Montana Tire Ratings and Tow Speed - Montana Owners Club

bncinwv · 03-19-2007, 06:42 AM

This will probably open a big can of worms but hopefully someone can answer a simple question. What is the rating on the standard tires that are provided on Montanas. How do these ratings relate to tow speed. Obviously, towing speed is or at least should be related to stopping and emergency manuevering, but assuming we are in Kansas or somewhere on a never-ending straight freeway with a speed limit of 75 mph. Are the tires that are provided on the Monty's sufficient for this (this does not imply that I will be pulling at 75) from a safety aspect. Be reasonable with your opinions, I don't mean to start a long-winded argumentative discussion on tow speeds.
Bingo

skypilot · 03-19-2007, 07:19 AM

Need to be more specific in your question as to which tires -- on my mountaineer I have ST235.. and as ST tires they are rated for a MAXIMUM of 65 MPH at max inflation pressure of 80 PSI.

That said, my neighbor has SOB that has LT235/85 X 16s and per his book there is no speed rating shown. I just went out to the Goodyear web site and they don't list any speed ratings on their LT tires either -- the non-LT tires are either 65 (STs) or 75 (Class A tires) or so it appears. Now that said, if you go to the auto / light truck side of the house and look, none of their LT tires are speed rated. Therefore none are rated for sustained high speed driving. Bottom line - if you or I see a trailer moving faster than 65, maybe 70, I'd be staying out of their way. (But then again, that is just my .02 worth).

bncinwv · 03-19-2007, 07:58 AM

I guess I was wondering if the stock manufacturer tires are all ST rated for the 2007 models or do they vary by model?? I will of course, check the tires on the initial pull (looks like Wednesday).

bsmeaton · 03-19-2007, 10:16 AM

Bingo,

Skypilot is right. ALL ST tires are rated at 65mph, and it should be stamped right on the sidewall. Keystone runs whatever tires come with the Lippert frame, but for the most part they have been Mission ST tires on the 06-07 models.

Brad

Connorsmom · 03-19-2007, 12:10 PM

I had no idea that there was a rated tire speed for the Monty until I saw it here on the MOC. Of course, I read it AFTER I got back here from my vacation! There I was, minding my own business, doing the speed limit. Now I know better.

Jan

skypilot · 03-20-2007, 04:17 AM

As an aside - have another friend (old army aviator) who pulls an enclosed car trailer with a couple of antique (mid-40's) cars. Didn't like the slow going so changed wheels and tires to some that were 'T' rated as I recall (100 mph continuous in any case). Blew three out of six tires the first time out going to a show in Missouri. Found out that the speed rated tires couldn't handle the squirm / stress the trailer put on them. He is now back to ST tires (Maxis if I recall correctly) and just plans extra time for his trips. Gripes about it everytime I see him but then again, he sure griped about the repairs to his trailer from the damage one of the 3 tires did.

Jan: FYI - I didn't know it either early on -- had a Keystone Cougar at that time and we made a trip to Mt Rushmore. Doing 75 on Nebraska interstate (I-80 as I recall) and not a lick of problems. However.......

Be safe all. Weather is getting nice and looking forward to seeing old friends at the camp grounds again.

dieselguy · 03-20-2007, 05:18 AM

On a related note ... when I tow above 63 - 65 mph, fuel mileage starts to drop off noticeably. I'm running 4:11's with a 6 speed.

richfaa · 03-20-2007, 05:27 AM

We stay around 62/65 MPH no matter what, even in Texas with that crazy 80MPH speed limit. That is where the truck likes to run.We keep a close eye on the mission tires and check for proper inflation often. The tires are in perfect condition after @6K miles of interstate driving.They show no wear patterns at all.

ols1932 · 03-20-2007, 06:42 AM

I think we're much better off from a safety standpoint and economy to travel around 60 mph. We usually run at about 58 mph because that seems to be the most economical for us. Additionally, it allows me to maintain a good distance between us and the traffic ahead. If people want to pass me, so be it. I just say "Go with God." Some may say that I'm a traffic hazard at this speed on the highway but I maintain that those who overdrive their rigs are the real hazards.

Orv

Cat320 · 03-20-2007, 02:32 PM

I agree with the previous posters. No doubt my truck could easily pull the Montana at 80, but we keep it around 63...that's fast enough dragging all that weight for this old Army Aviator.

keham · 03-20-2007, 02:47 PM

I used to drive at that posted speed limit bit. And was always on edge with the traffic and trying to stayed spaced and found I was passing all the time. Now I drive 3 to 5 below posted and find I am more relaxed, and very ever have to pass and the following distance now is always plenty of room to stop. Love it. Wish I had learned that years ago. Also noticed I arrived at the place I was going usually with-in the hour of when I did driving at the max.

KBLH · 03-21-2007, 07:56 AM

Bert & Betty.....,We agree!!!!!! And how much faster do you get there going 80???...not that much.

bsmeaton · 03-21-2007, 08:17 AM

You would be amazed at the change in fuel mileage, with or without the trailer. Even with 3:73 gears, I loose 30-40% MPG if I try to maintain 75 or 80 mph.

rickety · 03-21-2007, 09:18 AM

We tow about 5mph below whatever the posted speed limit is. I don't like the stress of staying with the "pack". I drive at a speed that is comfortable and non-stressfulfor us. We can do between 4-5oo miles in a dayif we have to, but 325-350 is more preferrable.

sreigle · 03-22-2007, 05:40 AM

We've used both ST and LT tires successfully but I rarely tow more than 68 mph anyhow. Usually it's closer to 62 or 64.

Some manufacturers use ST and some LT tires. Keystone put LT tires on the Montana for a year or two.

We only have 3,783 miles (plus 700 factory to dealer) on these Mission ST tires but they're wearing very nicely so far.

bsmeaton · 03-22-2007, 07:29 AM

Bingo - you should have a DVD in your packet that provides you everything you ever wanted to know about lug nuts.

Mudchief · 03-22-2007, 01:58 PM

I guess I got short changed because I did not get a DVD packet.

Wrenchtraveller · 03-23-2007, 02:41 AM

Dennis, I am pretty sure a call to Keystone will get you a free DVD on the importance of lug nut torque and how critical it is to check your lug nuts. After removing my wheels to get them balanced, I was surprised that it took several tightenings with my torque wrench before the lug nuts stayed tight. I have the aluminum wheels which are probably more prone to nuts loosening.

On my first check some nuts turned a full "flat" which is 1/6th of a rotation before the torque wrench clicked. After several checks, the nuts stayed tight and the last 3000 miles they were fine but I still do quick check every driving day.

pasha26287 · 03-24-2007, 04:21 PM

just for grins and giggles.....what is the torque setting for the lug nuts on a 2006 3400RL. i changed out a tire (swapped out the spare tire on the alloy rim)and don't know what it is. thanks in advance.

sreigle · 03-24-2007, 06:07 PM

For our 2007 3400RL with the alloy rims the setting is 120 lb/ft.

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