LT TIRES

[okierver]

im changing the china bombers out this spring and asking those that have changed to lt tires, what brand and size. my tires now are st235/80r16 with load of 3520lbs @ 80 psi. do i need the same tire load range, and can i go to a 235/85r16 tire the monty gross's out at 12280 max gvr. thanks

[NCFischers]

I run Michelin LTX tires. Take almost 3000 pounds off the trailer weight for the tongue weight and that is what the tires need to support. If you have any questions, LonnieB is our resident tire guru.

[rohrmann]

First thing you must do is weigh your rig. If it is within published specs, your load on the axles will be about 10,275 lbs, which is about 2570 lbs per wheel. Allowing for an unbalanced load, you should still be able to go with LT tires. I'm jealous, because our rig is much heavier, and we had to go with G614 tires, five tires, (counting the spare), were $1900. Still better than the cheap tires that were on our trailer.

[BB_TX]

I have the Michelin XPS Ribs LT235/85R16/E. Load rating is 3,042 lb at 80 lb pressure.
But that should be ok for your weight since you should have something between 2,000 and 3,000 on the pin.

[mach111]

I installed Michelin XPS Ribs same size as yours recently replacing the Mara Bombs. After weighing each individual wheel I knew the ribs would be more than adequate to handle the weight. My heaviest wheel was 2240 lbs. After approximately 4000 miles I am well pleased with the tires. I have the TST 507 tire monitoring system which gives me good info as to pressures and temps. I can tell a big difference in performance of Michelins compared to Marathons. Your weight will determine if LT tires will work. I followed tire threads for quite some time before I made my decision. You are on the right path by asking questions.

[steelpony5555]

My trailer runs between 12k to 12.5k lbs depending on where we are going and how long. I have been running Michelin LTX's for the past year and have had BF Goodrich's and even Goodyear Wrangers at that weight for the past 5 years on 2 different rigs of the same weigh and no problems. Basically if your trailer came with Marabombs then LT tires will still be a step up.

[CORattler]

See my signature for what I have. ZERO issues with them. As others have said, be sure to weigh your rig so you know what tires will meet your needs.

[1retired06]

I have been running Firestone TransForce LTs on my Montanas for years without any problems. 80 vs 85 not a problem. Need to double check but you should have plenty of clearance.

[chieflawdawg]

X2 on Firestone TransForce. Have run Michelin LTX on before. All LT tires and no problems. I went from 80 to 85R with no problems.

[Art-n-Marge]

I would get tires for the GVWR of the trailer, at least with the same weight rating of the existing tires. This allows that even though you might not be carrying at the GVWR, it's so you can if you have to. The hard part is that the tires on the axles will have less weight rating that what the GVWR says since, the tires DO NOT typically carry all the trailer weight on the axles and tires and some part of it (10% to 25%) is on the pin and therefore the truck. Generally speaking the difficulty is that ST tires will have better rating than LT even at the same time because of "the reserve". Hopefully someone else will be able to explain "reserve".

Well, it's just best if LonnieB (the resident MOC tire guy) would just come online to recommend the size/rating for your trailer and stop all of us from trying to guess how to help you.

[h2ojocky]

Lonnie said for me to get the Bridgestone Duravis R500 HD
I got the 235/85/R16 Load range E 3042 lbs
Not sure what trailer you have. You need to know the weights like everybody else said.

[okierver]

these were the weights of the truck and trailer right after the tire blow out weighed in Salina kansas at the cat scales at the truck stop.
truck 4 persons 3/4 tank gas trailer loaded for 10 day trip with 1/3 fresh water. 2008 f 250 steer axle 4820 drive axle 6320 trailer axle 8260
gross wt 19400. my pin wt weighed before with different truck was 2140lbs so im guessing my trailer weights 8260 + pin 2140 =10,400 lbs divided by 4 so each tire should carry minimum. 2600 lbs. anyone think im right or close with my numbers.

[scott-pati]

Your tow vehicle is a leader, which means traction is a key focus in the design of its tires. Traction allows your tow vehicle to accelerate down the road, turn around the corner and brake to a stop. Another important consideration is tow vehicle tires are designed for ride comfort, which is achieved in part by allowing their sidewalls to flex.

Your trailer is a follower, which often makes tire sidewall flexing a negative. Sidewall flexing on trailers, especially those with a high center of gravity (enclosed/travel trailers) or that carry heavy loads, is a primary cause of trailer sway. Typical passenger radial tires with flexible sidewalls can accentuate trailer sway problems. The stiffer sidewalls and higher operating pressures common with Special Trailer (ST) designated tires help reduce trailer sway.

Also consider that Special Trailer (ST), as well as Light Truck (LT) tires are fully rated for trailer applications. This means ST- and LT-sized tires can carry the full weight rating branded on the sidewalls when used on a trailer.

Trailers will be more stable and pull better on tires designed specifically for trailer use. Since Special Trailer (ST) tires are constructed with heavier duty materials, they are tougher than typical passenger vehicle tires. This is a plus because trailer suspension systems are generally stiffer and less sophisticated than automotive suspension systems.

Special Trailer (ST) Tire Speed Ratings

Industry standards dictate tires with the ST designation are speed rated to 65 MPH (104 km/h) under normal inflation and load conditions.

However Goodyear Marathon and Power King Towmax STR tires featuring the ST size designation may be used at speeds between 66 and 75 mph (106 and 121 km/h) by increasing their cold inflation pressure by 10 psi (69 kPa) above the recommended pressure for the rated maximum load.

Do not exceed the wheel’s maximum rated pressure. If the maximum pressure for the wheel prohibits the increase of air pressure, then maximum speed must be restricted to 65 mph (104 km/h).

The cold inflation pressure must not exceed 10 psi (69 kPa) beyond the inflation specified for the maximum load of the tire.

Increasing the inflation pressure by 10 psi (69 kPa) does not provide any additional load carrying capacity.

Thanks to TireRack for this info.....
Scott

[WaltBennett]

X3 Firestone TransForce LTs, load range E.

[8.1al]

okierver,
Your tires never see the pin weight, all the will see is the 8260 so you only have 2065 lbs./wheel so a 235-85/16 load range E tire will work just fine.

[scott-pati]

I guess the only thing that matters to everyone is just the load range and not side flexing?

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by h2ojocky

Lonnie said for me to get the Bridgestone Duravis R500 HD
I got the 235/85/R16 Load range E 3042 lbs
Not sure what trailer you have. You need to know the weights like everybody else said.

And I have the Duravis R250s.

Orv

[pineranch]

scott-pati,
If you're really are trying to wind these guys up, tell them how much you love your Marathon tires.

This subject has been beat to death but new folks always need information from an expert. Suggest you PM LONNIE B.
Mike

[jimcol]

quote:Originally posted by scott-pati

I guess the only thing that matters to everyone is just the load range and not side flexing?

Sometimes experience overrides theory! Jim

[8.1al]

quote:Originally posted by scott-pati

I guess the only thing that matters to everyone is just the load range and not side flexing?

What matters to most of us is the fact that most all of the ST tires are junk