BillandCarole
Vacaville, CA,, USA
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I have just returned from our local tire store (Les Schawb) and was told that they didn't have any non Chinese tires for our 5th wheel. We need to replace a damaged tire that was beyond repair. They called around and came up with nothing. The current American tires are now of Chinese build. I am in shock at this depressing news. And the replacement tire they wanted to sell us was over $200 for 16 inch 10 ply tires. Not inexpensive. We are currently without a spare and therefore at home till we work this out.
Thoughts/ suggestions ?
Regards
Bill and Carole
2K8 Chevy LTZ Turbo Diesel 4x4
Cats Vino, and Kitten "Stubby"
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Reese 16K Slider
Honda EU2000 to power the toys
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"And were still wandering..."
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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Its hard to believe you can’t find non-Chinese tires in 16”…
What size tire and what is the axles load rating…
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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Buy a used tire off of a Chevy PU.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
04 Monaco Dynasty 42' quad slide
Where am I?
How I tow.
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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I do think most ST tires are Chinese made. Sounds like Les cannot find one of their brands in their warehouses. Check other tire dealers, or look for an LT tire replacement.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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BillandCarole
Vacaville, CA,, USA
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JJBIRISH wrote:Its hard to believe you can’t find non-Chinese tires in 16”…
What size tire and what is the axles load rating…
The current tires are ST235/80R16, load range D, 8 ply Goodyears.
You obviously are in for a reality check. And I did not say I could not find them, only that Les Schwab was not carrying any in their current inventory.
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BillandCarole
Vacaville, CA,, USA
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I will take your advice. The rig grosses at 11,600 although we normally travel at less than 8,000. The local Costco carries Michelin and I will get a quote from them. The BFG are also a good suggestion. The truck currently has Bridgestones on it, and I will check these out as well.
Les Schwab has treated us well over the years and I feel a certain loyalty to them. There was no charge for the work they did today. I appreciate this. However in regards to the Chinese tires, I am not willing to compromise. And I was not impressed with one I was shown. Company appreciation is one thing, safety another entirely different one.
I was greatly surprised that Les Schwab was not carrying any American tires of the type we needed. They cover most of the southwestern United States.
regards
Bill
* This post was
edited 07/20/11 10:03pm by an administrator/moderator *
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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You can get Maxxis tires from Les Schwab but they have to order them.
They're the only ST tires I would buy.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
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JIMNLIN
out here
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Joined: 09/14/2003
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Yours is a common issue. When the OEM ST tires get to where they need replaced most folks looking for a upgrade move on up to the 16" LT tire. You already have 16" wheels so nows its a simple for you to upgrade to a LT235/85-16 E at 3042 lbs capacity. Your 16" D load range ST tires are 3000 lbs capacity so the lTs fit right in your capacity requirements.
Other excellent LTs are the ones mentioned plus Goodyear Wrangler HT or Firestone Transforce HT or Uniroyal Laredo HD-H.
The Michelin XPS Rib and the Bridgestone R250 are a commercial grade LT all steel ply carcass and are top of the heap in reliability.
Make the switch. You won't regret it.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers
'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 gvwr two slides
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wandering1
Texas
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Nothing wrong with Chinese made trailer tires.
I started with American made trailer tires in 1975 and continued using American made trailer tires until they began being made in China. I have had just as many American made trailer tire failures as Chinese made trailer tire failures. If I am to use the same logic as those who say trailer tires fail because they are Chinese made then based on my experience I would have to say that American manufacturers set the standard for trailer tires and the Chinese manufacturers are just meeting American standards. So whats the problem with Chinese made trailer tires?
Look around and maybe you can find some made in Brazil, Mexico or Tiwan.
HR
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n7bsn
Yes
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wandering1 wrote:Nothing wrong with Chinese made trailer tires.
.....
Look around and maybe you can find some made in Brazil, Mexico or Tiwan.
Good point. The reality is you can get top quality stuff, made in China, you can also get utter junk.
It depends on what the maker, the importer, the sales outlet and the customer all want to spend.
What happened (in the RV industry) is several builders went for the cheapest tires they could find. Of course, since you get only what you pay for (and then only if you are lucky)...
I know an importer of tools, he has independent inspectors at the Chinese plants that make his tools, these people work for HIM, not the company. Their job is to ensure the Chinese plant doesn't cut corners and only provide him with tools he will put his name on.
2008 F350SD V10 with an 2012 Arctic Fox 29-5E
When someone tells you to buy the same rig they own, listen, they might be right. When they tell you to buy a different rig then they own, really pay attention, they probably know something you don't.
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