[Motor31]

We had a representative from the Goodyear Tire corporation talk at the HDT rally yesterday. He had some interesting info regarding the G rated 16" G614's.

It seems there is a problem with the design of the belts in it. The fabric belts are not expanding at the same rate as the steel belts and it is causing tread separations. He said Goodyear is aware of the problem and they are trying to work on a new design change to either modify the design of the G614 or to make a new tire entirely. In the mean time do what you can to keep the temperature of the tire as low as you can. Keep the inflation pressure up and slow down a bit.

Because of the problems they are having with the 614's they have stopped production of them. As a result they are in very short supply if you need a replacement

He spent time also talking about the 17.5" tire, the G114 that you get with the larger Mobile Suites. Those tires came about as a commercial tire for use on heavy equipment such as the auxiliary axles on cement trucks and low height commercial trailers hauling equipment. The belt design is almost entirely steel and has a good record in dealing with weight and temperature. It is rated for 62 mph however. He said they know it is towed faster than that and they have not been hearing of problems because of it to his knowledge. He doesn't recommend you tow much faster than 62 however.

Another point he made is that the 17.5" tires are available but through commercial dealers primarily. If you go to an auto tire retailer they are not likely to have any of them or be ready to deal with them. He suggested that you look for a truck tire dealer as they are dealing with the heavier duty tires like these and that they are considered truck grade equipment since the H rating is the same as semi grade tires. There are several truck tire dealers in the Kansas and Nebraska area that have plenty in stock for their commercial customers. He felt the truck tire dealers should have some in their shop as the tire is not uncommon in commercial operations.

The representative also said it is very important that you weigh the load from each tire position. Using a chart from Goodyear, set the pressure according to the heaviest weight found from the scale. Make sure you have the same pressure on both tires for each axle. Do not have higher pressure on one side of an axle than the other.

The rep said if you have the opportunity to change to 17.5" tires do so if you can particularly if you are anywhere near the weight limit for the tires you have.