New tires for 19' Bigfoot.

[FredericL]

I have to change the 4 tires on the 19' Bigfoot. Inside the trailer the data plate recommends 32psi inflation when cold.

I talked to a few tire places and they are telling me that the tires should be inflated at 45psi on a camping trailer (??)

Are trailer tires required?

I have done a search but can't find any specifics about the Bigfoot.

Thanks

Frederic

[BobB]

Frederic.

Of all trailer parts, tires are the most problematic. Most experts recommend ST (Special Trailer) tires. I've had good service with Goodyear Marathons, but some people haven't. I might see what Les Schwab has to offer for my next set, depending how my current Marathons perform. Get a higher load rating D if available. My Marathons have a yellow circle which is a better quality, I think. My previous Marathons had an S inside a circle. Trailer makers use a cheaper grade of Marathons, IMHO. Inflate trailer tires to the maximum pressure printed on the tires.

[FredericL]

Frederic.

Of all trailer parts, tires are the most problematic. Most experts recommend ST (Special Trailer) tires. I've had good service with Goodyear Marathons, but some people haven't. I might see what Les Schwab has to offer for my next set, depending how my current Marathons perform. Get a higher load rating D if available. My Marathons have a yellow circle which is a better quality, I think. My previous Marathons had an S inside a circle. Trailer makers use a cheaper grade of Marathons, IMHO. Inflate trailer tires to the maximum pressure printed on the tires.

BobB,

In your Bigfoot do you have a data sheet with the recommended tire pressure from Bigfoot?
I am wondering if I need different rims, since Bigfoot recommends 32 psi for the tires and I don't know if putting 50psi in ST tires would be too much for the rims???

The previous owner did not use ST tires (195/75 R14) so I don't know what was on that 19B originally.

I checked with my local LesSchwab and they don't have ST tires.

Do you know about Carlisle tires? That's what they have at Discount tire.

Thanks,

Frederic

[Steve in Ottawa]

Frederic:

Did you ever find a response to your question ?

I am the new owner of a 1986 Bigfoot 19foot. I am trying to get mine ready for the spring season.The previous owner put passenger tires on mine and the trailer shop tells me that the rims need to be replaced to put trailer tires on. The original owner's manual says the tire is a D78 - 14inch, but none of the trailer places or tire shops here in Ottawa know what this translates to in current tires sizes.

[Donna D.]

Seems to me the tires should be inflated to whatever the manufacturer of the tire says, not the trailer manufacturer... how would the trailer manufacturer even know what brand/type or composition of tire is currently on the trailer? YMMV

[BobB]

Steve,

This is an oldish thread, but some things don't change. Start by knowing the weight of the trailer and how much weight is on each wheel/tire. You need tires that will handle the load plus a little margin of safety. Passenger car tires are not usually recommended, so the possibilities are ST, LT or commercial tires. With a Bigfoot like yours, tire clearance is probably an issue, so you probably don't want a tire with a tread that is too wide. I can't translate your D78 either. Did you try Canadian Tire? For pressure recommendations you need a load/inflation table for the tires you select. You may have to compromise. Good luck!

[TonyB]

I recently fitted Carlisle ST 205/75D14 to my dual axle Bigfoot. Have done thousands of miles with no problems.Run at 50 PSI.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by TonyB

I recently fitted Carlisle ST 205/75D14 to my dual axle Bigfoot. Have done thousands of miles with no problems.Run at 50 PSI.

I guess I spoke too soon, one of the four tires had damage when I checked after our last trip South.The dealer who supplied me sent it off to his supplier who in turn sent it back to Carlisle.They replaced it at no charge but with no explanation as to the cause.The other three are fine .

[floyd]

Originally Posted by TonyB

I guess I spoke too soon, one of the four tires had damage when I checked after our last trip South.The dealer who supplied me sent it off to his supplier who in turn sent it back to Carlisle.They replaced it at no charge but with no explanation as to the cause.The other three are fine .

Note that the tire in question is a bias ply tire and therefore doesn't impact for good or bad the performance of Carlisle's radial offerings except as it reflects on the companies overall reputation. I use their Sport Radial(13") and would recommend a good look at their Ultra Sport Radial for those who can use a 14" or 15" tire in their size offerings.
My point is merely for clarity and not to endorse or condemn any particular choice.

Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company

[Alf S.]

Hi: All... Our 5.0 has the original tires and wheels from '07. ST205 75R 15 Goodyear Marathons (Date of Mfg. 1407) 14th. week of '07, on a 3500# axle. I did have the cracked stems replaced at my tire guy for 10 bucks a piece. WARNING!!! WARNING!!! Millions of bad stems from China in '07.
Max inflation on trailer sticker and side wall of tires is 50psi COLD. Thats how I run 'EM.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Greg H]

Bad stems from China, imagine that.

[LukeP]

What is the difference between passenger radials, and trailer radials --- the load difference?

And then, is there a difference between trailer radials and ST tires?

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by LukeP

What is the difference between passenger radials, and trailer radials --- the load difference?

And then, is there a difference between trailer radials and ST tires?

Hi: LukeP...The sidewalls on ST tires are stiffer. Using passenger radials will greatly enhance any tendancy for the trailer to wander when towed.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie