2005 Wheel Recall and Upgrade?

[Midamrail]

Hi all,

This is my first time posting to this forum, but I want to thank all of you for providing such helpful information. We purchased a 2005 32TK3 earlier this year for a resort lot thanks in large part to the information here, and we enjoy it so much that we're going to begin using the MS for our other travels, too. We're beginning next week with a trip to Florida from St. Louis, and it looks like due to something that came up at my husband's work, I'll have to drive it down there by myself while he flies down a couple of days later.

Therefore, we're having the running gear gone through, and we're surprised and a little concerned that the trailer has older load range E tires (and probably wheels), which seems light for a trailer with an 11,400 LB empty weight, 2,400 hitch weight, and 17,500 GVWR. So, we were planning to upgrade the tires anyway but don't know whether to go with the GY 614 G-range or move to the 17.5 wheels/tires.

However, our trailer looks to have been built during the Tredit steel wheel recall in the spring of 2005. I called DRV, which handed me off to Tredit, which won't call me back. Has anyone dealt with the recall or been able to determine if their trailer was part of it?

For a 32TK3, would you advise sticking with the E tires, upgrading to the G with new wheels, or moving all the way to the 17.5s?

Thank you again for all your help.

Molly (and Ben, too)
2005 Mobile Suites 32TK3
2008 F350

[anijet]

Hi Molly,

Welcome to the forum.

IMO, the E rated tires are too light for the weights you listed. 4 E tires have a load rating of 10,720 pounds at max pressure at 80 psi.

4 G rated tires will carry 15,000 pounds at 110 psi and should be sufficent for your weights.

I think H tires (19,224# at 125 psi) would be over-kill but I don't see any down side except that you would need new wheels. It looks like you can run the H tires down to 90 psi for a load rating of 14,780, which is only 10 pounds more than the maximum E tire pressure, and maintain some of the softer ride. The H tires are rated for 75 mph for additional safety margin.

I don't have any information on the wheel recall.

Enjoy your travels.

Leo

[Midamrail]

Thank you, Leo - that is most helpful. I think we're going to need to change out the wheels anyway, even if we go to the G-rated tires, as the old wheels may be E-rated. So, if we need to bite that bullet, I wonder if it's worth it to step up to the 17.5 wheels/tires, even though it does look like it's overkill.

The recall issue is a bit frustrating - DRV sort of blew it off, and Tredit's warranty/recall department won't answer or return calls. It's proving difficult to determine if the trailer was even part of the recall.

Thanks again,
Molly (and Ben)
2005 MS 32TK3
2008 F350

[golf_bears]

Hi Molly,

Welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you got yourself a very nice unit. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your travels.

If you decide to go to the 17-1/2” tires you may also need to change out to the 8000# axles.

The 17-1/2” tires usually are mounted with 5/8” studs vs. the 9/16” studs for the lower rated E or G tires.

I think as suggested by “anijet” that the Gs would be well suited to your 32 ft unit.

Good luck in your travels and maybe we’ll see you out there sometime!

[Midamrail]

Thank you - sounds like the G tires are the way to go.

We really do love the Mobile Suites. We've been Airstreamers for years and find the MS quality right up there with our Airstreams, some of which have been vintage trailers that have been on the road for decades. But the MS is just so comfortable and appealing that it's hard to leave it at home and take one of the tin cans, much as we love them.

Thank you again.

[Huck]

The wheels that were on the recall are the "chrome steel wheels that ARE NOT made in the USA".

If you look at the back side of the 16" steel wheels it will say were they are made.

I know all this from talking to the wheel people when the recall came out.

Apparently DRV was not sure what wheels they put on what unit so they gave me the phone # and had me call.

If I were you I would go with a new set of the G rated 16" tires.

[Midamrail]

Thanks, Huck - that's very helpful. Did you have the recalled wheels?

Sounds like the G tires are the answer. DRV said it sounds right that the E-rated Uniroyal Laredos on the trailer now were original equipment, which was surprising given the weight of this thing - well over twice the Airstreams we're used to pulling.

[Stripit]

You do not need to replace the axles to have 17.5 wheels and tires installed, if you purchase the correct wheels. I would contact this company and ask them for prices for the complete set, tires and wheels for both the 16 inch and 17.5 inch, might not be that much difference in costs. They will ship directly to you
http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/

[wingnut60]

Stripit has it right--there are 17.5" wheels available that are bolt-on for 9/16" studs. I know, because I did the change-out on my 36TK3.

Both the wheels and tires came from www.trailertiresandwheels.com
in Edon, OH. Very knowledgeable guy. I also went with Michelin X XTA tires in Load Range J with 4805 lbs each capacity. I feel very confident with these tires/wheels under the trailer.

I am surprised that your 32 has a 17500 GVWR and not the axles/tires--are you sure it isn't 16000? My 36TK3 has a 16000lb rating, 7000lb axles.
Kinda odd if it has the lighter axles and a higher rating.

Joe

[Midamrail]

You know, actually, I'm not positive about the GVWR. I need to double-check that.

I just heard back from Tredit - very nice person in the warranty department - and she said to determine if the wheels were part of the recall, one needs to look at the stampings on the backside of the rim, which can be done without removing the tire. If one of the following three stampings is present, the wheels were part of the recall:

JG/JCA
JCA/China
HW/JCA

However, if it says "Korea," it is not part of the recall. These were the 16" chromed steel wheels installed on some 140 or so Mobile Suites in the spring of 2005.

Molly

[wingnut60]

Molly,
This spec situation got me thinking....I have the spec sheet from 2005 model year: 32TK3 is as follows--

Length: 33'8"
Width: 101"
Height: 12'6'
Dry Wt: 12,700
Dry PW: 2,600
GVWR: 16,500
Tires: LT235-85R16G
Axles: 7000lb
HoldTanks 100 fresh/75 grey/50 black
WatHtr: 10gal DSI
Furnace: 42000BTU
Insulation: Floor R27
Roof R23
Walls R13

Carrying capacity was left at TBD--To Be Determined

Do you have the sticker in the cupboard above the stove--should list the
factory specs for GVWR/WT as shipped/carrying capacity

Joe

[sigo'suite]

Molly,
Check your PM's

[Midamrail]

Joe,

The specs you list match what's in the trailer. It's at the dealer having some work done, so I stopped in and checked - thank you.

I also looked at the wheels and tires again, as they had one off. The tires are Tredits but were made in the US in 10/04, so they're not part of the recall. But the tires are the originals, with a similar date code, and that amazes me - I'm surprised they would put E range tires on that trailer when it was new.

It does have 9/16" lugs on 7000 LB axles.

Thanks again,
Molly

[wingnut60]

Molly,
You have a nice trailer and the axles will be fine--no need to worry about them. Upgrade to better 16" wheels and tires, or to the 17.5s--whichever you feel best with. I HAD to go with the 17.5 and higher capacity tires since my trailer weighs in at 17,030 ready to use. The Goodyear 16" G614s are commonly used, and if one blows, GY stands behind them AND any damage caused--just as long as you keep the old tire and file the correct paperwork.

While you are doing all this, have the breaks checked and spin the hubs to listen for any bearing noise.

Have fun.

Joe

[Huck]

Did you have the recalled wheels?

No, I had the USA wheels like you do.

The 17.5" wheels and tires will set you back about $2K.

If I had the 32' suite I would probably stay with the 16" G rated tires to save money and overkill.

[The Spices]

FYI - we just sold our 2005 32TK3. It had 7k lb axles, 16" alloy wheels and the Uniroyal tires. Our GVW was 14,500.

I also think that good G rated tires would be fine but if you have to replace the wheels anyway - I would go for the Hs. In addition to increased weight load capacity, you will have lower rolling resistance.

[billr]

If your wheels are not in the recall and have no damage, and they are rated for the wt, there should be no reason to replace them unless you want to uprgrade to alluminum. Lots of folks running these chrome 16" wheels with no issues. Save the $$ and put it towards new "G" rated 614's. They are plenty of tire for the 32TK3. Thats crazy they put "E's" on in the first place. The 17.5" would be more than you need on this trailer and cost you a lot more too.

If you do want alluminum wheels, look around for someone swapping out the 16" allum for 17.5", you will get a Killer deal! There has been several ads for them.

If it were a 36 there would be no question to go with 17.5" "H".

IMHO.

Bill

[Midamrail]

We bit the bullet and put new 17.5 alloy wheels with Michelins on, and we're happy we did. They're a great fit, look good, and pulled really well from St. Louis down here to Destin. And as I made the trip by myself, the peace of mind of the new tires and wheels - with capacities far greater than what we need for this trailer - was a nice bonus.

I really appreciate all the advice and feedback, and we're really tickled so far with our first big trip in the Mobile Suites.

[wingnut60]

Having a 350, a Suites and great tires/wheels--priceless. Let us all know how the 32 works for you.
Joe