Recommendd 5.30x12 Tire for Jayco Pop-Up for Highway Driving

Question:

My 10foot Jayco popup camper 1400 lbs dry weight I believe came with 4.8 x 12inch tires. I moved up 5.3 x12 tires because they did not last more than 6000 miles. I am still having the same problem with 5.3 tires. When I go on a summer vacation I will travel around 6000 miles. Thinking of going to Alaska. I usually travel around 70 mph, faster than that and tires really wear fast. Have any ideas on what tire I should use? Thanks

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

For your Jayco Pop-Up Camper I recommend replacing your existing tires with the Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire # TT53012C, which will provide improvements in a number of areas over your current set.

Based on the issues you described you are most likely using bias ply tires that have a speed rating of 65 mph, which is the standard on most trailer tires. Bias ply tires have a stiffer sidewall which makes them work well for more off-road applications like farm use but doesn't make them the best performers on highways at higher speeds. A radial ply tire like the above-mentioned Taskmaster features internal cords that run at a 90 degree angle to the direction of travel (compared to at a 32 degree angle on bias units). This simply allows the tire to flex more than a bias, creating better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. They essentially will last longer than a bias tire, especially when highway driving is its primary duty.

The Taskmaster # TT53012C also features an excellent speed rating of 81 mph, letting you comfortably travel at the speed limit as you traverse across the country.

Other general guidelines to consider for ensuring a long lifespan on your trailer tires is to always have them inflated to the listed maximum psi on the sidewall (80 psi for the Taskmaster) to ensure they maintain their weight capacity (1,050 pounds on the Taskmaster) and to make sure you don't exceed their speed rating.

I have attached a short video review on this tire that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R