View Full Version : Best tire for six-lug 80psi wheels?
Kenleys Oompah
07-28-2016, 01:22 AM
Just getting started on this tire thing. My 2006 Mountaineer has wheels with six lugs. I haven't been able to verify that there are any rims rated at 110 psi for a wheel with six lugs.
Am I wrong? I want to replace my Marathons pretty quickly here. If I'm stuck with 80psi rims for this rig, do any of you have recommendations for replacement tires?
1retired06
07-28-2016, 02:14 AM
We have had trouble free experience over the years using Firestone TransForce LT tires. Any good quality LT tire will be an improvement over the Marathon. Sailuns have a good reputation, don't know if they require the heavier rims or not.
sola123
07-28-2016, 02:42 AM
I agree the Firestone Transforce LT tires are very good....have performed excellent for us...have had mine on for 5 years now....
NCFischers
07-28-2016, 02:46 AM
Michelin LTX or BF Goodrich commercial TA are other choices.
Kenleys Oompah
07-28-2016, 02:52 AM
I haven't been able to find that Firestone tire in a web search but will keep looking.
Any good 10'ply LT tire will work for you.
Lynwood
Justme44
07-28-2016, 08:00 AM
I use BF Goodrich commercial TA from Wall Mart.
Dennis
1retired06
07-28-2016, 08:38 AM
quote:Originally posted by Kenleys Oompah
I haven't been able to find that Firestone tire in a web search but will keep looking.
Do not understand that. Just type in Firestone transforce. I just did, tire sizes, sources, pricing.
Firsterin
07-28-2016, 11:29 AM
quote:Originally posted by 1retired06
We have had trouble free experience over the years using Firestone TransForce LT tires. Any good quality LT tire will be an improvement over the Marathon. Sailuns have a good reputation, don't know if they require the heavier rims or not.
I mentioned this thread to my husband. We have a High Country which has the six lug 80 psi also. While I'm encouraged by the responses here, he's still not convinced. He's been told by 'tire people' that the TL is not going to work. We still have the Marathons that came on our 2015 wide body, high profile HC.
Firsterin
07-28-2016, 11:33 AM
quote:Originally posted by sola123
I agree the Firestone Transforce LT tires are very good....have performed excellent for us...have had mine on for 5 years now....
What sort of miles do you put on them? over what kind of terrain? Just curious, trying to get as much info as possible. Thanks!
I've 20000 or so on my Goodyear Wranglers and they still look new, over everything from a rough gravel road to 80 MPH on the interstates. Every where from Va to Wy. What every Older MOC member can tell him he will have a blowout with his Marathon tires sooner or later. They could do thousands of dollars in damage.
Lynwood
Carl n Susan
07-28-2016, 01:51 PM
The HC's with their 6K axles and 6 lug wheels represent the dilemma members faced back when the biggest Montana came with 6K axles. The ST's would blow and there were many, many questions about what to replace them with.
There is a MOC member Lonnieb who is a tire dealer and a great guy. A number of MOCers traveled to his shop in Texico, New Mexico to buy tires due to his participation and advice here. While he hasn't been active on the forum recently, he was a real tire guru who always tried to help members with their tire questions. He made what I consider the definitive post on LT v. St tires back in March 2013. He re-iterated the advice numerous times here in different postings. Here is the pertinent posting:
quote::By Biggjb
Lonnie, I have a 2009 2980RL and currently have GY Marathons ST235 80R16 E rated. Fully loaded it is 14400 lbs. I always ensure the tires are 80 psi and check that every morning while on the road. I had one blow-out last year on a very short haul, and I have just went over 1200 miles with no mishap. But the concern of a blow-out on the I-95 was constantly in the back of my mind. I have heard LTs would work better.
The specs I came up with for your trailer are as follows;
Dry shipping weight - 10,415 lbs.
Cargo carrying capacity - 3,940 lbs.
Pin weight - 2,275 lbs.
Adding the dry shipping weight and the cargo carrying capacity together I get 14,355 lbs., which is pretty close to what you listed. Subtracting the pin weight from 14,400 I come up with 12,125 which calculates out to 3,031 pounds per tire.
The most common LT size to replace the ST, is LT235/85R16. This size is approximately one inch larger in diameter and the same width as the ST235/80R16 you are currently running. Another size would be LT245/75R16 which is three tenths inch shorter and four tenths inch wider than what you currently have. Both of these sizes, in the E load range, have a maximum load rating of 3042 pounds at 80 psi. I know this looks like you would be pushing the limits, but that isn't the case. Unlike the ST rated tires, the LT has a large reserve capacity built in, meaning the maximum load rating on the tire is significantly less than the tires actual capacity. This is done due to Federal regulations because these tires must safely carry human passengers at speeds up to 112 mph. ST rated tires are not held to the same safety standards for several reasons, they are NOT legal on motorized vehicles, they are NOT legal at speeds above 65 mph, and most importantly, they are NOT legal to carry human passengers at ANY speed.
A good quality, name brand LT tire, in the E load range will serve you well. Below is an updated list of my personal preferences, along with a "ballpark" price, not including installation. Prices vary across the country, and even from dealer to dealer, so shopping around a little would be a good idea. I recommend going to a REPUTABLE dealer, one that sells a lot of tires, one whose main business is tires.
LT235/85R16E
1. Michelin XPS Rib - $314.00 each.
2. Bridgestone Duravis R250 - $250.00 each.
3. Bridgestone Duravis R500 - $206.00 each.
4. Firestone Transforce H/T - $162.00 each.
5. BF Goodrich Commercial T/A - $188.00 each.
Lonnie's Post is on Page 2 of this link (http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53159)
I am sure the prices are not current, but the recommended tires are.
kdeiss
07-28-2016, 02:34 PM
I have had great service from Uniroyal Larado HD/H
On my 3rd set on our 2955RL never a failure replaced because of age.
Resonable Priced!
The Oldguard
07-28-2016, 03:44 PM
quote:Originally posted by carl n susan
The HC's with their 6K axles and 6 lug wheels represent the dilemma members faced back when the biggest Montana came with 6K axles. The ST's would blow and there were many, many questions about what to replace them with.
There is a MOC member Lonnieb who is a tire dealer and a great guy. A number of MOCers traveled to his shop in Texico, New Mexico to buy tires due to his participation and advice here. While he hasn't been active on the forum recently, he was a real tire guru who always tried to help members with their tire questions. He made what I consider the definitive post on LT v. St tires back in March 2013. He re-iterated the advice numerous times here in different postings. Here is the pertinent posting:
[quote]:By Biggjb
Lonnie, I have a 2009 2980RL and currently have GY Marathons ST235 80R16 E rated. Fully loaded it is 14400 lbs. I always ensure the tires are 80 psi and check that every morning while on the road. I had one blow-out last year on a very short haul, and I have just went over 1200 miles with no mishap. But the concern of a blow-out on the I-95 was constantly in the back of my mind. I have heard LTs would work better.
The specs I came up with for your trailer are as follows;
Dry shipping weight - 10,415 lbs.
Cargo carrying capacity - 3,940 lbs.
Pin weight - 2,275 lbs.
Adding the dry shipping weight and the cargo carrying capacity together I get 14,355 lbs., which is pretty close to what you listed. Subtracting the pin weight from 14,400 I come up with 12,125 which calculates out to 3,031 pounds per tire.
The most common LT size to replace the ST, is LT235/85R16. This size is approximately one inch larger in diameter and the same width as the ST235/80R16 you are currently running. Another size would be LT245/75R16 which is three tenths inch shorter and four tenths inch wider than what you currently have. Both of these sizes, in the E load range, have a maximum load rating of 3042 pounds at 80 psi. I know this looks like you would be pushing the limits, but that isn't the case. Unlike the ST rated tires, the LT has a large reserve capacity built in, meaning the maximum load rating on the tire is significantly less than the tires actual capacity. This is done due to Federal regulations because these tires must safely carry human passengers at speeds up to 112 mph. ST rated tires are not held to the same safety standards for several reasons, they are NOT legal on motorized vehicles, they are NOT legal at speeds above 65 mph, and most importantly, they are NOT legal to carry human passengers at ANY speed.
A good quality, name brand LT tire, in the E load range will serve you well. Below is an updated list of my personal preferences, along with a "ballpark" price, not including installation. Prices vary across the country, and even from dealer to dealer, so shopping around a little would be a good idea. I recommend going to a REPUTABLE dealer, one that sells a lot of tires, one whose main business is tires.
LT235/85R16E
1. Michelin XPS Rib - $314.00 each.
2. Bridgestone Duravis R250 - $250.00 each.
3. Bridgestone Duravis R500 - $206.00 each.
4. Firestone Transforce H/T - $162.00 each.
5. BF Goodrich Commercial T/A - $188.00 each.
Lonnie's Post is on Page 2 of this link (http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53159)
I am sure the prices are not current, but the recommended tires are.
X2 I put the Bridgestone Duravis R250 on our 2005 (3400RL)in 2008 as Lonnieb told us to put 0n the rig they still looked new when we sold to buy the 2013 3402RL[:p][:p][:p]
pkbridges77
07-28-2016, 05:17 PM
I put Sailuns on my 80 psi rims and will upgrade axles/wheels in Sept. I'm running them at 80 per the load specs on the tires. For my actual vehicle weight I am within limits on the tire. I figured I was better off taking a chance with wheels rather than tires.
Mike117
07-28-2016, 05:55 PM
You can call Keystone with make and year. They told me my 2014 HC can take 110 PSI. I wanted to know so when I change tires soon.
Art-n-Marge
07-28-2016, 06:49 PM
I wasn't aware that any six lug wheel could hold 110 psi. I thought 80 psi was the limit for a six lug. My Monty has 8 lugs and specifies only needing 80 psi, but the wheel needs to be rated for it, an eight lug could support 110 psi as long as it has the supporting certification.
Firsterin, did you mean LT (not TL). Many dealers will not put LT (Light Truck) tires on an ST (Special Trailer) application. However, many have found some dealers that will do it. In fact, it's been a LONG time since I've heard from the member, but LonnieB, a longtime MOC member and works at a tire store in New Mexico, has been known to recommend LTs for trailers.
sambam
07-28-2016, 08:41 PM
quote:Originally posted by Firsterin
quote:Originally posted by 1retired06
We have had trouble free experience over the years using Firestone TransForce LT tires. Any good quality LT tire will be an improvement over the Marathon. Sailuns have a good reputation, don't know if they require the heavier rims or not.
I mentioned this thread to my husband. We have a High Country which has the six lug 80 psi also. While I'm encouraged by the responses here, he's still not convinced. He's been told by 'tire people' that the TL is not going to work. We still have the Marathons that came on our 2015 wide body, high profile HC.
Many, many MOC'ers, particularly those with the 6 lug rims, are using LT tires. The weight of their Montanas don't require a G rated tire, and the ST offerings have proven to be unreliable. Many problems have been documented, and not just on this forum. You should get your husband to do a search on tires here and find out for himself. If you're still willing to roll on the Marathons after that, good luck. You won't be the first to learn the hard way, nor the last. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.:)
GA Mountaineer
07-30-2016, 02:31 AM
I ran the BF Goodrich Commercial T/A on a 9K SOB with 5200# axles for 2 years, after changing from 15" tires. And then 2 more years under the Mountaineer with 6K axles. At that point 1 tire started to separate. 3 years now on Bridgestone Duravis R250. I have been very pleased with the Bridgestone Duravis. LT235/85R16E tires on 5200# axles is overkill, which is not a bad thing. On the SOB I could only run 70psi and keep tread contact at the shoulder.
Kenleys Oompah
07-30-2016, 02:50 AM
What a dummy. I was looking at "LT" as a weight class. Funny how most everything comes into focus as you sober up! Thanks for all the insight!
1retired06
07-30-2016, 03:37 AM
quote:Originally posted by sambam
quote:Originally posted by Firsterin
quote:Originally posted by 1retired06
We have had trouble free experience over the years using Firestone TransForce LT tires. Any good quality LT tire will be an improvement over the Marathon. Sailuns have a good reputation, don't know if they require the heavier rims or not.
I mentioned this thread to my husband. We have a High Country which has the six lug 80 psi also. While I'm encouraged by the responses here, he's still not convinced. He's been told by 'tire people' that the TL is not going to work. We still have the Marathons that came on our 2015 wide body, high profile HC.
Many, many MOC'ers, particularly those with the 6 lug rims, are using LT tires. The weight of their Montanas don't require a G rated tire, and the ST offerings have proven to be unreliable. Many problems have been documented, and not just on this forum. You should get your husband to do a search on tires here and find out for himself. If you're still willing to roll on the Marathons after that, good luck. You won't be the first to learn the hard way, nor the last. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.:)
Our 2002 and 2005 came standard with LT tires. Then Keystone came in with marathon STs on our 2010 and the even worse trailer King STs on the 2015.. To save money my guess. Have been running LTs since 2003 and no problems. The only argument I have heard is reduced sidewall flex, which I handle by taking sharp turns slowly and ensuring I pull forward and straighten my tires before final positioning in a campsite. I have never had a tire dealer refuse to put LT tires on any of my trailers.
kdeiss
07-30-2016, 04:22 AM
Your trailer is relatively light so any Load range E tire from one of the major tire manufacture will work just fine.
I agree my HC is 9200 pounds. When you put the 1900 hitch weight on the truck there is more weight on the truck tires than the trailer tires. Any good LT tire is fine.
Lynwood
WaltBennett
07-30-2016, 07:28 AM
quote:Originally posted by 1retired06
We have had trouble free experience over the years using Firestone TransForce LT tires. Any good quality LT tire will be an improvement over the Marathon. Sailuns have a good reputation, don't know if they require the heavier rims or not.
X another - just MAKE CERTAIN the installer doesn't cut off your metal valve stems!
RRman
08-03-2016, 02:27 PM
I wouldn't use BFG Commercial T/A Tires. I did based on lots of advice that they were ok, but 2 had tread separations and one was recalled.
I'm now convinced cost of the tire and its weight contribute to longevity so now I run Michelin and Duravis tires, the most expensive and HEAVIEST tires.
jimcol
08-03-2016, 03:38 PM
My experience has been just the opposite. I got about 37K on the first set. Changed them due to age. Have about 12K on the second set. They have worn extremely well.
quote:Originally posted by RRman
I wouldn't use BFG Commercial T/A Tires. I did based on lots of advice that they were ok, but 2 had tread separations and one was recalled.
I'm now convinced cost of the tire and its weight contribute to longevity so now I run Michelin and Duravis tires, the most expensive and HEAVIEST tires.
kenneth e holman
08-06-2016, 03:54 PM
Michelin xps ribs are the best load range E tire on the market. The difference between these and other E rated tire is that these are ALL steel radials which means they are steel on the sidewalls as well as the tread.These tires weigh about 62 pounds each which is the same weight as the 14 ply load range G tires that are goodyear or sailuns.Michelins are i believe 15/32 inches deep tread. I know about these tires because i had them on an 38 ft. 5th wheel with 6,000 pound axles.My montana i have now has 7,000 pound axles and i have G rated sailuns on now buy i would have michelins if they made them in 14 ply load rang G's.If you look at the michelins then you will be impressed. Good Luck.
Kenleys Oompah
10-15-2016, 03:17 AM
Here's a happy ending to my thread... Had a set of Michelin XPS Ribs put on the Mountie yesterday. I was indeed impressed; if hey as half as tough as they look, I'm a happy camper.
pvcoach
10-16-2016, 06:07 AM
Five years with Firestone Transforce HT's here too. No issues and wearing very well. I will replace them with another set of Transforce HT's when the time comes.
timandsusan
10-18-2016, 02:23 AM
I recommend that you weigh your truck and RV fully loaded. This is critical. That is get each weight
1. Truck only with full fuel and passengers.
2. Truck and RV fully loaded.
3. RV hooked to the truck with only RV wheels on the scales.
Then you can get to rims and axles.
Yes, it may get a little complicated.
leasurejf
10-29-2016, 05:35 AM
quote:Originally posted by Kenleys Oompah
Just getting started on this tire thing. My 2006 Mountaineer has wheels with six lugs. I haven't been able to verify that there are any rims rated at 110 psi for a wheel with six lugs.
Am I wrong? I want to replace my Marathons pretty quickly here. If I'm stuck with 80psi rims for this rig, do any of you have recommendations for replacement tires?
leasurejf
10-29-2016, 05:41 AM
Looking at the replies to the original post on this thread, I didn't see an answer to the question about how to tell if he has rims rated at 110 psi. If you look on the inside of the rim, it will be stamped "110 psi." Our 2013 Montana 3100RL has the aluminum rims with 8 lugs, and has the 110 psi stamped on the inside of the rim.
caroldee2735
11-02-2016, 10:16 AM
I have been trying to decide on replacement tires for my 2015 3160rl. I had decided on Advance 235/85 g rated 16" LT, (can't afford Goodyear). One tire guy I talked to said he had heard "horror " stories about insurance not covering accidents because of not having recommended tires on unit. Someone in my campground said he had tried to price tires at WalMart and was told that it was illegal to put LT tires on a fifth wheel! My insurance couldn't answer that question specifically. The sticker on camper does say ST 235/80 tires.
Anybody researched this or heard of it? Some sources online say ALL ST tires are rated at 65mph , However, one tire guy said his Gladiator ST were rated at 75mph. The speed rating is why I wanted the LT tires, we usually travel around 60-63 mph but occasionally exceed 65 downhill or when needing to pass .
The more I research, the more confused I am.
Thanks for any thoughts and guidance
The best thing for you to do is go talk to your insurance agent. I would bet you would be covered. I have ask my agent on several times if I would be covered and every time the answer was yes. If I was overweight, you are covered and two other times. All covered. If they insure you they pick and choose what they will cover unless it is in the policy.
Lynwood
caroldee2735
11-02-2016, 02:29 PM
I did ask my insurance agent who couldn't/wouldn't give a definitive answer. She did a little research, saw that LT tires seemed to be the safer option and said that would be the way she would go.
rohrmann
11-02-2016, 05:36 PM
If you want economy and still want a G rated tire, I would recommend the Sailun S637. It is designed for only trailer use, is 75 mph rated, is actually now rated as an ST tire, and is the equivalent of the Goodyear G614, even though it is made in China. You can order them in two different sizes, the 80 series as well as the 85 series, and the pricing is very good online if you can't find a local tire shop that will order them for you.
caroldee2735
11-02-2016, 06:38 PM
Rohrmann:
I have searched everywhere for Sailuns. I am located in Osage BeachMO. I can't even find a phone number or anyway to order online and none of my tire companies here have heard of Sailun
s nor will they try to order. Where can I order online?
rohrmann
11-02-2016, 07:25 PM
80 series: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131875006978?vectorid=229466&lgeo=1&item=131875006978&rmvSB=true
85 series: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131848683298?vectorid=229466&lgeo=1&item=131848683298&rmvSB=true
These are both Ebay, the 80 series is $165, and the 85 series is $185, and the shipping is free. There are other sites with these for sale. I just typed: Sailun S637 in the search box, and all kinds of results popped up.
caroldee2735 when I ask my agent a question like this if they can't answer it they call Allstate to get the answer.
Lynwood
kenneth e holman
11-19-2016, 02:15 PM
You can also order the Sailun's from simple tire online.Simple Tire probably sells more Sailun's than anyone else on the internet.
kenneth e holman
11-19-2016, 02:48 PM
The sailun 80 series tire is 132.47 + shipping and the 85 series tire is 129.47 + shipping. This includes the 5.48 federal excise tax.I don't think there is anyone cheaper on line.
PapaBeav
11-19-2016, 04:19 PM
Michelin LTX, had 3 sets on my last truck and have been using them on both of my last two 5th wheels. Never a problem. There are others just as good, just a personal preference
caroldee2735
11-19-2016, 05:53 PM
I thank everyone for the good advice. I found the Sailuns 637 at Big O and we just took our first trip with them and like them very much. I bought my fiver as a new unit and assumed I was the first owner and I paid the price for a new unit. One of the tires I just replaced had a patch on the inside. We only put less than 4000 miles on these tires and never had a flat or had one patched so how did this happen? My dealer claims no knowledge. Anybody ever heard of this?
waynemoore
11-20-2016, 02:18 AM
Sure the transporter had a flat.
dummy
12-13-2016, 10:28 AM
Strongly agree on the M's e tires have been using them on both the tow vehicle and trailers for years.
jessiejames20
01-05-2017, 01:28 AM
I've had 235/80r16 tires on my 2007 Montana 3500RL and continue to have blowout issues. Many friends say I should change to a 235/85R16 14 ply tire and that will take care of the blowout problems. Anybody done this??
waynemoore
01-05-2017, 04:21 AM
The size of the tire is one thing the make is another. What are you usin for tires? Buy Goodyear G614 or Suilen (spelling?) or a good LT tire. Plus your speed may be to high slow down.
kenneth e holman
01-08-2017, 04:39 PM
Sailuns are great. I have the 235/85/16 tires on mine with about 12,000 miles on them with no problems. These tires weigh 62 pounds each and are all steel including the sidewall. You buy these tires and your troubles will be over. Sailun now has the st tire as before they only had the LT's. I recommend the ST's on account of the stronger sidewall and they have more weight capacity.Either tire is very good with a very good track record. The speed rating on the LT and the ST is 75 mph.
Twopetes
01-09-2017, 09:55 AM
I agree with Kenneth. I have Sailun's and they seem to be a great tire. Much stronger than the OEM's
happy campers
04-18-2017, 08:19 AM
:confused:After much reading here, I find I have more questions than answers. I have an older Mountaineer that came with LT235/85R16 Load Range E which matches the tire tag on the trailer. First set was Tacoma, which I had no problems with.
I'm leaning towards Firestone Transforce HT only because I've heard that it's a good tire. I don't think I need anything more because that type and size tire has worked well for me over the years. Plus, I'm limited by my 6 lug steel wheels which are most likely rated at 80#.
One other question. I've heard that trailer tires shouldn't be balanced, which doesn't make much sense to me. Thoughts? Thanks.
One other question. I've heard that trailer tires shouldn't be balanced, which doesn't make much sense to me. Thoughts? Thanks.[/QUOTE]
I think you are almost right. That doesn't make ANY sense.
Lynwood
PSFORD99
04-18-2017, 10:14 AM
:confused:After much reading here, I find I have more questions than answers. I have an older Mountaineer that came with LT235/85R16 Load Range E which matches the tire tag on the trailer. First set was Tacoma, which I had no problems with.
I'm leaning towards Firestone Transforce HT only because I've heard that it's a good tire. I don't think I need anything more because that type and size tire has worked well for me over the years. Plus, I'm limited by my 6 lug steel wheels which are most likely rated at 80#.
One other question. I've heard that trailer tires shouldn't be balanced, which doesn't make much sense to me. Thoughts? Thanks.
Doesn't make sense to me, have balanced the last two sets on my fifth wheel.
Goodyear has a new trailer tire out called the Endurance . Might be worth looking into. They have three sizes available in 16"
ST 235/80/16 3420 lb. rating at 80 psi.
ST 235/85/16 3640 lb. rating at 80 psi.
ST 255/85/16 4080 lb rating at 80 psi.
I think the first two would be a great option for you , and with 80 psi, your wheels should be okay.
happy campers
04-19-2017, 06:48 AM
:facepalm: I just realized that I hijacked a thread; my apologies.
Thanks for the replies. I think the Goodyear Endurance tires suggested are just what was needed. Finally, the right tire for the application. I guess I'll be part of the test group because these are so new. Hopefully they've been extensively tested before the were "rolled" out. Thanks again.
PSFORD99
04-19-2017, 08:29 AM
Sailuns are great. I have the 235/85/16 tires on mine with about 12,000 miles on them with no problems. These tires weigh 62 pounds each and are all steel including the sidewall. You buy these tires and your troubles will be over. Sailun now has the st tire as before they only had the LT's. I recommend the ST's on account of the stronger sidewall and they have more weight capacity.Either tire is very good with a very good track record. The speed rating on the LT and the ST is 75 mph.
The Sailuns are no longer labeled an LT tire, they were changed to ST for import purposes. They are the same tire.
happy campers
04-20-2017, 06:37 AM
Well, I've decided to help Goodyear test their new Endurance tires. ST235/85R16 $165 plus mounting, balancing, and taxes at Discount Tire. All with excellent customer service. About 200# a tire extra load rating over an LT tire. Time will tell how good these really are. Thanks for all of the replies.
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