LT vs ST's - Canadian Tires cries "Illegal!".
I replaced all 4 tires on my 35' horse trailer in the last 2 weeks - Canadian Tire had some excellent LT tires that were on 50% off "end of line liquidation" discount and the price was too hard to res...
Forum Discussion
Here’s the problem I have. You guys are getting all caught up in marketing ploys with some use of LT on trailer specific tires. LT’s for trucks is not the same as those LT’s for trailers, when referring to trailer specific sizes.
Goodyear’s official statement per PSB #2014-01 January 9th 2014;
Light Truck (“LT”) designated tires do not have the same load carrying capacity as ST tires. If LT tires are used on trailer applications, the inflation pressure and/or tire sizing will need to be adjusted to match the load carrying requirements of the trailer.
As for the G614 RST, it is specifically, and only designed for “demanding 5th-Wheel And Heavy-Trailer Applications”.
This tire requires a special high-load capacity wheel and high-pressure tire valve.
Heck, just look at it! Would you put that tire on any truck driven on the road? And as if you have an option…it only comes in ONE SIZE. Get the point? Trailer only tire.
Kuhmo 857 is a real sneaky bugger, but again designated primarily for trailer use in the USA. “Light Truck” is sometimes called out for marketing, but NOT “LT”. Using this to tire specifically to claim LT tires are “approved” for trailer use, it a huge stretch, and simply not accurate.
“The Radial 857 is available in European-metric commercial sizes. The 857's primary application is to be mounted on a trailer. With its solid commercial construction, the 857 provides the durability and reliability you need from a trailer tire.”
“For commercial light truck, transporter, van and trailer.”
But just like the G614 RST’s, try to find these on commercial trucks in the USA. They are hard to find any sizes beyond certain trailer tire sizes.
And look at the sidewall, NO “LT” designation on the 857's.
Carlisle does a great job explaining things, even if you don’t like their tires;
– Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only.
– Do not use P Passenger or LT Light Truck automotive tires
on trailers.
– Do not use ST trailer tires on passenger cars or light trucks.
– An "LT" designation, when shown on a trailer tire size specifies load
range only, it is not designed for use on light trucks.
Maxxis FAQ question (they make actual LT truck tires FYI);
Can I use a light truck tire on a trailer?
Maxxis recommends using only ST tires on trailers.
Michelin excludes LT tire warranty coverage if used on a trailer;
“This service does not cover the repair or replacement of your tire. Service
applies only to motorized passenger and light truck vehicles and specifically
excludes trailers,….”
US Dept of Customs and Border protection - AN INFORMED COMPLIANCE PUBLICATION APRIL 2014
The prefix and/or suffix letter, when present, often designate a particular type of vehicle for which the tire is designed. The prefix or suffix is assigned to a tire by the manufacturer based upon design, construction and tolerances. These designations are voluntary and not always reliable. For example, a tire might bear an LT prefix but actually be designed for use on some heavy-duty trailers, heavy-duty light trucks or box
vans.
Goodyear’s official statement per PSB #2014-01 January 9th 2014;
Light Truck (“LT”) designated tires do not have the same load carrying capacity as ST tires. If LT tires are used on trailer applications, the inflation pressure and/or tire sizing will need to be adjusted to match the load carrying requirements of the trailer.
As for the G614 RST, it is specifically, and only designed for “demanding 5th-Wheel And Heavy-Trailer Applications”.
This tire requires a special high-load capacity wheel and high-pressure tire valve.
Heck, just look at it! Would you put that tire on any truck driven on the road? And as if you have an option…it only comes in ONE SIZE. Get the point? Trailer only tire.
Kuhmo 857 is a real sneaky bugger, but again designated primarily for trailer use in the USA. “Light Truck” is sometimes called out for marketing, but NOT “LT”. Using this to tire specifically to claim LT tires are “approved” for trailer use, it a huge stretch, and simply not accurate.
“The Radial 857 is available in European-metric commercial sizes. The 857's primary application is to be mounted on a trailer. With its solid commercial construction, the 857 provides the durability and reliability you need from a trailer tire.”
“For commercial light truck, transporter, van and trailer.”
But just like the G614 RST’s, try to find these on commercial trucks in the USA. They are hard to find any sizes beyond certain trailer tire sizes.
And look at the sidewall, NO “LT” designation on the 857's.
Carlisle does a great job explaining things, even if you don’t like their tires;
– Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only.
– Do not use P Passenger or LT Light Truck automotive tires
on trailers.
– Do not use ST trailer tires on passenger cars or light trucks.
– An "LT" designation, when shown on a trailer tire size specifies load
range only, it is not designed for use on light trucks.
Maxxis FAQ question (they make actual LT truck tires FYI);
Can I use a light truck tire on a trailer?
Maxxis recommends using only ST tires on trailers.
Michelin excludes LT tire warranty coverage if used on a trailer;
“This service does not cover the repair or replacement of your tire. Service
applies only to motorized passenger and light truck vehicles and specifically
excludes trailers,….”
US Dept of Customs and Border protection - AN INFORMED COMPLIANCE PUBLICATION APRIL 2014
The prefix and/or suffix letter, when present, often designate a particular type of vehicle for which the tire is designed. The prefix or suffix is assigned to a tire by the manufacturer based upon design, construction and tolerances. These designations are voluntary and not always reliable. For example, a tire might bear an LT prefix but actually be designed for use on some heavy-duty trailers, heavy-duty light trucks or box
vans.
