"Tim" wrote in message
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On Mar 31, 9:42 pm, "Bill McKee" wrote:
"W1TEF" wrote in message

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On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:06:32 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote:

My local mechanic guy also sells tires, and he's good with a wrench.
I've put it off for so long, but now it's time to do something about
the tires. they're B78x13 and when I called him to tell him the size
number he imediatly said that size is hard to come by. Not necessarily
saying they are super rare, but they're not a popular size. So he did
some calling and shopping around and said he could get them for about
59.00 a piece x 4. But he told me the brand name which happens to be
"Carlisle" , and I remember from past discussions that Carlisle's had
mixed reviews, Some say they wear like indeffinately, some say they're
prone to blow outs.

These are a 6 ply tire that my mechanic was talking about and I'm not
sure if they're a radial or a bias-ply , but Now I'm a bit hesitant
about using that brand.

Any thoughts?

The direct replacement tire is ST175/80R13 and they are available in
Goodyear Marathons for $65 out of Sam's Club. Don't know about any
other tire distributor.

I'd only use Marathons - I've used them for years on various trailers
and have never had any problems with them at all.

I had Carlisle's and I join the rant. 5 blowouts in 2 years and one ready
to blowout when the other tire on that side blowout. 2nd tire is
separating
as I look at it. If you can fit 14" go with those. Lots more load carrying
capacity.

I'll see if I can go with 14's. raising the trailer fenders gets
close to the hull of the boat but I'll look into it, and also check
the axle spacing to see if it can be done. That's where stuff might
become critical. And if anything else I'll check into the Marathons.
It sounds to me like Carlisle's aren't doing it.

I use Towmasters from Les Schawb tires here in the west. for the last
trailer. Actually do not know what is on the new trailer. 15" and have
towed the trailer about 2000 miles with no problems.