Tyre strength

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 14:07

ThreadID: 33377 Views:2617 Replies:2 FollowUps:7

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Frank3

I need to buy two tyres for a custom made camper and was wondering if anyone could advise whyat sort of tyre rating I should be looking for.

The camper trailer is quite large and when completed and loaded will probably weigh between 1.3 and 1.5 tons. It has a single axle (40mm square) and presently two old 15 inch rims and tyres.

I have been told by one tyre retailer that the 15 inch rims restrict me to a 6 ply tyre and that I ought to upgrade to a 16 inch rim (which would then not match the 15 inch rims on my Landcruiser) as the 16 inch rims would allow me to use a tyre with a greater than 6 ply rating.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Cheers,
Frank.

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Reply By: Shaker - Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 14:22

Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 14:22

Wouldn't it be better to match the wheels & tyres with those of the primary towing vehicle?

AnswerID: 169827

Follow Up By: Frank3 - Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 14:58

Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 14:58

If the advise I received from the tyre retailer is correct, the answer to your question would be a qualified no.

Given that the tyres on the towing vehicle are fine, there is no need to go to the expense of upgrading them at this point in time.

That still leaves the camper trailer and the argument put by the retailer is that the tyres on the camper will be carrying a greater load than those on the Landcruiser and therefore, need a bigger rim and stronger tyre (with a greater than 6 ply rating) to do the job.

FollowupID: 425175

Follow Up By: Shaker - Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 15:20

Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 15:20

Why not just do as he advises then?

FollowupID: 425180

Follow Up By: Ted (Cairns) - Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 15:23

Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 15:23

Frank

What a load of B/s from tyre dealers... No 15 inch tyre to take that load they say? Just look up the tyre specs from major manufacturers. For trailer tyres you can go as far as you want if you opt for truck tyres. E.g. Bridgestone 8.25R15, 18ply (yes eighteen!) 2500kg load rating per tyre. You'll never overload that with a camper!

truck tyre

Hope the link works

FollowupID: 425181

Follow Up By: Notso - Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 15:29

Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 15:29

I think you'll find that the cruiser rear axle load would be in the order of 1.5 tonnes anyhow. What's it's GVM?

FollowupID: 425183

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 17:46

Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 at 17:46

Ted's got your tyre dealer covered, he must be a toss to tell you nothing more than 6 ply is available in 15 inch.
Go find another dealer who actually wants to sell you tthe tyres you want.
My 2 tonne van is more than covered with the firestone cv3000 tyres I run on it. 8ply 15 inch and load rating of 112 or 113 off memory (1250kg tyre limit or there abouts).
There's heaps of tyres in 15 inch to do the job you want.

Trevor.

FollowupID: 425207