New trailer tires - Michelin 235/85R16 XPS Rib 10 ply

[John Berger]

Wow, what a hit to the wallet. But one of our 5'ver tires threw a tread last weekend about 20 miles north of Atlanta. I had four General 235/85R16's on it and they were properly inflated, so I'm not sure exactly what caused the separation. After checking the specs of those tires, I did find out that they are load rated at 3040 pounds per tire, which is the bare minimum on my fifth wheel. I went with the Michelin's because they are rated at 6085 pounds per tire, which gives me a good safety margin.



The 5'ver never swayed, jerked or even dropped when the tire went. I thought I ran over something. It took out part of my sewer and sink pipe, but I'll have that repaired later this week. It also took out the side skirt on the living room slide. But it was a clean, relatively damage free separation. The tire marks on the slide will come out, but remind me of a cup car after a race at Martinsville. I'll post a picture tonight.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Those Michelins would have a Whole Lot Cheaper had you bought them 3 weeks ago...

 

[John Berger]

Yeah, no sheet



We got out of it pretty cheap, though. I'm doing the repair to the sewer pipes and the skirt, and at least the trailer didn't jacknife on me. The hairiest part was putting the spare on on the side of I-75, that close to Atlanta.



I did an underwear check when I was done, but I had no worries as the pucker factor was in full effect.





For all you newbies, here's a blast from the past. An experience I do not ever want to repeat.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...49838&highlight=My+truck+survived+a+bad+wreck



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...50808&highlight=My+truck+survived+a+bad+wreck

 

[RustyJC]

John,



With all respect, the LT235/85R-16E Michelin XPS Ribs I installed on my 5th wheel carry the same 3042 lb weight rating as the previous LT235/85R-16E Goodyear Wrangler HT's that I removed. I believe this 3042 lb rating is standard for the LT235/85R-16E (load range E) tire @ 80 PSIG. HERE is Michelin's web page for the XPS Rib if you wish to confirm this - click on the Sizes & Specs (pdf) bar to get to the load ratings.



Having said that, there's no comparison in performance between the fabric/steel construction Wrangler HT's and the all steel XPS Ribs. After a long fast run on the Interstate during summer days, I couldn't get within a foot or two of the Wrangler HT's, but I can lay my hand comfortably on the tread of the XPS Ribs. I've never heard of a failure of the commercial trailer-rated XPS Ribs from those who have failed other tires in heavily loaded RV applications and changed over to the Michelins.



Rusty

 

[John Berger]

Hi Rusty. I'm going by the specs on etires.com. Maybe I've got the wrong tire.





Edited for clarification



Ok, my bad. It's the XPS Traction and here are the specs as listed on etires.com





Part # 36496

Description LT235/85R16 Michelin XPS Traction 10 Ply

Sidewall Black Sidewall

Price/Tire $ 195. 99

FET/Tire $ 2. 40

Availability Limited

Rim Widths 6. 0-7. 0

Tread Depth 15

Tread Width 9. 6

Diameter 32. 0

Max Load 6084

Max PSI 50

Ply Rating E

Warranty 50000

 

[RustyJC]

John,



That rating looks ok (6084 lbs) for an axle (2 single tires), but 3042 lbs is the individual tire rating in single tire service. Check your sidewalls as well as the Michelin website to confirm this.



Rusty

 

[John Berger]

OK, I have to correct my correction. I verified my order and it is the XPS Rib 10 ply and here are the specs from etires.com.



Wassup with this confusion? Why would they rate by axle, instead of individual tire?





Part # 13080

Description LT235/85R16 Michelin XPS Rib 10 Ply

Sidewall Black Sidewall

Price/Tire $ 193. 99

FET/Tire $ 2. 40

Availability Limited

Rim Widths 6. 0-7. 0

Tread Depth 15

Tread Width 6

Diameter 32. 0

Max Load 6084

Max PSI 80

Ply Rating E

Warranty 50000





Posted after calling etires.com



IT guys don't understand tire specs and they didn't divide the axle rating.

 

[GerryDrake]

When I put new tires on our 35' 5'er I went with the ones that Goodyear makes just for trailers. Something like "G647" or the like. Hauled it about 12K over 7 1/2 months and nary any tread wear even. VERY happy with them. Trailer isn't handy to check, but size is 215/85 16's as I recall.



Nothing like their old POS Marathon tires I had on a prior trailer. .