Replacing the Castle Rock tires

So I'm the second owner of a 2020 RPod 171 that still has the stock Castle Rock 225/75/15 tires.

Good day. You may have done it already, but maybe not, you can use the search function to see other threads on this discussion.

Now I will share my thoughts on what I have learned/done about trailer tires. After reading lots of the horror stories online last year, I brought our 192 home and swapped out the brand new Castle Rock tires for a new set of 3 new tires. I bought ones that are of a heavier load range (E vs D) to get a heavier rated tire as the trailer weight when loaded is right at the original tires upper limit.

But, that isn't the entire story. Tires have to be cared for properly to perform to expectations. So, I also purchased a set of sensors that screw onto the valves of the trailer tires (I bought enough to go onto our truck tires as well). Now they not only tell me the current tire pressures, they also give you the temperature of each tire as well. So now every am before driving/towing, I go around my TT and TV, tap the sensors to wake them up as they are motion sensitive and I check the display unit in my TV cab to see what my cold tire pressures are. I also carry good quality pressure gauges just in case. The higher rated tires use higher pressures so I allow for that. I also carry out a detailed inspection of the tires every day, looking for any damage that may have occurred whether by a pothole or road debris.

I can set pressure and temperature alarms for each set of tires as I get to know the normal readings and anything outside of them the alarm will sound.

Tires can fail for many reasons, and a low tire pressure with a heavy load will increase the tires temperature (as will a hot brake, say if a brake doesn't release properly or seizing bearings if they aren't sufficiently/properly lubricated) and can lead to a sudden, premature failure. I feel this is one of the main causes of sudden tire failure.

Another tool I would suggest is a digital thermometer that uses a beam to read temperature. I carry a decent one and can come in handy if verifying a hot brake. I have also used it to help others determine if they have a hot brake or not. You can use the back of your hand in a pinch but I wouldn't recommend it as you may find how hot they can get.

One of the regular contributers here (Stephenh I think) just had a Carlysle blow out. He has a recent thread on the trip and adventures and might be worth a read. I think he is meticulous in his tire care as well, but it still can happen.

So, there you go. I hope this helps you out and good luck with your new tires!

Andy

Good day.

I ordered a TPMS system called WASP Innovations that I found online through Amazon. I got one with 8 sensors in total. I think I got the system with 4 and added 4 more and now I have marked them for each tire and have 2 spares just in case.

You are correct, you shouldn't need a repeater to boost the signal. We don't need one for our F150 and 192, the system works no problem.

I like the rechargeable battery in the unit in the cab (as I use the charge port in my truck for my Garmin GPS when we are driving)...the battery lasts for days and days. To save the batteries inside the sender units on the tires I take them all off when we are parked for any length of time.   Also keeps them from being stolen if someone is of the mind to do that.

Have a great weekend,

Andy