Determining If 205/75R14 Tires On 2015 R-Pod 178 Should Be Upgraded To Prevent Blow Outs

Question:

We have a 2015 r-pod, model 178. According to the invoice specific to our camper, we do have an axle riser. Current wheels are 14, 5 1/2inch wide, 5on4 1/2 bolt pattern. Current tires are ST205/75R14 with load range D. We had the original tires for six years without any problems. Replaced tires last year and got sold a bad batch - less than 5k mileage and have had two blowouts, so I am replacing all tires. On the rpod forum, several members recommended going to a 15inch wheel others suggested going from 205 to 215 section width. Should I do either? Should I do both? Will it fit my trailer? What width of wheel would I need, as I see 5, 5 1/2inch and 6inch widths online. As you can tell, I am not a tire expert and would appreciate your assistance.

asked by: Nancy R

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to go over the tire options available for your 2015 Forest River R-Pod 178.

First off I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the replacement tires you had installed last year.

I recommend sticking with the ST205/75R14 tire size as they are what your trailer was designed around, and worked good for you for the first 6 years.

Now I recommend making sure that you choose a quality set of tires so you can focus on camping and not worrying about your tires. We have seen great things from the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # AM10235 and they are designed and tested in Ohio to make sure they will serve you well. These tires have a load range D rating which is 2200lbs per tire at 75 PSI. Since your trailer only has a GVWR of 3757lbs this will be more than enough for for your trailer.

The # AM10235 include a 1-year worry free guarantee and a 5-year limited warranty as well.

A 215/75R14 tire like the 215/75R14 # TTWTRTM2157514D has the same 2200lb load rating, so it will have no functional difference from your current tires.

A 205/75R15 tire which you mentioned seeing other switch to actually have a lower load rating. For example the Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # AM10245 is only rated to carry 2150lbs at 65 PSI. This will not help or prevent blow outs, and will cost a pretty penny as you will also need to replace your wheels with larger 15" wheels.

The best way to prevent blow outs and have long tire life is first use a high quality tire. Next make sure that you have the tire aired up to the max PSI stamped on the sidewall of the tire. Trailer tires are different than standard vehicle tires due to a different sidewall design that causes the tire to build excess heat when not aired up properly, and heat leads to tire failure.

When storing the trailer outside it is best to use tire covers like the SnapRing TireSavers Tire Covers - 24" to 26" Diameter - Black Vinyl - Qty 2 # ST7000BK which will protect the tire from harmful UV rays that break down the rubber.

Instead of spending money on new 15" wheels I recommend investing that money in a TPMS system like the PressurePro FX 2 TPMS for RVs and Trailers - Smartphone Display - 2 Waterproof Sensors # 372FX2K. This system will attach to the valve stems on your wheels and will monitor the air pressure and temperature of the tire. With this information you will be able to see if a tire is low so you can get it aired up, or if your tires are getting to hot due to the extreme heat we have been having warming up the road surface.

I included videos of the recommended products for you to take a look at.