Trailer tires vs. LT Tires on Travel Trailer

[JCasper]

What do you guys think of this in a LT235/75/15. My rims are only 5" wide, but they should mount up OK.



LTX® M/S: Light Truck: Tires: Michelin Tires



They are only C rated which I think is 6 ply

 

[HBarlow]

I think that is the same tire I used on my Avion TT several years ago but the tire was not designated LT at that time. Like the customer comments on the Michelin website said, they were an excellent long-wearing tire.



Harvey

 

[tom sweeney]

... . still,they are only C-range tires... . tom

 

[Grizzly]

... . still,they are only C-range tires... . tom

The important thing here is, what is the max weight stamped on the sidewalls? Does the stated weight on the tires x 4 exceed the total weight of the trailer, as measured from a scale, minus the hitch weight? If the combined weight of the 4 tires, at the max air pressure, exceed the actual weight of the trailer, loaded for travel, then the load range C tires are sufficient. If not, then move up to the next higher load range.

 

[BDeMartile]

Her is my . 02 worth. I am real big on personal experience... mine... my 5ver see sig came with General Ameritrailer st225-75 15 load range D. I have 30k on these tires now average trailer weight is 12200 generally 3400/axle at scales give or take 100 lb/axle. The tread is outstanding although I do rotate them every 5-6k and they are always at 65psi before they leave the driveway. I should add that this trailer has been towed mostly on the interstates however to get where we go there are 2 land potholed roads dirt roads and on a couple of occasions river crossings with large rocks. I have never had a single problem. As far as Chinese tires go I'm not sure however I do know that to be sold in the US they have to meet DOT standards. If my generals are CHinese then VIVA CHINA cuz they make some darn good tires. Remember now just my piddley . 02 period.

 

[HBarlow]

General tires seem to have improved significantly in recent years. I put several sets of them on a '94 Ford F250HD and every single set developed cord separation by 45,000 miles. I had bought them because they were OEM and replacments were cheap. I shifted to Michelins which always provide in excess of 100,000 miles of service and are actually cheaper.



My '06 Dodge Ram came with Generals and I got over 70,000 miles out of them. My new cab and chassis also has Generals and I will run them until they are worn out.



I am not 100% sure but do not believe that Generals are Communist Chinese made.



I do not agree with the above poster that Chinese tires have to meet any US standards. I don't think any testing is actually performed and that is the problem. The crafty Chinese are able to rate their cheaply made tires at excessive carrying capacities and it's buyer beware.



As I've posted on more than one occasion, I wouldn't take a free Chinese tire. The damage they will cause when they fail is not free to repair.



Harvey

 

[Grizzly]

General tires seem to have improved significantly in recent years. I put several sets of them on a '94 Ford F250HD and every single set developed cord separation by 45,000 miles. I had bought them because they were OEM and replacments were cheap. I shifted to Michelins which always provide in excess of 100,000 miles of service and are actually cheaper.



My '06 Dodge Ram came with Generals and I got over 70,000 miles out of them. My new cab and chassis also has Generals and I will run them until they are worn out.



I am not 100% sure but do not believe that Generals are Communist Chinese made.



I do not agree with the above poster that Chinese tires have to meet any US standards. I don't think any testing is actually performed and that is the problem. The crafty Chinese are able to rate their cheaply made tires at excessive carrying capacities and it's buyer beware.



As I've posted on more than one occasion, I wouldn't take a free Chinese tire. The damage they will cause when they fail is not free to repair.



Harvey

Harvey, I believe BDeMartile is talking about trailer tires. I've never heard of a GeneralAmeritrailer ST tire. I don't believe they are the same as the American Generals that came on our trucks.



I do agree with you that all Chinese ST tires are cheap and are not regulated by DOT, at least not in the same way as LT tires are, because an ST tire is not for use of carrying passengers and LT tire is for carrying passengers. I also have said before, I would have a cheap China tire on my 5er, even if it was free. As soon as we got our new Arctic Fox 5er home, I had Discount Tire change all 5 tires to Michelin XPS Rib. Chinese ST tires are only good for 3 years from the time of manufacture, regardless of thread wear.

 

[HBarlow]

Grizzly,



I never heard of General ST trailer tires before either and have no idea of their source. That is why I left myself an escape clause and said I was not 100% certain. If they are Chinese made I have the same opinion of them as other Chinese tires. Dangerous.



Harvey

 

[JCasper]

So here is where my thoughts are at the current time.



All the LT tires I have found in a size that I can squeeze under the trailer are a 6 ply at best. That would be the Michelin I linked above in a 235/75/15. A bit larger yet then I was hoping to use.



I can get an ST in 8 or even 10 ply. Won't that be more stable, less sidewall flex and everything then a 6 ply. The LT's have about a 2,000lb load capacity where the ST's would have 2,500+.



2,000 is enough I just think it will be a bit soft.



Are there any ST's made in USA?

 

[HBarlow]

JCasper,



There are several factors to consider before you decide and ultimately it is a compromise you'll have to make.



Any tire rating beyond the rated weight of the original tires will probably exceed the rated capacity of your OEM rims and suspension so is of little value to you. In other words you can install better tires but you can't improve the weight carrying capacity of your trailer unless you change tires, wheels, springs, axles, etc.



The old 4 ply, 6 ply, 8 ply, 10 ply designations were replaced long ago by Load Range B, LRC, LRD, and LRE ratings which are supposedly equivalent to but not necessarily actual 6 ply or 8 ply construction.



SUV tires probably have a somewhat softer sidewall and if you routinely stike curbs you might damage one. However, I personally would choose a Michelin SUV tire over any ST tire, any cheap American brand, or any tire made in China. That is just my personal opinion and others may strongly disagree.



Harvey

 

[HookMeUp]

Grizzly,



I never heard of General ST trailer tires before either and have no idea of their source. That is why I left myself an escape clause and said I was not 100% certain. If they are Chinese made I have the same opinion of them as other Chinese tires. Dangerous.



Harvey

I have a set on my TT that was manufactured in 2003. I think they have since been discontinued. I can't find them any where.

 

[Grizzly]

So here is where my thoughts are at the current time.

All the LT tires I have found in a size that I can squeeze under the trailer are a 6 ply at best. That would be the Michelin I linked above in a 235/75/15. A bit larger yet then I was hoping to use.

I can get an ST in 8 or even 10 ply. Won't that be more stable, less sidewall flex and everything then a 6 ply. The LT's have about a 2,000lb load capacity where the ST's would have 2,500+.

2,000 is enough I just think it will be a bit soft.

Are there any ST's made in USA?

Harvey's absolutely correct, Tires have not been rated by 'ply' in many years. They are rated by 'Load Range'. A 6 ply is now a Load Range C, an 8 ply is now Load Range D and so on. Maybe a Load Range C is all you need. See my earlier post # 64.



For many years now all St tires are made in China and as far as I'm concerned, none are worth having for anything larger then a wheelbarrow.

 

[BDeMartile]

Grizzly,



I never heard of General ST trailer tires before either and have no idea of their source. That is why I left myself an escape clause and said I was not 100% certain. If they are Chinese made I have the same opinion of them as other Chinese tires. Dangerous.



Harvey

Upon close examination these General tires are made in Mexico. At least thats what is stamped on the sidewalls.

 

[JCasper]

I picked up my trailer today with it sitting 2" higher.



I will take it in for tires next week. I have not yet decided on what to go with.

 

[docjara]

What about Maxxis tires. They have a 225/75/r15 rated at 2830 lbs and 10 ply.

Maxxis.com

I am in need of new tires and could use a good option.

 

[AHarris]

Regular radial car tires?

I have a 5,000lb camper (4,500# empty). 14" rims. Any reason why I can't just get a good set of regular radials (i. e. the kind you'd buy for the car) as long as the load rating of all 4 of them adds up to a safe margin (i. e. 6,500 lbs) and they are 4 or 6 ply?



Don't laugh me off the board... just seems like a question worth asking.



Plus, it seems like the speed rating issue would take care of itself here.

 

[JCasper]

What about Maxxis tires. They have a 225/75/r15 rated at 2830 lbs and 10 ply.

Maxxis.com

I am in need of new tires and could use a good option.

I am having the Maxxis 8 plys at 2,540lbs per tire put on in an hour.

 

[RSlater]

Pictures of 2 inch blocks added?

I have a trailer similar to yours (Keystone 26. 9). I am very interested in your solution. We've still got quite a bit of snow at our house, but if your solution works well, I would have plenty of time to upgrade. The tires installed now have significant uneven wear patterns. Like you, I haven't loaded my trailer down, but the tires are shot nonetheless. If you get a chance to take some pictures of the new setup (not necessarily the tires), I'd appreciate it. Also, if you wouldn't mind sharing tire cost info, so I can brace myself...

 

[JCasper]

I have a trailer similar to yours (Keystone 26. 9). I am very interested in your solution. We've still got quite a bit of snow at our house, but if your solution works well, I would have plenty of time to upgrade. The tires installed now have significant uneven wear patterns. Like you, I haven't loaded my trailer down, but the tires are shot nonetheless. If you get a chance to take some pictures of the new setup (not necessarily the tires), I'd appreciate it. Also, if you wouldn't mind sharing tire cost info, so I can brace myself...

The trailer is sitting at Americas now getting the new rubber put on. I think the tires were $110 each, (I haven't paid them yet, in an hour or two I will pick it up and pay).



I am going to take a long weekend and go to the coast. I will post when I return how the new setup works.

 

[JCasper]

$523 for 4 new tires mounted and balanced and an extra wheel.



I now have 2 spares.