Wheels and tires

[wingnut60]

I purchased my MS 36TK3 second-owner--it was a deal I could not pass on if I ever was to own such a nice trailer. I was fully aware that the 16000 GVWR was already UNDER the delivered weight (15158) plus the weight of full water and propane tanks. How in the world Doubletree allowed these units out of the plant is beyond me.

My trailer now scales at 17400 gross with the pin weight at 4200, leaving 13200 on the 2-7000lb axles. Fortunately, the trailer came with the optional larger brakes. I understand that DT did not have the 8k axles and 17.5" wheels optional til some time after it left the factory.

Having 13200lbs on the 16" wheels/tires (4x3750 = 14000lb) was somewhat bothersome, but I have been on several long trips without any tires blowing. Ron Sigo (sigo 'n suites) turned me on to some 17.5 wheels and tires when he did the changeover on his 2005 TK3--tho I think he had the 8k axles already.

I recently got the 17.5 wheels (4850lb) and the tires (Load range J-4805lb) and got them installed. I now have a much better load-to-capacity ratio than before. The tires are Michelin XTA, the wheels are very nice-looking polished aluminum (tho Chinese mfg) and everything fit very easily. Have 120lbs in tires and lugs are torqued to 120 ft/lbs.

The axles are now the weakest part of the suspension (assuming the springs/shakles/shocks are ok) but should be capable of a lot more safe traveling. The Nev-R-Lube hubs looked ok, and they rotated with no sound of bearing problems. One shock is leaking, so that is probably my next project.

I have four 16" factory steel wheels/Goodyear G614s available if anyone near Burleson TX would be interested.

Joe