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Low Speed Rating Westlake Tires on New Redwood

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Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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I just purchased a new Redwood 3410RL. Although in general, I was quite impressed with the quality of the trailer, I was very disappointed and surprised by the Westlake tires that came with the new camper. Redwood proudly states that the tires are "H" rated, but did not mention that the tires have a SPEED RATING OF ONLY 62 MILES PER HOUR.
In my experience, especially when driving on Interstate highways with 70 mph (or higher) speed limits, it is safest to while towing a 17,000 lb. trailer to go with the flow of trucks, (which generally will cruise at the speed limit). This means that for hours at a time the 62 mph Westlake tires will be driven well over their speed rating, which is VERY UNSAFE !! As a result, I felt it was prudent and safer to install new Goodyear G114 tires (75mph speed rating) on the brand new camper at a cost of $2,500. I threw out the tires that came with new camper without driving a mile on them!
Does it make any sense for Redwood to build a quality camper and then to install tires that will be driven above the speed rating by most owners?? Of all the places to save money, it seems to me that tires should be last!! It is irresponsible for Redwood to knowingly put new Redwood owners at additional risk of a blowout because low speed rating tires are installed as original equipment!

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 8:02 AM
Danny_and_Linda
(@danny_and_linda)
Posts: 884
Prominent Member
 

In the past they came with 16" E rated China bombs, at least yours came with Hs. It's all about the bottom line, the almighty $$$!.

Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 11:47 AM
(@Anonymous)
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I did not know the Westlake H's had a 62 mph speed limit. I would have thought they would have been at least 75 like the G614 Goodyear G.

One thing is for sure - each step the manufacturer takes forward with a new feature, they ruin it by going with a knock off.

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 12:40 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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We also received our coach with "E" rated Marathons, which were changed out for Goodyear "G" tires before delivery.

It is the first time the speed rating has been mentioned, but the factory has been using Westlake "G" tires since the summer of 2014 and then switched to "H" just over a year ago. Even though they are Chinese made, the feedback has been positive, to date.

I believe they used to have an option of going with Goodyear tires, is this still available?

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 12:49 PM
(@Anonymous)
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Our 2014 had an option for 8K axles and Goodyear G614s (5 of them I might add). That was short lived. I think the Westlakes took over as the favored tire throughout the Industry it seems.

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 12:52 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Where did you get your speed rating? The below info I lifted from the eTrailer website describing the Westlake trailer tires furnished on new Redwoods. It states G load rating and L speed rating (75mph) for the tire size in question .

Tire Only
16 Inch
235/85-16
Load Range G
Radial Tire
Westlake

ALL INFO REVIEWS (13) Q & A (33) RELATED PARTS VIDEOS (1) PHOTOS WHY ETRAILER?

Westlake Tires and Wheels - LHWL410
Radial special trailer tire has a 14-ply rating and a 4,080-lb max load at 110 psi. Constructed of double steel belts and plies with a nylon overlay. Fits 16" wheels and for highway use. Complimentary roadside assistance included.

Features:
Radial ply tire is great for highway use
Constructed with double steel belts and plies for a long life
Nylon tread-firming belt overlays help prevent tread separation
Tread wear indicator (TWI) makes it easy to see tread depth
Special trailer (ST) tire has sturdy sidewalls so that it can handle heavy loads
Created specifically for trailers and not intended for use on other vehicles
Complimentary roadside assistance for 2 years
Flat tire service available 24/7 anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico
Meets DOT and FMVSS specifications

Specs:
Fits: 16" x 6", 16" x 6-1/2", and 16" x 7" rims
Tire size: ST235/85R16
Section width: 9.3"
Outer diameter (when inflated): 31.7"
Capacity:
Load range: G
Ply rating: 14
Maximum load:
Single tire: 4,080 lbs at 110 psi
Dual tires: 3,640 lbs at 110 psi
Tread depth: 13/32"
Maximum speed: 75 mph (speed rating L)
5-Year warranty

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 1:37 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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My trailer has the 17.5" wheels. The Westlake 215/75R17.5 has a 62mph speed rating. The 16" tires have a 75mph speed rating.

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 2:18 PM
(@Anonymous)
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Interesting, the Sailun 17.5 is 75mph

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 2:39 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Wow! That's interesting and you are correct. Here are the specs for the 17.5 inch tire from eTrailer:

Westlake Tires and Wheels - LHWL097
Radial trailer tire has a 16-ply rating and a 4,805-lb max load at 123 psi. Constructed of double steel belts and double polyester plies. Fits 17-1/2" wheels and for highway use. Complimentary roadside assistance included.

Features:
Radial ply tire is great for highway use
Designed for use on heavy-duty trucks, buses, and trailers
Constructed with double steel belts and double polyester plies for a long life
Tread wear indicator (TWI) makes it easy to see tread depth
Tread is regroovable for additional mileage (federal and state laws may apply)
Complimentary roadside assistance for 2 years
Flat tire service available 24/7 anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico
Meets DOT and FMVSS specifications

Specs:
Fits: 17-1/2" x 6-3/4" rims
Tire size: 215/75R17.5
Section width: 8.3"
Outer diameter (when inflated): 30.2"
Capacity:
Load range: H
Ply rating: 16
Maximum load:
Single tire: 4,805 lbs at 123 psi
Dual tires: 4,546 lbs at 123 psi
Tread depth: 14.5/32"
Maximum speed: 62 mph (speed rating J)

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 3:01 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

x

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 7:02 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

I dropped my RW off at the dealer today to have the seals replaced. While there I was walking around the lot looking at the fivers . . ALL the Jayco Pinnacles had Goodyear Endurance tires standard... i have not heard bad things about them as of yet.

Like Gip stated, it’s too late now but Ron could have helped you emensly. . . . .

 
Posted : October 21, 2017 8:55 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

Great catch on the speed rating for the Westlake "H" tire. I think you're the first to notice that.

I believe that Montana and Heartlands now come standard with Sailun "G" on their 16" rims, effectively eliminating their tire issues.

 
Posted : October 23, 2017 6:28 AM
Danny_and_Linda
(@danny_and_linda)
Posts: 884
Prominent Member
 

Seems odd that a 16 ply tire would have such a low speed rating, but I'm no tire guru.

Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!

 
Posted : October 23, 2017 11:41 AM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

I think Montana was using Sailun tires for a while, but last I read on the Montana Forum they have gone to Rainier Tires which rates right up there with the Marathons. Now this could be just on the High Countrys and not on the Full Blown Montana, not sure, but I do know that several have commented about receiving Rainiers.

 
Posted : October 23, 2017 8:44 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

I have forwarded a note to my Redwood contact regarding the speed rating issue. Will advise on any response received.

 
Posted : October 23, 2017 10:07 PM
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