radius. Sad to find the LT trailer tire market is getting so tight. At some time we may have to bite the bullet and buy 15" rims :'( .[/font]
Are not trailer tires designed differently than car/truck tires?
I'm leaning towards the Maxxis M8008 which I found online for $107 w/free shipping.
[quote source="/post/25226/thread" author="@fasteddieb" timestamp="1475871873"]Are not trailer tires designed differently than car/truck tires?
I'm leaning towards the Maxxis M8008 which I found online for $107 w/free shipping. [/quote][font size="3"]I don't have a complete understanding on this, but a few things come to mind. Because truck tires carry people they have to meet more stringent requirements. This probably includes more margin, better QC, and better certifications. Just look at the China bomb experience for this. Most trailer tire tread patterns are designed for minimum rolling resistance. That's fine if you believe tire resistance contributes much to your gas mileage. I don't. Especially on wet or icy roads I want the tread to resist sideways movement (sway) and to contribute to braking if I need it. For that reason I like the AT tread. There may also be some difference in the rubber formulation since trailer tires don't usually experience the forces caused by acceleration, cornering, or hard braking. Don't know for sure, but I've never heard anyone recommend STs over good LTs, except an ST dealer.
All that said I think the Maxxis 8008s are better than average and will do well for you. I'd love to hear from someone who really knows the answer on this subject.
[/font]
I am considering the Taskmaster Provider as a replacement for our stock tires which are worn out at 5-6K miles. They are D load rated.
Anyone have any thoughts about these tires.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Taskmaster/TTWTRTM2157514D.html
[quote timestamp="1475929829" source="/post/25229/thread" author="@ammobob"]I am considering the Taskmaster Provider as a replacement for our stock tires which are worn out at 5-6K miles. They are D load rated.
Anyone have any thoughts about these tires.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Taskmaster/TTWTRTM2157514D.html[/quote]Absolutely no experience with that tire. Not that full faith should be placed in online reviews, but 4.8 stars average with 138 reviews seems promising.
I also wanted to say that etrailer has always treated me great over the years. I've bought quite a few truck accessories, hitches, and racks from them and all were shipped quickly and arrived well packaged. My fifth wheel hitch mounting kit was shipped with two drivers side frame brackets (manufacturer's fault when packaged..it was clearly a new unopened kit from Reese). I called etrailer and they overnighted a passenger frame bracket to me at no charge after I explained I was about to head out on a trip to pick up my new trailer.
[quote timestamp="1475929829" source="/post/25229/thread" author="@ammobob"]I am considering the Taskmaster Provider as a replacement for our stock tires which are worn out at 5-6K miles. They are D load rated.
Anyone have any thoughts about these tires.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Taskmaster/TTWTRTM2157514D.html[/quote][font size="3"]The first thing to do is figure out who made the originals and don't buy them. 5-6K? How can that work? We drive more than that on a single trip. I guess you get what you pay for.[/font]
[quote source="/post/25231/thread" timestamp="1475946142" author="@charliem"][quote source="/post/25229/thread" timestamp="1475929829" author="@ammobob"]I am considering the Taskmaster Provider as a replacement for our stock tires which are worn out at 5-6K miles. They are D load rated.
Anyone have any thoughts about these tires.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Taskmaster/TTWTRTM2157514D.html[/quote][font size="3"]The first thing to do is figure out who made the originals and don't buy them. 5-6K? How can that work? We drive more than that on a single trip. I guess you get what you pay for.[/font]
[/quote]Took my 4 original tires off after 4000 miles when one bubbled and others showed beginning signs of cracking. Replaced 4 with Maxxis 8008 for $265-mounted and balanced, from my local tire dealer. Glad I did! http://livinlite-owners.com/thread/976/cracks-brand-new-tires?page=4
Is that $265 each?
[quote timestamp="1475871873" source="/post/25226/thread" author="@fasteddieb"]Are not trailer tires designed differently than car/truck tires?
I'm leaning towards the Maxxis M8008 which I found online for $107 w/free shipping. [/quote]I took our trailer by the regional tire chain - Les Schwab - about a year in, for a tire guy to give me his assessment.
He said he was happy with their condition, said they were a decent tire, and declined to offer to sell me an alternative at that point. He said they were bias-ply, not radials, which is appropriate for trailers - something about their advantages in this application, and radials being less so. I forget. He said it is usual and normal for a bias ply tire to develop flat spots after sitting, might feel some vibration for the first few miles until the tire heats up and rounds out. Totally normal.
[quote source="/post/25229/thread" author="@ammobob" timestamp="1475929829"]I am considering the Taskmaster Provider as a replacement for our stock tires which are worn out at 5-6K miles. They are D load rated.
Anyone have any thoughts about these tires.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Taskmaster/TTWTRTM2157514D.html[/quote]No experience with them and not much for on-line reviews other that at etrailer. The fact they sell them is a good thing; I like etrailer :) I couldn't find any complaints about Taskmaster tires on the NHTSA site, which is also a good thing. There are LOTS of trailer tire brands and models with complaints on that site.
Quote from: @pygrydr" source="/post/25232/thread" timestamp="1475946733[quote source="/post/25231/thread" author="@charliem" timestamp="1475946142"][font size="3"]The first thing to do is figure out who made the originals and don't buy them. 5-6K? How can that work? We drive more than that on a single trip. I guess you get what you pay for.[/font]
Took my 4 original tires off after 4000 miles when one bubbled and others showed beginning signs of cracking. Replaced 4 with Maxxis 8008 for $265-mounted and balanced, from my local tire dealer. Glad I did! http://livinlite-owners.com/thread/976/cracks-brand-new-tires?page=4[/quote]That is a smoking good deal on those Maxxis tires. :o Was that one of the chain stores?
[quote timestamp="1475950401" author="@fasteddieb" source="/post/25235/thread"]Is that $265 each?
No $265 for 4 Maxxis 8008 175-80x13 -mounted and balanced! My tire guy always gives me great prices.[/quote]
He's a keeper. At $66 each mounted and balanced, you practically stole them!
Quote from: @sandroad" source="/post/25243/thread" timestamp="1475959695Quote from: @pygrydr" source="/post/25232/thread" timestamp="1475946733Took my 4 original tires off after 4000 miles when one bubbled and others showed beginning signs of cracking. Replaced 4 with Maxxis 8008 for $265-mounted and balanced, from my local tire dealer. Glad I did! http://livinlite-owners.com/thread/976/cracks-brand-new-tires?page=4
That is a smoking good deal on those Maxxis tires. :o Was that one of the chain stores?
Local tire dealer, who is a friend and always gives me great prices!
Quote from: @djsamuel" timestamp="1475851740" source="/post/25218/thread[quote source="/post/25217/thread" timestamp="1475848592" author="@fasteddieb"]Called the nearest Maxxis dealer in Alcoa, TN They don't have the Maxxis in stock, but recommended a radial tire: the Carlisle Radial Trail HD. $532 for four, installed balanced and tax inclusive.
My local guy has nothing good to say about Carlisle, is lukewarm on Maxxis and recommends a Hertage Max STR.
Thoughts?
I bought the Carlisle Radial Trail RH trials almost a year ago. The HD tires are the newer version of the RHs. These tires have been great. They seem very durable, have had no problems at all, have an 87MPH speed limit, and they tow great.
I wouldn't hesitate to get them.[/quote]
Curious...
Do you think you would have gone for the HD's had they been available? There's a pretty significant price difference.
[quote source="/post/25284/thread" author="@fasteddieb" timestamp="1476103288"]
Quote from: @djsamuel" timestamp="1475851740" source="/post/25218/threadI bought the Carlisle Radial Trail RH trials almost a year ago. The HD tires are the newer version of the RHs. These tires have been great. They seem very durable, have had no problems at all, have an 87MPH speed limit, and they tow great.
I wouldn't hesitate to get them.
Curious...
Do you think you would have gone for the HD's had they been available? There's a pretty significant price difference.[/quote]That's a very good question. The RH tires are really nice. But I probably would have gone for the HD since they were the next version, and hence improved (I assume). Would it be worth the extra money? Probably not. I've read reviews from many people with the RH tires that have well over 20,000 miles with no issues. Add to that the fact that the Camplites have a lot of margin on weight capacity for the tires, and I think I'll be good. How big of a difference is there? I haven't looked.
[quote source="/post/25284/thread" timestamp="1476103288" author="@fasteddieb"][quote source="/post/25218/thread" timestamp="1475851740" author="@djsamuel"]I bought the Carlisle Radial Trail RH trials almost a year ago. The HD tires are the newer version of the RHs. These tires have been great. They seem very durable, have had no problems at all, have an 87MPH speed limit, and they tow great.
I wouldn't hesitate to get them.[/quote]Curious...
Do you think you would have gone for the HD's had they been available? There's a pretty significant price difference.[/quote]If your looking at the price difference between the Maxxis price posted earlier in in this thread and the Carlisle price you were quoted, most of that is 1) the impossibly good deal on the Maxxis and 2) the larger size on the 21 cost more. Your quote of $133 each for the Carlisle out the door is fine for that size tire. Ordinary mortals won't get good tires much less than that.
My local guy quoted $75 per tire installed, only extra being the tire disposal fee.
He wasn't sure if it was the RH or the HD - I'll find out when they arrive Thursday. I did specify the Carlisle Radial Trail, so I guess it has to be one or the other.
Baby's got a new pair of shoes!
Well, two pair actually.
The tires that came in were the Carlisle Radial Trail RH's.
$330 all in. $75 each, tax, installation and balance included. $7.50 tire disposal fee.
Much better than the $532 quoted for the HD's in Alcoa, TN. My guy said his supplier said the HD had a different tread pattern, but opined there was no significant quality difference for the extra money.
Some of my originals looked decent after 12,000 miles, and could have lasted a little longer:
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7468/30025128290_98a22bdbb3_z.jpg)
[img style="max-width:100%;" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5325/30025128990_d058b2d5d8_z.jpg"]
One had a flat spot - the top one. Did not take note of which tire came off which position. I don't recall ever locking up the brakes, but it's possible.
I'll report on the new tires once I have some miles on them.
Great price! I hope they run well.
This forum is full of great information and it is costing me a little extra coin every time I turn around. LOL
Such as this tire issue.Which by the way is not so funny. It forced me to go buy a tire monitor system.
Got this one of Amazon. Tire Minder TM55c-B Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for Trailers, Travel Trailers. Was easy to set up and I feel much more comfortable with it on and working. All this talk of blow outs and damage to campers put the chills in me enough to make me buy this system. After owning 3 other campers in years past and never once having a tire issue it would have never dawned on me to buy such a system. I'm finding I was lucky in a lot of ways.
I also find myself coming back to read more and I'm learning a ton from this forum. So thank you to everyone for making this such a nice place to learn from and to be safer on the roads.
Concerning the Tire Minder TM55c-B Tire Pressure Monitoring System, are you happy with this unit?
We are considering buying one for our rig after witnessing two blowouts on other trailers in a thirty minute time period.
Both blowouts were on I-25 outside of Denver CO. during rush hour!
Vail bias tires are crap half way through our 11,750 mile trip had to replace one with radial after last stop (Ft Stevens Or, at LL rally I replaced the other three.
[quote source="/post/25374/thread" timestamp="1476628097" author="@diversteve"]Concerning the Tire Minder TM55c-B Tire Pressure Monitoring System, are you happy with this unit?
We are considering buying one for our rig after witnessing two blowouts on other trailers in a thirty minute time period.
Both blowouts were on I-25 outside of Denver CO. during rush hour![/quote]Steve
I just put it on yesterday. It was easy to install and already it has told me one tire was 5 psi low and the other 3 psi to high.
Now they are just right. How it works on the road I can not say yet, but so far it seems like a very good investment. Wish I could be of more use to you on this.
Also be careful which system you order. The valve stems are important. If you have aluminum then buy the system with the aluminum stems. If you have brass valve stems buy that system. The book warns about making sure of this.
Thanks Jim,
I will look into ordering this system.
The tip on the valve stems is a good one.
Quote from: @jimt" source="/post/25370/thread" timestamp="1476570793This forum is full of great information and it is costing me a little extra coin every time I turn around. LOL
Such as this tire issue.Which by the way is not so funny. It forced me to go buy a tire monitor system.
Got this one of Amazon. Tire Minder TM55c-B Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for Trailers, Travel Trailers. Was easy to set up and I feel much more comfortable with it on and working. All this talk of blow outs and damage to campers put the chills in me enough to make me buy this system. After owning 3 other campers in years past and never once having a tire issue it would have never dawned on me to buy such a system. I'm finding I was lucky in a lot of ways.
I also find myself coming back to read more and I'm learning a ton from this forum. So thank you to everyone for making this such a nice place to learn from and to be safer on the roads.
I am considering buying the Tire Minder TM55c-B Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Did you purchase the booster also?
TIA
Galen
[quote timestamp="1476708379" source="/post/25390/thread" author="@pygrydr"] Did you purchase the booster also?
TIA
Galen[/quote]Galen
I did not buy the booster . It has a rather long range here at my house with out one. I walked over a hundred feet away and it was still working. Not sure how that will stand up in real world driving yet, but I'll be holding off on the booster for now. Also not sure if battery life will affect how far away the system will work with out a booster too. Could drop in working distance due to dying batteries. Only time will tell.
I was hoping someone here in the forums already had one and could add to what little I have already said.
[quote timestamp="1476570793" source="/post/25370/thread" author="@jimt"]This forum is full of great information and it is costing me a little extra coin every time I turn around. LOL
[/quote][font size="3"]Camplite owners and their cash are separable items, but sometime need a little nudge. We're here to help by enabling the natural forces of nature. Camp on 8-) [/font]
Quote from: @jimt" timestamp="1476737819" source="/post/25397/threadQuote from: @pygrydr" timestamp="1476708379" source="/post/25390/threadDid you purchase the booster also?
TIA
Galen
Galen
I did not buy the booster . It has a rather long range here at my house with out one. I walked over a hundred feet away and it was still working. Not sure how that will stand up in real world driving yet, but I'll be holding off on the booster for now. Also not sure if battery life will affect how far away the system will work with out a booster too. Could drop in working distance due to dying batteries. Only time will tell.
I was hoping someone here in the forums already had one and could add to what little I have already said.
Jim,
Thank you! I am ordering the kit as you did. I found Amazon to have the best price.
Regards,
Galen
[quote timestamp="1476742139" source="/post/25398/thread" author="@charliem"][quote timestamp="1476570793" author="@jimt" source="/post/25370/thread"]This forum is full of great information and it is costing me a little extra coin every time I turn around. LOL
[/quote][font size="3"]Camplite owners and their cash are separable items, but sometime need a little nudge. We're here to help by enabling the natural forces of nature. Camp on 8-) [/font]
[/quote]You guys are doing a fine job IMHO. LOL
I just came back from a trip to Galveston...I did splurge and buy the tireminder A1A. It includes a booster. It was a pricey one but it was in stock at PPL in Houston. My tires are shot so I at least wanted one more trip with them (140 miles rt) and wanted to monitor them. Installation was a breeze and it workd great.
I just ordered five maxxis m8008 tires from Direct tire ebay, as they have a $100 off $400 or more special until the end of October. Based on my quick calculations, I only went 4,000 or so on those crappy vail tires! I have bald flat spots on a couple of tires. They are junk!
'Tis a mystery...
Why do some Vail tires only last 4,000 or 5,000 miles, while others (mine) went 12,000+?
I assume none of us are hotrodding, so I don't think technique comes into play.
[quote source="/post/25613/thread" author="@fasteddieb" timestamp="1477524758"]'Tis a mystery...
Why do some Vail tires only last 4,000 or 5,000 miles, while others (mine) went 12,000+?
I assume none of us are hotrodding, so I don't think technique comes into play.
[/quote]There must be a total lack of quality control and therefore a lack of consistency. I had one Vail tire replaced under warranty due to a molding defect in the sidewall. That replacement tire wore MUCH faster than the other tires.
Free tire from Discount Tire!
Today, I picked up the five tires that I had dropped off yesterday to have the new Maxxis tires balanced and mounted. What was nice was they put on the high pressure brass metal valve stems on them without me even asking! The original ones were just the rubber ones.
Well, since the crappy Vail tire on the spare was brand new, I asked them to keep it for me as a spare to the spare. Well, they threw it out and apologized to me and ordered another Maxxis for me, which I will pick up on Monday. What customer service! I have always bought my tires there and this is just another reason why.
When I was driving home it dawned on me that I couldn't really use the Vail anyway as it was a bias tire and all the new ones are radials. Discount Tire...highly recommended!
On the Tireminder system, where did you hook up the booster?
I placed the booster next to the emergency brake battery. I have a small solar panel on my house battery box to charge the small brake battery.
http://livinlite-owners.com/post/15478
I wired it with a quick disconnect so that when not in use, it won't drain the battery.
We purchased our 21bhs from Sunny Island in Nov. 2015. It had Vail tires that lasted 3,500 miles before cracking in the tread and splitting in the sidewalls. We replaced them with Maxist. Since replacement we have traveled about 11,000 miles from South Carolina to the Oregon rally and 5,000 miles in a trip dodging hurricane Mathew from one side of Florida to the other. The tires show little to no wear and we have had no problems. As a side benefit we were having severe sway problems due to incorrect hitch installation of a new Anderson hitch at Sunny Island which was corrected by another dealership. We still were having constant lesser sway issues that I continued to blame on the Anderson hitch until we replaced the Vail tires. There was a huge decrease in sway. My advice to any trailer owner is to carefully watch the tires on any new trailer. If I purchased a new trailer with Chinese tires especially with a single axle, I would make my first trip to a tire dealer for replacements.
SCBillandJane
We purchased our 21BHS from SIRV in April 15, they also installed our Andersen Hitch, what did they do wrong? We are not having a problem but just looking out for a potential issue on our trailer. They had ours synched up really tight and we have since backed off on the number of threads showing from 9 to 7.5. Ride is a lot better now.
Thanks for your response!
MonteD
If you look on the installation video for Anderson hitches, there is a minimum number of chain links that the hitch must have. When a hitch is installed the attachment point can be moved forward and back to not interfere with placement of battery and propane. Sometimes the battery and /or propane have to be moved to get the correct hitch placement. Sunny Island shortened the chains more than specified by Anderson rather than moving the battery and propane. A different dealer later shifted every thing around to get the chain length within the Anderson specs. Sway improved but was not eliminated by any means. We experimented with different screw threads and 6 or 7 seemed to work best, but we were still having strange sway issues until we replaced the tires. The trailer had a what I would call a quiver sometimes with no wind or truck passing.