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

[rdunk]

Joe, it would not be a big deal to have 8000lb axles installed, especially since you already have the 17.5 in tires and wheels. I would also suggest that if you decide to do that, then go ahead and include the disc brakes, for added safety. Might require new shocks too. (might require new 17.5" wheels, if the 8k axle hubs are different from the 7k axles)

There are probably numerous places that can do that for you. For experience, I believe Dale Fenton's company has done these specific modifications on Mobile suites. If you talk to Dale (800-998-4238), you might also want to ask him about his hydraulic side-to-side leveling system (that has been much discussed here)!

[wingnut60]

Robert,

Appreciate the info. Currently, since I am ok with all weight figures concerning the trailer, I am not going to spend a lot more for awhile. Get this next long trip out of the way to see how the trailer acts. I don't have any braking problems with the oversize shoes/Ford controller. Also gotta get a cover over the trailer as the next big $ item.

My wife really loves the trailer, and it should be fine now that the fridge is working ok. And I have been hauling boards so long to level, I don't think I would feel normal not having to check all that when moving in to a space.

Thanks,
Joe

[Stripit]

Hi Joe, you might not need 120 psi in those tires. Most of us that have been weighed by wheel position know that the heaviest side is the kitchen, and those tires are pretty happy with anywhere from 95 to 105psi, depending on your load. Weighing will tell you what is safe, and until you weigh that way, having a bit more air is a good thing. This is only for the 'H' 4805 capacity, 125psi tire I'm talking about. Many of us have switched like you did and have been very happy with the results. Also did you check on the Michelin's as to the speed rating of your tire. Some are not 75 mph but 62 mph.

[wingnut60]

Stacy,

Thanks for your comments--I believe you are known to be a great source of weight/tire recommendations.

The Michelin tires I have are Load Range J and show max load at 4805 lbs @ 120 psi on the sidewall.

I don't think that I will be able to get the individual trailer tire weights any time soon, but I am aware the kitchen side has more weight than the living room side. The GY tires I had on have the inside rib worn more than the other ribs--both front and rear looked identical, but lots of tread left--don't know if this is extra weight on that side or an alignment situation.

The speed rating doesn't bother me--I have a built-in speed monitor in the passenger seat that goes off at 65. It isn't a real smart idea to have that much weight barreling down the road no matter what the TV is and how well the brakes work. I don't even push much over 70 with the truck solo, it just isn't a good feel nor economical.

Again, thanks. With my gross at 17400, I will keep an eye out for a set of truck scales at ground level that I can drive one side on at a time.

Joe

[rdgent]

Dexter axles with the large brake option have always been 8000lb axles
as per Dexter. They never made 7000 lb axles with the larger brake.
Call dexter , they are very helpfull.
My previous 2004 MS had the same setup as your MS.
I called dexter for the above info.

[wingnut60]

rdgent,

I had called Dexter right after purchasing #1869 second-hand in Feb '07--Ms Bachman answers all email with good information. There is no doubt the axles on my trailer are 7000 items--it is stamped/painted on them in several places.

I stopped by DRV last week when getting the tires/wheels picked up--I got a copy of the original Build Sheet. It lists the larger 12.25x 3 3/8 brakes, but makes no mention of the axles. And the 7k were standard when this one was built. I was sure hoping that due to the brake option, the axles were bigger, but no. Apparently, you can get just about any combination that DRV wants to put under the trailers.

Wish your were correct in this.

Joe

[ponch]

rdgent

My unit #2307 came with the larger brakes and 7000lb axles new.

I changed them as well as brakes last year. to the 8000lb axles 17.5 tires and disc brakes.

[wingnut60]

There you are--Dexter is very knowledgeable about what they manufacture, but probably knows little about which items the trailer mfgs put together--certainly if Dexter was recommending to put 7k axles under a trailer that could scale over limits when delivered doesn't make sense. But, does Dexter supply the axles to Lippert, or does Lippert obtain them separately and assemble axles to frames?

Somewhere along the line, Doubletree cut it too close with the early models, and it has cost their customers to later correct the undersized suspension components.

But, I believe I have everything under the trailer to suit my needs without being over the limits on it--now, the truck is another issue that I can't address for awhile.

Joe