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Old 08-24-2011, 01:45 PM   #1
barmar
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Tires-Confusing!!

Lately there's been quite a bit said about trailer tires and many have had unfortunate 'blow-out' experiences and changed tires/makes, etc. What I don't understand is why they even make specific trailer tires--why are they specific and what are the physical differences compared to an LT tire for example? Are LT tires really suitable and legal? to use on a trailer and is there any downside to doing so? They must make 'trailer only' tires for a reason or else we'd all be using suitable LT tires.
Is there a good site that explains all this stuff?
 
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Old 08-24-2011, 02:24 PM   #2
db_engineer
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There are others here that are/have been in the tire business and can probably give you a better answer. But here's acquick answer as understand it: trailer tires have more flex in the sidewalls (for those TIGHT turns, especially backing), and the UV protection is composed differently due to usually sitting idle for long periods.

Also, all trailer tires, at least RV sizes, have a 65 mph max speed rating.
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Old 08-24-2011, 02:37 PM   #3
sreigle
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What Jan said, including those with tire business experience will likely be along shortly. There was a brief period, several months to a year, where Montanas came from the factory with LT tires. I understand RVIA changed their rules to say that to get their sticker the trailer has to be supplied with trailer-rated tires. I don't know if that's true but that's what I was told by a Keystone person a year or so ago.

As for legal, I've never seen anything saying an LT tire is not legal for trailer use. Nothing at all. The assumption in that is that the tire has the proper weight ratings. And so long as the LT tires are rated for the weight carried they should perform just fine. I will make an *educated guess* that the potential with LT tires because the LT tire has less stiffness in the sidewall than does an ST tire, it's possible to pull the tire off the bead during a very sharp slow speed turn, such as turning into or out of an rv site, and thus cause a loss of air pressure. Maybe even enough to flatten the tire. But I've never had that happen nor have I heard of it happening although that does not mean it has not happened to someone. That said, keep in mind I'm just talking from my personal experience and NOT from the viewpoint of a tire engineer. We ran BF Goodrich Commercial T/A LT tires on our prior Montana (a 2003 3295RK). And this one has Goodyear G614 LT tires although these GY G614 tires are designated as For Trailer Use Only tires.
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Old 08-25-2011, 02:09 AM   #4
CamillaMichael
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If you look on the Montana site, you will find a short video under "service tips" about lug nut torque...this video provides a visual of what is different about trailer tires.
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Old 08-25-2011, 02:52 AM   #5
8.1al
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Goodyear claims the Wrangler HT is suitable for trailer use and it is an LT tire. In theory a ST tire should be better for your trailer but unfortunately it hasn't happened
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Old 08-25-2011, 03:03 AM   #6
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If ST tires are so important, why don't all the manufacturers have them installed on the rigs? I wouldn't even begin to consider ST tires until dealers across the country stock them. If you want to know if it's feasible or not, go to some dealers and ask them if they have your size tire in an ST.

Orv
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Old 08-25-2011, 12:12 PM   #7
TLightning
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The Montana manual says either STs or LTs are okay.
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Old 08-25-2011, 12:50 PM   #8
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I wish there was a simple answer to your question barmar, unfortunately it gets pretty complex. The ST rated tires have an extra polyester crown belt with two nylon shoulder belts to help hold the crown belts in place when the trailer is put into a tight turn. The sidewalls of the ST are designed to be more flexible than the LT to also help keep the crown belts in place during tight turns. The ST's are rated at a maximum speed of 65 mph, and they are illegal to use on any type of passenger vehicle, thus allowing the higher load ratings than the LT tires. The ST's also have a shallower tread and less rubber overall to help them run cooler.

IMHO, an LT of similar size (LT235/85R16 or LT245/75R16) and load range (E) will carry the same weight as, or more than, the ST rated tire IF the speed is kept at or below 65 mph.
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Old 08-25-2011, 03:10 PM   #9
8.1al
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I'm with you Lonnie. I'm sure if those LT tires were only rated for 65 you would see a much higher load rating. As a side note I believe some of the LT tires Lonnie recommends are constructed similar to the ST tires.
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Old 08-25-2011, 07:15 PM   #10
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I am also with Lonnie and for what its worth after 3 sets of st tires in 4 yrs with a combined mileage of app 20k I went with LTs and would never go back to STs for any reason. JMHO
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Old 08-26-2011, 02:46 AM   #11
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Yes.. the tire discussion gets very confusing. I found this article when I was researching tires as well. It helped explain alot between LT and ST tires.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...explained.html

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Old 08-26-2011, 03:57 AM   #12
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Ren, that is a very good article and it explains very well what I have been trying to get across for several years. Thank you for posting it.
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Old 08-26-2011, 04:39 AM   #13
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No problem!

Now if I could just find some time and $$ to replace the Tow Masters on my 5er Ill be set!

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Old 08-26-2011, 11:41 AM   #14
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Ren. I tried to register on your forum. All works well until I tried to activate. Then I get:

An Error Has Occurred!
Your account has already been activated.

This is on Firefox.

And then I cannot sign in.
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Old 08-27-2011, 06:02 AM   #15
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Thanks Ren. Great Info.
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Old 08-31-2011, 08:45 PM   #16
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http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/inf...rTireFacts.dos
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Old 08-31-2011, 09:18 PM   #17
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any thoughts on this explanation?
trailer tires have heavier sidewall construction to withstand lateral stress
i like this feature when towing a 14K pound trailer
heavier construction means more centrifugal stress
hence heavier/stronger tire means lower speed ratings

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Old 09-01-2011, 06:33 AM   #18
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Im not sure of the legal ramifications on using LT tires on a trailer but with the amount of ST tire failures id say the proof is in the pudding.

Also look at the actual weight of the tires when buying them. If they weigh more then they have a heavier construction. Im going with BFG commercial T/A when time and money allows.

David - I sent you a PM.

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Old 09-01-2011, 11:38 AM   #19
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fauch...The problem with ST tires for Montanas is that you cannot find (at least I couldn't) any tires in our size that were made anywhere but in China. An LT that is made else where will provide much better/safer service than a Chinese ST.

Ren...Re legal ramifications, as stated previously on this thread, the Montana owner's manual says you can use STs or LTs, that should be good enough.
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Old 09-01-2011, 01:45 PM   #20
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Sounds good Hooker. Owners manual... whats that?
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