LT Trailer Tires

[HBarlow]

Tim,

If your goal is to replace 15" wheels and tires with 16" consider LT225/75R16 LRD tires. They are almost the same size as 15" but are about twice the tire in strength and service life.

 

[timroberts]

Thanks Harvey i have found lots of tires in LRE LT225/7516 and I think they will fit.

 

[timroberts]

just installed set LT 225/75/16 LRE on 25r artic fox going camping this fathers day weekend . My leaf spings are on top of axle not sure if they come that way so far no problems just run around town looking for big bumps.

 

[HBarlow]

just installed set LT 225/75/16 LRE on 25r artic fox going camping this fathers day weekend . My leaf spings are on top of axle not sure if they come that way so far no problems just run around town looking for big bumps.

Congratulations. If you installed a decent quality tire your trailer tire woes are over now.

 

[AMink]

After reading this and dozens of other discussions on trailer tires (and being a victim of will-pops), I can't believe someone (hello Michelin?) doesn't manufacture an LT tire in 15" rim size for trailers. I would think that might be a hot seller.

BTW, the biggest problem I had with Will-pops was not the tire but my axle being bent. Couldn't get it aligned so got new axles. They would have killed LT's too.

 

[HBarlow]

No tire manufacturer makes light truck tires for 15" rims. I think there is an obvious reason.

Cheap 16" six lug steel wheels can be bought for less then $50/wheel. Light truck tires in 16" sizes are plentiful and the good brands are excellent tires.

 

[AMink]

Agreed, Harvey. I know the 15" rims that come with the trailers aren't rated for E tires (80psi instead of 65psi) but if someone made a combo set, they sell to those who can't fit a larger rim or don't want to move up. Or the manufacturers could quit dickin' around with 15's and make 16's standard.

 

[HBarlow]

Demand for 15" lt tires would not support development, testing, and marketing costs.

Six lug 16" wheels with LT225/75R16 radial light truck tires will fit anywhere a 15" 225/75/15 Willpop will fit and will be much cheaper over the long term.

 

[timroberts]

HBarlow what air press. in new tires max 80 I was thinking 65-70 any thoughts.

 

[HBarlow]

The correct pressure can only be determined by consulting the tire handbook that all tire retailers have. Their book will have a weight v. inflation pressure graph for your size tire based on the weight each tire will carry.

I would not inflate the new tires above about 60 psi before I consult the weight chart. Your new tires should have greater carrying capacity at any given inflation than the rubber rim protectors you replaced. Over inflation will wear the center tread out of your new tires fairly quickly and will reduce trailer braking traction because only the tread centers will be in good contact with the road surface.

As I was writing this I remembered I have an old tire handbook. I dug it out and found this. An LT225/75R16 will carry 1940 lbs @ 50 psi, 2060 lbs. @ 55 psi, and 2190 lbs. @ 60 psi. I don't know how heavy your trailer is but my guess is it carries about 8,000 lbs. on the trailer axles or about 2,000 lbs. per tire.

 

[timroberts]

HBarlow thanks for info on tire press. Will post after trip with results.

 

[MChrist]

These are the threads I really enjoy reading. Real life experience solving real life situations. And not a snarky comment to be found!! I will also be upgrading my tires and wheels on our camper, and if I have anything good to offer, I will reciprocate.

Thanks guys!!

 

[Cummins12V98]

The correct pressure can only be determined by consulting the tire handbook that all tire retailers have. Their book will have a weight v. inflation pressure graph for your size tire based on the weight each tire will carry.

I would not inflate the new tires above about 60 psi before I consult the weight chart. Your new tires should have greater carrying capacity at any given inflation than the rubber rim protectors you replaced. Over inflation will wear the center tread out of your new tires fairly quickly and will reduce trailer braking traction because only the tread centers will be in good contact with the road surface.

As I was writing this I remembered I have an old tire handbook. I dug it out and found this. An LT225/75R16 will carry 1940 lbs @ 50 psi, 2060 lbs. @ 55 psi, and 2190 lbs. @ 60 psi. I don't know how heavy your trailer is but my guess is it carries about 8,000 lbs. on the trailer axles or about 2,000 lbs. per tire.

Good info Harvey, most think the tire says Max psi XX that is what they should run. Per GY Tech Support use the tire inflation chart for your tire based on weight on tire and add 5psi.

 

[ringneck]

grizzly has it wright,i to run ribbs not cheap. but rvs arent cheap,stay away from all 15teens they just cant handel the heat or weight.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Back in 2006 Goodyear put out a bulletin saying if you want to go over 65 mph, up to 75, add ten pounds to the pressure needed for the load on the chart. I assume that does not mean to go over 65 psi on D rated 225-75-15 tires. Also remember to check the mfg date on the sidewall and buy only "fresh" tires. Often a tire store tries to sell you tires that are a year or more old. I never run tires more than 5 years old, and prefer to replace them by 4 years after date of mfg.

 

[timroberts]

Got back from camping towed 175 miles round trip tires look good no rubing on body etc.

 

[DFark]

Great discussion, I just purchased a 2004 Sunnybrook 5r with its original Canadian made goodyear marathons. It has pretty 15 aluminum wheels. I am buying tires anyway so I'll go 16' and have some like new aluminum 15" wheels for sale. As a side note a friend has blown 3 tires on a five year old camper and the recent blowout did $5600 damage to the slideout and wiring harness. . That will pay for 16's pretty quick.

 

[HBarlow]

Great discussion, I just purchased a 2004 Sunnybrook 5r with its original Canadian made goodyear marathons. It has pretty 15 aluminum wheels. I am buying tires anyway so I'll go 16' and have some like new aluminum 15" wheels for sale. As a side note a friend has blown 3 tires on a five year old camper and the recent blowout did $5600 damage to the slideout and wiring harness. . That will pay for 16's pretty quick.

Yep, you're smart to recognize and prevent the problem before a blown rubber rim cover tears the side and perhaps wiring and plumbing out of a nice trailer.

 

[DFark]

Tire dealer quoted me $975 for 4 Firestone TransForce HT 225/75R16 and 4 16X6 steel wheels, balanced and delivered to my door. It seems a little high but I like to support the little guys trying to make it in my neighborhood. It works out to $80 per rim and about $160 per tire. I can sell my like new 15 aluminum wheels to get some cost back.

 

[DFark]

Here is a pic of my new 16" wheels and tires on our 2004 Sunny brook. Overall height only about an inch taller, still have 4" between the tires and plenty of clearance.