Understanding weight ratings

[Joint Venture II]

I understand what GVWR is, the total max weight of a loaded FW. Mine is 12,140 according to the sticker on the trailer. Sticker says GAWR is 5,080 or 10,160 for both axles combined. Does this mean I have 6k axles? Tires are 235/85R16E from the sticker. Am I good to go then if my present tires meet this spec and are two years old? Model is FW in my signature.

[Carl n Susan]

It has been a while, but I recall my 2005 2955RL had 5,200 lb. axles (I always believed they were de-rated 6K ones) with Load Range E tires. The axles were barely adequate for the RV with little reserve capacity. Remember GVWR minus the pin weight equals the axle load.

The Load Range E tire is rated for 3,195 lbs. which is fine for your RV.

You are good to go IMO.

[CalandLinda]

Back in the day it was keystone's policy to derate axles to a GAWR value they wanted to use. They normally used a 5200# axle when derating to 5080#. The derated value becomes certified at 5080. In later years Keystone would use ST225/75R15 LRD tires to satisfy the 5080# vehicle certified axles.

The LT235/85R16 LRE @ 80 PSI has an official load capacity of 3042#. The ST235/85R16 LRE has a load capacity of 3640# @ 80 PSI.

Load range letters are the official method for determining load capacities for all ST & LT tires according to a NHTSA 2007 ruling. The prefix letters LT & ST also became a part of all ST/LT tire "designated sizes".

The only reason for tire load index numbers on ST/LT tires is to officially display a tire speed letter. (Thank President Trump for that).

[Joint Venture II]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

Remember GVWR minus the pin weight equals the axle load.

The Load Range E tire is rated for 3,195 lbs. which is fine for your RV.

You are good to go IMO.

Based on GVWR of 12,140 minus the 2600 pin weight I'm at 9,540 for trailer axles or 4,770 per axle or 2385 per tire. Am I thinking correctly?

[Carl n Susan]

You are thinking, and calculating, correctly. Just use a good quality LRE tire.

[Joint Venture II]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

You are thinking, and calculating, correctly. Just use a good quality LRE tire.

FW came with Power King TowMax ST235/85R16 that are about 3 years old and have great tread on them. Not sure of the quality of these tires or if they are a "good quality LRE tire".

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by Joint Venture II

FW came with Power King TowMax ST235/85R16 that are about 3 years old and have great tread on them. Not sure of the quality of these tires or if they are a "good quality LRE tire".

Power Kings are reportedly one of the worst. ConsIder yourself fortunate that you've gotten three years out of them.

[Joint Venture II]

Well if Power Kings are a poor choice then what is a good choice for my FW? I just finished putting 6 new Michelin tires on my truck and would consider Michelin XPS
RIB 235/85R16 LRE for the FW as well. Rated at 3042# seems it would be adequate.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by Joint Venture II

Well if Power Kings are a poor choice then what is a good choice for my FW?......

GY Endurance. Not necessary to upgrade to G-rated tires in your case.

[Carl n Susan]

The 2005 2955RLs came with Load Range E LT tires. The Michelin XPS
RIB 235/85R16 LRE is a good LRE LT tire and I wouldn't be afraid to use them. There used to be a list of "good" LRE tires (the Tow Max wasn't on it), but it is likely out of date. The Goodyear Endurance is a popular choice in the ST type tire.

[Joint Venture II]

Over the years buying tires for my trucks, wifes car and 5 kids cars I've developed a pretty good relationship with a local tire dealer. Have used many a set of Michelins especially on kids cars as they drove many a mile across the country going to and from college. Never a flat or any tire issues. Balanced well and tire life was very good. My last set on my truck were Michelins and they ran 8 years before i put new on due to age of tires. Ran them 55k miles and no regrets. One thing I've noticed on the FW tires, they are not balanced. Granted they seem to be wearing well, all 4 are equally worn and even across the tread. Should I consider having new tires balanced? My concern is our planned trip to the east coast in late July and returning through the south in the fall. About 8k miles and tire problems are not something I want. I generally cruise at 62-66 as this is my "sweet spot" for mileage and comfort.

[Richard Blackwell]

Originally Posted by Joint Venture II

Over the years buying tires for my trucks, wifes car and 5 kids cars I've developed a pretty good relationship with a local tire dealer. Have used many a set of Michelins especially on kids cars as they drove many a mile across the country going to and from college. Never a flat or any tire issues. Balanced well and tire life was very good. My last set on my truck were Michelins and they ran 8 years before i put new on due to age of tires. Ran them 55k miles and no regrets. One thing I've noticed on the FW tires, they are not balanced. Granted they seem to be wearing well, all 4 are equally worn and even across the tread. Should I consider having new tires balanced? My concern is our planned trip to the east coast in late July and returning through the south in the fall. About 8k miles and tire problems are not something I want. I generally cruise at 62-66 as this is my "sweet spot" for mileage and comfort.

Just think of balancing trailer tires in terms of saving both trailer suspension AND trailer contents...we just finished a 5600+ mile trip from west coast to east coast and back...roads would have eaten our FW up externally and internally had the tires not been balanced, along with having the moryde suspension.

[Cherokee]

Originally Posted by CalandLinda

Back in the day it was keystone's policy to derate axles to a GAWR value they wanted to use. They normally used a 5200# axle when derating to 5080#. The derated value becomes certified at 5080. In later years Keystone would use ST225/75R15 LRD tires to satisfy the 5080# vehicle certified axles.

The LT235/85R16 LRE @ 80 PSI has an official load capacity of 3042#. The ST235/85R16 LRE has a load capacity of 3640# @ 80 PSI.

Load range letters are the official method for determining load capacities for all ST & LT tires according to a NHTSA 2007 ruling. The prefix letters LT & ST also became a part of all ST/LT tire "designated sizes".

The only reason for tire load index numbers on ST/LT tires is to officially display a tire speed letter. (Thank President Trump for that).

Where do you people get your information, might want to switch channels

[Montana Man]

Cherokee, what was incorrect?