incampnut
Northeast IN
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Joined: 08/01/2005
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My new Durango came with 15" Nankang tires. I have researched them a little but want to talk with someone who has "been down the road with them." They are ST 225/75R15 load max radials. Are they any good or should I pitch them. Been thinking of getting 16" wheels anyway. Thanks for any info.
2005 Chevy 2500HD 4X4
2006 Durango 285RLS - Trailair pin box and suspension
Love of my life (wife, not the 5er..but on some days she may argue that) one eleven year old son and one dog.
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NYYYCEandEEEEZY
The Hudson Valley or Someplace Else
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Joined: 11/28/2003
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Although I can't recall the exact size, we had Nankang tires on our KZ. Our friends had the same tires on their KZ. They had two blow outs and a bubble develop in a third tire within the first year. During one of the blow-outs, the thread of the tire peeled off just like a banana, and that loose thread damaged the skirting behind the axle. During our first year, we had one blew out and a bubble in a second tire. During our blow out, the exact same thing happened, and our rear skirt behind the axle was damaged as well. We didn't wait for another tire to go bad.
Independently of one another, we each decided we no longer had any faith in Nankang products and we both decided to replace all 5 tires with another brand. Ironically, after individually researching alternative tire brands, sizes, types, etc., we both decided to replace our tires with the exact same tire and we both chose Goodyear G614 RST LT235/85R16 Unisteel tires load range G. They're slightly larger than the original tires and have a heavier load range and, after several thousand miles, so far, so good. As with any product by any manufacturer, I'm sure there are some Nankangs out there that have not caused anyone any problems but, quite frankly, if I purchased another RV that came with Nankeen tires, I wouldn't accept delivery until they were swapped for another brand. After all I've experienced, seen, and read about, I just don't trust them to be dependable and safe!
Robert AKA: EEEEZY
You can't get us confused. I'm also "Nice", but NYYYCE is Never "Easy"!
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rlcorb
Central Florida
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Joined: 12/13/2004
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We have a 2006 Durango 285RLS with Nankang tires. No problems yet, but I was looking at replacing them. I'm not sure 16" wheels and tires will clear the wheelwells. If so, it's going to be close quarters. I've almost decided that if I do replace the tires I'll stay with the same size but different brand, most likely Goodyear Marathons. Haven't made up my mind yet.
2006 Silverado 2500HD, 8100 Vortec, Allison 6-Speed.
2006 Durango 285RLx2 Fifth Wheel.
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Joined: 03/20/2001
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incampnut,
In your size, I like Cooper Custom Trailer Plus tires. If the weight rating has sufficient margin, no need to upgrade to 16". If you do, LT215/85-16 Load Range E in your choice of highway rib-tread tire is likely a good way to go.
Before you do anything, I'd strongly suggest loading your trailer and weighing it on a truck scale. If you know the actual weight on the axles, you can pick tires with an adequate safety margin.
Ken
I'm free of prostate cancer for 5 years now.
All men over age 50 should get an annual PSA blood test. Mine had a low reading, but the yearly jump was significant. The biopsy showed cancer just entering the aggressive stage. Dr. Hackenslash removed it.
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pdinaj
Apache Junction,Arizona
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Joined: 04/25/2005
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Go to www.consumerreports.org and see what they say about them. I have more faith in their process than hearsay. They will tell you Michelin$ rate the best for your money.
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TKing
Central Ohio, United States
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Joined: 10/23/2003
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We made it through 04 with the Nankang tires on our 36 ft. KZ Sportster but had a blowout this year. I was in a construction zone so was only going about 55 mph but when the tire blew some pieces flew past us, talk about a shock!! It did a lot of damage to the aluminum skirting on the unit. Our dealer has had enough problems with them that they order every unit with upgraded tires. I'll never run them or any of the others that I've read about on here that have had problems. My advice is to get them off.
2004 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax Diesel/Allison, Edge, 5 inch exhaust, Autometer pyrometer and boost gauges, 70 gallon Transfer Flow, True Flow air filter
2006 3612 Raptor Double Slide
2008 Electra Glide Classic
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Milt
Climax MI
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Joined: 12/16/2000
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We'e got the same size Nankangs as you (load range D) on our
Sportsmen.
We've made two trips to FL and several trips around MI and IN
with no problems, they still look good.
Milt
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therealhojo
Helena
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Joined: 07/14/2005
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Milt wrote:We'e got the same size Nankangs as you (load range D) on our
Sportsmen.
We've made two trips to FL and several trips around MI and IN
with no problems, they still look good.
Milt
You better change before your luck runs out. I've had 7 bad tires in 1 year. 3 after KZ replaced the axles and 5 new tires. My brother-in-law had two blow the same day on his. $10,000 worth of damage. Both units are at KZ now waiting on a reply from them. They move about as slow as a turtle.
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GR8DA2CAMP
Deep South Texas
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Joined: 02/11/2004
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Had 2 blowouts on back to back trips with Nankangs. Only had about 2,000 miles on them. I lost confidence quickly and replaced them with load range E Carlisles. From reading other posts, I'm not sure I'm in any better shape, but so far so good. I do recommend adding some type of metal fender in the wheel well so if a tire does go, you have a little tougher material to help limit damage to the camper. There are old posts you can search for the how to do questions. Good Luck!
02 Chev 2500HD CC/SB/4X4/DMAX/ALI/Reese 16k Slider
03 Laredo 29BH **Winterize - What's that?**
05 14.5ft flats boat - towing double
Fishing skinny water for chunky fish!
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oldflyer
Parker, CO
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Joined: 12/17/2005
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I have 8,200 miles on my '05 Durango Nankang tires (225x15) since it left the factory in Oct. 04. One thing I notice on most new trailers is that the wheels are never balanced unless the dealer is especially generous. Since my dealer wasn't, the first thing I did was spend $50 to have all the wheels balanced. I noticed that two or three of the tires got some pretty hefty weights on one side. If you are driving at 60 with wheels as out of balance as this, they must be hopping around pretty good back there (like I could see them??). I would think that even some unbalance could cause the tires to have problems like ply separation over time, not to mention uneven wear. Having low tire pressure would compound the problem. Well, my opinion anyway. Knock on wood, my tires are doing fine so far. I plan to get a tire pressure monitor system also, so maybe if one blows, I might at least be informed.
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