Westlake Tire update?

[texastbird]

I'm just sitting here waiting for our 31SL to get back from dealer from some warranty work, and thinking about tires, brakes, the usual stuff. I was wondering if anyone has any feedback on the Westlake tires. I searched around and can't seem to find anything real recent on how these tires are (or are not) holding up lately. Anyone have some miles on the recent version of this tire?

[MuddFlap]

I only have 1900 miles on mine. Not enough to give a true review.

[texastbird]

At least they've made it that far!

[spindrift]

If you're thinkin' tires, you can't beat Titan Guy's tire and wheel package.

[Iceman1777]

I have put 22k on my '15 and used 1 year before we purchased, so I'm guessing at least 25,000 and no problems. G rated.

[texastbird]

And that is with the factory Westlake tires, Paul? Wow, that may be a record for trailer tires.

[Iceman1777]

Originally Posted by texastbird

And that is with the factory Westlake tires, Paul? Wow, that may be a record for trailer tires.

Yes, these are the factory G- rated Westlakes. Like you, I could find no reviews on them when we bought the Redwood, so I decided to take my chances. For the first 3 months I stayed about 62 mph or less, but I gradually developed more confidence in them. About 3000 miles ago I did purchase a TPMS and they all run a consistent temperature and pressure. They have worn very well and are just now showing a little wear on the outside tread. While I wouldn't have bought these myself, I've really been quite pleased with them. When I replace them it will be with Sailun 637s. But I haven't had the tire paranoia in almost a year with the Westlakes.

PS - that same opinion doesn't apply to "E" Westlakes. Someone pulled in our campground in a Columbus with a blown Westlake "E" and trailer damage.

[texastbird]

After the "Akuret" tires that came on our TT, I am very cautious about tires. I would like to get some use out of the Westlakes. I don't think they are overloaded on our model. I will weigh it when we get it fully loaded for a longer trip.

[woodman1]

I'm not going to be critical of Westlakes, but the facts are that Westlakes are made in China. Goodyear G614's and the "H" rated G114's are manufactured in the USA. These two tires are considered by many as the "Gold Standard" in the industry for heavier 5th wheels. The Goodyear Marathon is also manufactured in China and they've had multiple issues with implosions, one of which I personally experienced. I'm sure many will argue that China makes good tires too and there's no association between Westlakes and Marathons, but I can't help making the association that China's standards are generally poor and they're known to make wholesale substitutions in manufacturing. Westlakes may have a good history, but they are also cheaper and RV manufacturers will tend to gravitate in that direction while sacrificing a little quality. We travel nearly 8K+ miles a year, and although I have a TPMS and generally don't exceed 63 mph, I am close to max weight and therefore, didn't hesitate to switch out the Westlakes for 5 Goodyear G114's. Just a matter of preference and peace of mind. You've got to consider your own circumstances and what applies to you.

[Iceman1777]

While I'm not an advocate of Westlakes, I have found they are not the ticking time bomb that most Chinese "E" tires were/are. And Sailuns are made in China as well, but have a much better record than Goodyear 614s. While Goodyear will reimburse for trailer damage if a 614 fails, I could only find one documented Sailun failure (and was being used on a truck). Many thousand users over several years now and half the price of 614s. Personally, I have much confidence in the Sailun and the experience we had on our Montana. They have created some good competition with the 614.

[Bob & Mary]

Thanks for the information on these tires. I have been wondering about the Westlakes on our 31SL. Mine will most likely retire due to age before I get that many miles on them.

[rob_fla]

Originally Posted by Iceman1777

While I'm not an advocate of Westlakes, I have found they are not the ticking time bomb that most Chinese "E" tires were/are. And Sailuns are made in China as well, but have a much better record than Goodyear 614s. While Goodyear will reimburse for trailer damage if a 614 fails, I could only find one documented Sailun failure (and was being used on a truck). Many thousand users over several years now and half the price of 614s. Personally, I have much confidence in the Sailun and the experience we had on our Montana. They have created some good competition with the 614.

I ran a set of Sailun S637 G Rated tires on my last 5th Wheel for many trouble free miles.
The held up well, rode smooth and were a well constructed tire.
I have also seen very few problems reported with the Sailun trailer tire.
I would have no hesitation purchasing a Sailun trailer tire again.

[piper guy]

I'm going to put a set of Sailun 637 J rated on. I've never been wild about the narrow footprint of going to the 215 size whether Goodyear or Sailun. Did some research on sizes and Sailun makes a 235/75x17.5 that is J rated. A little more than 1" bigger diameter than the 215 but quite a bit wider footprint.

Looked at the load chart. At 125 psi the tire will carry 6000 lbs but at 100 psi it still is rated for 5000 lbs. Ron and I have discussed and think the 100 setting will be fine. My thoughts are that I'll wind up with a wider footprint for stability and towing and a bit of a softer ride for the coach and still have all kinds of reserve capacity.
Cost difference is negligible.

Constructive comments are welcome, haven't pulled the trigger yet. And yes, now that we are fulltime we are loaded heavy..
For those that might not know, we have the MorRyde IS Suspension (8k units) Kodiak Disc Brakes and a MorRyde pinbox with a ComfortRide Hitch. Last trip through the CAT Scales the coach is at about 17,660

[texastbird]

Those sound like some very stout tires, Piper Guy. Would heat build up be a concern on a trailer tire that is run at less than maximum pressure?

[piper guy]

Ron doesn't think so as that pressure and load is listed in the load chart from Sailun.
Also, I check my tires every couple of hours with a digital temp gun. Worst case, I might have to run them at 110 or 115 psi.
Still thinking on this idea, just really don't like how narrow the 215's are.

[spindrift]

Originally Posted by piper guy

Ron doesn't think so as that pressure and load is listed in the load chart from Sailun.
Also, I check my tires every couple of hours with a digital temp gun. Worst case, I might have to run them at 110 or 115 psi.
Still thinking on this idea, just really don't like how narrow the 215's are.

The argument for 215s is less scrubbing.

[travelin' texans]

I have 2k+/- on the Sailun Hs running at 120 psi & So far so good, haven't even had to add air. In my opinion these heavy tires, Gs, Hs, Js, the side walls are soooo stiff the heat build up is less, the flexing of the sides is where most of the heat comes from, even with lower psi.

[texastbird]

Yeah, I'm still thinking in the lighter weight TT tires mindset. The sidewalls are much different.

[travelin' texans]

Originally Posted by texastbird

Yeah, I'm still thinking in the lighter weight TT tires mindset. The sidewalls are much different.

These HD tires are just short of being solid rubber. I had a flat on my last SOB in a small town in the middle of nowhere & it took 4 little hispanic guys with long bars to break the bead over the wheel lip.

[Shane Wood]

Vaughn
My trailer weighs in at 17400 and I run my GY H's at 110 psi and they have run great in 10000 miles. Found them a little to stiff at 125