mitch5252
NW Tennessee
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Joined: 10/18/2006
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I have a 2008 16' Fun Finder travel trailer (single axle) (delivered in August 2007) and tow it with a 2006 Toyota Sienna Van. Tires on TT are original. I don't have a lot of towing experience.
I am heading to Alaska for several months starting in May (from NW TN.
I plan to buy new tires for the trailer and to put air shocks on the Sienna van.
1) Are there such things as "heavy duty" tires that might be more suitable for the upcoming trip to Alaska? Or will plain, ol' run-of-the-mill tires do the trick?
2) Do you think air shocks are a good idea? The van rides pretty low when hitched up, with 7" of clearance under the hitch, if I remember correctly.
Thanks for your input!
Regards,
Michelle
2008 Fun Finder X-160
2006 Toyota Sienna Limited
Equal-i-zer Hitch
Prodigy Brake Controller
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bob213
Fresno, CA
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Joined: 12/09/2007
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What size are your tires now? That will determine what's available to you. Give us more info for a better answer.
Bob and Sue
w/ 4 legged child Jerry
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mitch5252
NW Tennessee
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Joined: 10/18/2006
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OP here...
Tires have this on the side:
F108 Tubeless
ST205175R14
For Trailer Service Only
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profdant139
Southern California
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Michelle -- great minds think alike -- we are also planning on taking our new Fun Finder X-139 to Alaska this year! My guess is that these are Free Star tires, which are okay but not great. (The name of the manufacturer should be listed in pretty large letters.) I am running Goodyear Marathons, Load Range C, on my trailer. Unfortunately, I could not find Marathons made in the USA, and some folks have had trouble with Chinese Marathons.
Some people will tell you that it is overkill to put Range C tires on a little Fun Finder, but better safe than sorry, right?
Also, you are lucky that your trailer can take 14 inch tires -- some of the older Fun Finders only took 13 inch tires.
Be sure to buy a torque wrench with the proper socket for your lug nuts, and learn how to use it and to change a tire safely. It is not that hard, especially if you have a piece of pipe that fits over the wrench handle to give you extra leverage. (Wear gloves.) Don't be intimidated by the whole torque process -- it is no big deal. It's even kind of fun.
But when you change a flat, it is important to stop after 10 miles and re-torque the nuts to the proper level. And then stop again after another 50 miles to do it again. (Some people say this is unnecessary, but -- repeat after me -- better safe than sorry.)
I'll see you there!
Our trips -- pix and text
About our trailer
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midnightsadie
ohio
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and take two spares ,on long trips I carry a spare for my spare.
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gmw photos
midwest
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In this order, my suggestions are:
Hankook RA08 ( available in 195R-14, which is same diameter as your 205/75)
Maxxis 8008
Kumho 857 ( if I'm not mistaken the 195R size is made in Korea )
These are all load range D tires ( higher rated than you LR C ) and should be run at 65psi. When you get your new LR D tires mounted, ask your installer for metal valve stems. If your FF has the same aluminum wheels that mine does ( can you show us a photo ? ), then Tredit ( the company that imports these wheels ) told me in an email they are safe to inflate to 65psi.
Going to Alaska, I would certainly take one spare, and if it were me, I would consider two spares, but that may be overkill.
My personal opinion is to avoid tires made in china
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profdant139
Southern California
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Not to hijack Michelle's thread, but is there any downside to using Range D instead of Range C on a small trailer? Or is tougher always better??
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eric james
Sioux Falls, SD
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I wouldn't put air shocks on the van, the shock mounts aren't designed to handle the load.
Idealy a weight distribution hitch should be used but if you're having clearance issues already, I'd use AirLift air bags.
The fit inside the coil springs. Click here
If you have 7" of clearance with the trailer attached, then investigate a WD hitch.
2009 Keystone Passport UL 290BH
2003 Ford Expedition EB 5.4L/3.73
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LenSatic
Cochise Co., AZ
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profdant139 wrote:Not to hijack Michelle's thread, but is there any downside to using Range D instead of Range C on a small trailer? Or is tougher always better??
The only thing I heard about is that you can carry more weight on the load Ds which means you might overload your axle.
LS
2008 Casita SD 17
2006 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4
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RWDIII
Casa Grande
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Just my 2 cents
My Funfinder is almost 1 year older than yours and the orignal tires are still in great shape.I would get a spare wheel and tire,have 2 spares.Keep your tires at 50 lbs .The al wheels on the funfinder are a PIA to change.I use an old torque wrench and an impact socket.I would be more concerned about the tires on the van.
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