Tires, max load

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May 5, 2008 | 04:27 AM

2kcrewcab

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Tires, max load

Ok, I need some help here. I am going to be pulling a trailer from Oklahoma City to Erie, PA in a couple weeks and need some suggestions on tires.

Towing with a 5.4 03 expedition. Load including trailer will be around 6k lbs. Maybe just under. Right now I'm running a 305/45-22 Yokohama Parada Spec-x which is rated at 2910lbs max 50 psi.

I was planning to buy a spare set of tires for my factory wheels to run in the winter but all of the all season tires I've been finding are only rated to 2535lbs.

Should I just buy tires now for the trip or what? This is just going to be a 1 time trip, one way. Do I NEED to spend the extra money on E tires? there doesn't seem to be a great deal of difference between my current tires and an E rated.

Suggestions, comments, ideas?

Thanks

May 5, 2008 | 09:45 AM

mudmaker

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Windsor, Colorado

I really dont think you need e rated tires, but without knowing what the wieght on your rear axle is it is hard to say. Just because your trailer wieghs 6k doesnt mean the wieght is on your expy. As long as each axle is not over its tire ratings you should be in good shape.

May 5, 2008 | 11:43 AM

Steina

CO River Rat

Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

Tongue weight should be 600-900# (10-15%). Any way to verify that before you pick 'er up?

Steve

May 5, 2008 | 01:20 PM

MisterCMK

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From: Blue Hill Township

I wouldn't worry about it. Like the others said, the 6k lbs that the trailer weighs won't be on the rear tires of your truck, only the tongue weight. That being said, you should still be fine.

May 5, 2008 | 03:03 PM

afsigma21

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I tow 6000 lbs on my 2001 Expy all the time. It is a 23' TT and I have all seasons and never had any problems. I probably towed 23k miles or more on my Nokian Vativa tires. Just replaced them with Continentals, have not towed on those yet, but they cant be much different.

I assume you are using a Weight Dist. Hitch and electric brakes with a controller.

May 5, 2008 | 03:16 PM

2kcrewcab

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Def using the prodigy. HOPEFULLY, using the weight dist hitch. I'm trying to find one I can borrow because I don't want to buy one for a single trip.

Load will be on a 20' open trailer with a sand rail and a race car on it. The rail probably weighs around 800lbs and the car weighs just under 3200.

May 5, 2008 | 03:23 PM

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

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From: Blue Hill Township

You should be fine without a weight distributing hitch if you are only making the trip once. Just make sure that you load it properly. If you are going to pull the trailer more often then it would be a good idea to pick one up.