Snowmobile trailer tires - am I worrying over nothing? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 12:39 PM

I bought a used 2003 SnoPro 101x10' enclosed trailer and both tires need replacing. They are Kenda LoadStar load range D tires, size 205/65-10. Nice tires. The unused spare, in great condition is the same tire. It's about a year old and unused.

I'm finding that locating exact replacement tires locally is impossible, but the tires are readily available via the internet for $140 delivered for 2 in load range E. Locally, Town Fair Tire has off brand E range tires in that size, for $120 for 2, and that includes mounting. The tires are "Dstone". They admit that they get whatever they can with trailer tires.

Are LoadStars considered the goal standard? I'm getting hung up on like $40 difference between tire price and paying to mount them once I get them? Its probably because I just bought the trailer and am not excited about spending another $150 right away (I knew it when buying the trailer though and it was considered in the price).

So the question is - what would you do?

Another question on load range...Since the spare is load range D, should I put the same on the axles in case I need to use the spare, or get the extra carrying strength of load range E? If I need to use the spare, is running one LR D and one LR E tire ok for a bit? Different inflation pressures. I could get the same LR Ds if I wanted as well, but it seems silly. Savings is only $10 total.

I'm sure I'm over thinking this, but I tend to do that.

Thanks!

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 02:59 PM

Nevermind, I just ordered load range D so I can rotate with the spare and not worry about it...

thanks anyway!

Phaze · 01-10-2013, 04:06 PM

What would I do? Just what you did. I wouldn't mix tires with different load ranges and psi. As you know, E will have a stiffer sidewall than D. Not worth it in my book......

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 06:39 PM

I would have had both tires at load range E on the axle 99% of the time. It was only in the event of a flat that I had to use the spare, where I would mix. But I also lose the ability to rotate the spare into duty, and as you said, a harsher ride. Thanks!

JheLrey · 01-10-2013, 07:06 PM

I am searching tires out too. The Loadstars can be had on Ebay for $130 shipped with rims.

Petron · 01-10-2013, 07:22 PM

I personally would have purchased range E for a couple reasons.

1) They're priced very similar.
2) You get a 10 ply vs. 6 ply.
3) Load range is also greater.

I recently upgraded from range D to E & it makes a world of difference. Honestly, my dealer didn't even realize they were literally the same price. He said they're now going to order range E.

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 07:32 PM

I would have had I not had a good spare in range D. With 2 sleds and the trailer, I'm at 1700 pounds. Load Range D is 1330 per tire, so 2660. Plenty of room. I hear you though. Range E was only about $8 more. It wasn't the money.

Petron · 01-10-2013, 07:36 PM

Steve, either way you still made a good decision. Most trailers have range D anyway. When the time comes next I'd certainly look at E's.

(Not to go off topic) Hows the riding in NH?

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 08:35 PM

Actually isn't 6 ply range C?

Anyway riding up here isn't bad if you head north just a little. My inlays have a house in Wakefield NH near corridor 26 I believe. I'd like to head up and jump on a bit there. They have a lot of snow there.

You got me rethinking my decision though.

maybe I should have gotten the Es. I could probably sell my D range spare and buy another E range.

Phaze · 01-10-2013, 08:39 PM

steveg, now you are starting to over think it.......

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 08:47 PM

Yeah. I tend to do that. I just emailed the seller to switch if its not too late but it probably doesn't really matter.

**BC_Dan** · 01-10-2013, 09:33 PM

D is 8 ply rated, C is 6 ply rated.

If you are not overweight on the D's, you're good to go.

JheLrey · 01-11-2013, 07:10 AM

Where did you get the Es from and how much?

steveg_nh · 01-11-2013, 07:33 AM

Just contacted the seller on eBay (that's where) and he upgraded my order to the Es, for no extra charge! I'm pleased.

This is a trailer tire and accessory wholesaler. I called and talked to them before ordering, to be sure the tires were new and not older, and he was able to confirm Sept 2012 manufacture on the D range, and the Es are even newer. Very good customer service so far. I wouldn't have bought on ebay from someone just selling some tires they had laying around...

On eBay search for seller TrailerTiresandWheels:
8, 13 items in Trailer Tires and Wheels store on eBay!

I spent a lot of time looking at a bunch of sellers and found their prices, which include shipping either a few bucks better, or much better, than the others. And they ship from OH so not far from NH. I ended up getting these tires for the same price I was getting some junk random no name tires for from Town Fair Tire. Very happy!

steveg_nh · 01-13-2013, 01:19 PM

Just a quick question, kind of related to this...

When I took the current rims off to get ready for the tire swap, the lug nuts were a little rusted on. They came off no problem, but besides wiring brushing them, should I do anything else before remounting? I read on some other site about putting some lube on the threads, but I was always taught that that is a bad idea on lug nuts. As for torque on the rims, I figure around 90 pounds. They are steel rims.

Thanks!

**RJ Gleason** · 01-13-2013, 03:06 PM

Never Seize on the threads.

steveg_nh · 01-13-2013, 04:44 PM

Never Seize? Never heard of it. Something you just get at the local auto parts store?

Thanks for the tip.

Phaze · 01-13-2013, 05:45 PM

Yep. Works good. Keeps the lug nuts from "seizing" up on the studs from corrosion.

steveg_nh · 01-13-2013, 06:22 PM

Must be this stuff right?

http://www.bostik-us.com/our-brands/never-seez

There's like 10 different types. I assume the regular grade one, or the nickel or stainless?? Does it matter on typical trailer lugs, which I assume are some type of hardened steel.

Phaze · 01-13-2013, 08:13 PM

What I use is Permatex anti seize. It's in a little plastic container that has a brush connected to the cap. The stuff is thick and gooey. Go to your local auto store and buy whatever anti seize they sell(general purpose)..... I prefer the jug and brush. But it an be a little messy....

Never Seize is just what people call this stuff in general............