Time for new tires

[sunnyone]

The date code on my tires is 4218, so I guess it’s time for new tires. My 2020 13’ Scamp still has the original ST 175/80R13 tires, load rating C; and i’m happy to stick with that size and rating. Any recommendations for best brand of trailer tires in that size? I’ll probably take it to our local trailer supply place to have them do the work.

[Jon in AZ]

Carlisle Radial Trail HD. Load range C is adequate for most 13'ers, but if you have a fully optioned wet bath model, they are also available in load range D. Last time I checked there wasn't a big difference in price. I'll probably catch some flak for saying this, but if you choose the higher load rating, you are not obligated to run full maximum sidewall pressure (65psi for D vs. 50 psi for C).

[floyd]

Originally Posted by sunnyone

The date code on my tires is 4218, so I guess it’s time for new tires. My 2020 13’ Scamp still has the original ST 175/80R13 tires, load rating C; and i’m happy to stick with that size and rating. Any recommendations for best brand of trailer tires in that size? I’ll probably take it to our local trailer supply place to have them do the work.

Best choice...


Carlisle Radial Trail HD....




https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tir...ail-hd/p/27234

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Carlisle Radial Trail HD. Load range C is adequate for most 13'ers, but if you have a fully optioned wet bath model, they are also available in load range D. Last time I checked there wasn't a big difference in price. I'll probably catch some flak for saying this, but if you choose the higher load rating, you are not obligated to run full maximum sidewall pressure (65psi for D vs. 50 psi for C).

I have a 13D with every possible option.
The "C" is the right choice for ride, handling, wear...ETC

The "D" too harsh.
The "C" tows with the tread flat on the pavement with just the right compliance when properly inflated to 50PSI in this application.
This is the only trailer tire I have ever used which actually contributes to better handling of the entire rig.


Now for the flack... full load rating is only attained at full inflation, so the "D" (while it may work) is not the best choice for this application.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by floyd

Now for the flack... full load rating is only attained at full inflation, so the "D" (while it may work) is not the best choice for this application.

Load range D inflated to the Scamp-recommended 50psi has exactly the same weight rating as load range C at 50psi. Slightly thicker sidewalls increase durability at the cost of a marginally harsher ride, but if the OP’s 13’er is on the heavier side- some new ones are routinely exceeding 2000# GVW- it might be warranted. Load range D can be inflated to higher pressures- up to 65psi maximum- for increased margin on the weight rating if you will run heavy.

I agree that for most 13’ers, load range C is perfectly adequate. That’s what I run on my lighter-than-average 13’er.

[sunnyone]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Slightly thicker sidewalls increase durability at the cost of a marginally harsher ride, but if the OP’s 13’er is on the heavier side- some new ones are routinely exceeding 2000# GVW- it might be warranted

We’ve never weighed our Scamp, but I would say it’s on the lighter side, with no bath, air conditioner, awning, or furnace, and just one propane tank.

[Mr Lynn]

Just bought 4 new Goodyear Endurance tires for our Escape 21c. Didn't do any research; everyone has been recommending them for the last couple of years. Surprised to see an alternative here (Carlisle).

[ShelbyM]

The Goodyear may not be available in 13". The Carlisle Radial Trail HD came out a year or two before the Endurance and IIRC was the only legit load rated ST tire at the time. They are very good tires. When mine aged out I replaced them with the Goodyear, mostly because MUSA. That was back before the current bombast and chest beating, I might feel differently today. Anyway, the Carlisles are a fine choice.

[Pygmy owl]

When I got new tires for my 13ft with a front bath I got d range tires. They have a higher speed rating too. I figured it would not hurt to be on the safer side for not very much extra. I also pull it on gravel roads.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

Just bought 4 new Goodyear Endurance tires for our Escape 21c. Didn't do any research; everyone has been recommending them for the last couple of years. Surprised to see an alternative here (Carlisle).

Endurance isn’t available in the 13” size used on many Scamps. They’re a great tire by many accounts, but not for the OP.

My Carlisle C’s are speed-rated for 81mph, well beyond what you’ll ever see me towing.

[sunnyone]

I’m confused about the difference between Carlisle and Carstar tires. I read that Carlisle changed their name to Carstar, but tires with both brand names are still for sale. Is Carstar as good as/the same as Carlisle?
Also, would it be better to buy the tires in person rather than ordering them online or having the trailer supply place order them, so that i could check the date code to be sure the tires aren’t already over a year old, like my original tires were?

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by sunnyone

We’ve never weighed our Scamp, but I would say it’s on the lighter side, with no bath, air conditioner, awning, or furnace, and just one propane tank.

Unless you do a lot of back road travel, I’d stick with C’s. I’ve not heard of Carstar, as it’s been a few years since we last bought ST tires.

As to where you get them, unless your local tire dealer keeps them in stock, they’ll be ordering from a warehouse just like you. The 13” size is not as widely used as larger sizes, so the odds of getting NOS is higher. Assuming they’ve been properly stored in a climate-controlled warehouse, it shouldn’t affect their service life.

I like to use Discount Tire for their (mostly) nation-wide network. Came in handy when one of our vehicles moved to a different state for college.

[jerrybob]

I love Maxxiss 8008 tires.....second set on my Casita.....rated as one of the best. A bit more expensive but great tires. They also make them in your size.

https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tir...adial/p/104007

[ShelbyM]

It does seem Carlisle is now Carlstar. OP, the Carlisle/Carlstar tire you want, as mentioned above, is the Radial Trail HD. There are other Carlisle/Carlstar tires but that is the model you want. They are widely available and Discount Tire will tell you the build date before you buy. No older than 6 months is best but they may be built in batches. Just tell them you want the newest available.

[sunnyone]

We tried getting the Carlisle/Carlstar tires from a local Discount Tire store but they said they didn’t carry them. Not sure if it was the brand they didn’t have or just our particular size.
Anyway, we got them from Farm and Fleet - Carlstar Radial Trail HD ST175/80R13, load rating C. They had them in stock. The date code is 5224, last week of 2024, so that’s pretty good.
I’m wondering if I should have replaced the spare (kept covered and never used).