Tires

[Montana_131]

Also posted this under "Improvements", but wanted to make sure to get lots of exposure.
I learned a lot about tires recently (on trucks and trailers).
Lost two E rated Cooper Discovery A/Ts, both on rear of truck (F-350 SRW, 4WD, Powerstroke CrewCab), while unloaded, both with around 20k miles. In all fairness to Cooper, they settled the claim fairly to repair the damage to the truck.
Yes, I know the exact weight of truck and trailer as I have weighed them on CAT scales while headed out on a trip and was within limits of truck and tires.
Learned from an expert that my D rated trailer tires may have contributed to the failure. Seems the sidewall on D rated trailer tires is
"squirmy" as compared to E rated 16 inch tires, and may have caused the rear tires on the truck to "walk" (tread to move against carcass) so, for about $1,000, I upgraded all five tires(including spare) on trailer.
Yes, it is tight, but within safe margins. Trailer "parking" brake still fits between the wheels!
After having others watch the trailer underway and through my viewing in the rear veiw mirror, I notice a great improvement. Still use the anti-sway bar, but much better ride plus a greater safety margin. Trailer sits about an inch and a half taller.

Not all E rated tires are the same. Now have E rated Michelins M&S (mud and snow) on the truck. Not all E rated tires are the same. Check with someone who knows and you will find some brands that just don't stand up to heavy towing. You owe it to yourself and your family to be safe.

Hope this helps others.

1996 Ford F-350 Crew Cab, 4WD,BD downpipe,exhaust brake and trans mods. Airlift air bags, Michelin E rated mud /snow tires. Trailer tires recently upgraded to 16 inch, E rated Bridgestones.