Need New Tires

Here we go yet again. The only requirement for replacement tires is that they must meet or exceed the axle rating(GAWR). Any data that that the manufacturer has placed on the vehicle placard is solely a declaration as to what the equipment was at first sale. After first sale it becomes archival reference material and has no legal standing.

Keith

FE
I have pointed this out before. The placard is relevant info for the tires provided at the sale of the trailer by the manufacturer or its agent. It is not binding to the end user and does not prevent one from changing tires or wheels. As long as those items changed are sufficient to meet applicable regulation the end user is fine.

Lots of people recommending the transforce and without pissing them off I have to disagree that it is a good trailer tire. IMO you want a "rib" design tire(r250, xps etc.). It has a better tread pattern for trailer use, including a closed shoulder they are also all steel. They move laterally better than tires designed for traction positions among other things.

But given the choice I would go with the transforce over an ST tire in most situations (6k axles). If you are a short tripper, less than 75 miles and don't load to heavy then Maxxis ST's might be a reasonable alternative.

Bob6907 wrote:
Jim,
I thuoght about Firestone how long have you had them on and how much does your 5th wheel wheigh.
Bob

In this first reference look at item #24. It describes axle clearance according to the originator (Dexter Axle).

Click Here!

This second reference is loaded with useful information

Of interest to this thread is first found on page 16. It’s about tire width.

Then there is the misapplication statement, item 1./B. on page 33.

Probably the most damaging information is about proper tire inflation. Your prospective tire selection cannot be properly aired. The DOT regulations for Original Equipment tires requires the vehicle manufacturer to set the recommended (correct) tire pressure. That recommendation is twofold in it also sets the required load capacity for all OE tires and subsequent replacements fitted to that vehicle. See page 40.

Click Here!


FastEagle

p.s. I can also post like statements with Michelin references.

FastEagle wrote:

DIVECOP 1 wrote:
I,m changing out my ST235/80/16s for LT 245/75/16 outer diameter on the STs 30.8 LTs 30.47 I'm going with the BF Goodrich Comm TAs. The weight of the LT are 44lbs each STs are 36 lbs.

That particular change almost always requires new rims, because your ST tires probably came with 6.0" rim width and the LT245/75R16E has a rim range of 6.5" - 8.0". But, what the heck, if you're going to give up all that extra tire load capacity, not using the correct rim width is just another drop in the bucket of avoiding tire safety.

FastEagle

But since we all know that one must buy tires by the pound, isn't that pesky detail compensated for by the extra eight pounds of weight? :B

DIVECOP 1 wrote:
I,m changing out my ST235/80/16s for LT 245/75/16 outer diameter on the STs 30.8 LTs 30.47 I'm going with the BF Goodrich Comm TAs. The weight of the LT are 44lbs each STs are 36 lbs.

That particular change almost always requires new rims, because your ST tires probably came with 6.0" rim width and the LT245/75R16E has a rim range of 6.5" - 8.0". But, what the heck, if you're going to give up all that extra tire load capacity, not using the correct rim width is just another drop in the bucket of avoiding tire safety.

FastEagle

Gee!

When hitched part of the weight of my fiver is on the kingpin. When unhitched it is on the jacks.

How do you balance your trailer to get all of the GVWR on the wheels?????

By the way, I agree on the 245/75R16 Commercial TAs for a 13,500# trailer.

I,m changing out my ST235/80/16s for LT 245/75/16 outer diameter on the STs 30.8 LTs 30.47 I'm going with the BF Goodrich Comm TAs. The weight of the LT are 44lbs each STs are 36 lbs.

smkettner wrote:

kedanie wrote:

smkettner wrote:
I recommend tires rated to carry the full GVWR.

Really?!!
That would be extreme over kill. Usually, the GVWR is 3K-4K over the GAWR. Finding tires to meet that would be pretty pricey. The reality of ST tires is that for them to have a chance of surviving they need to have a 15% reserve capacity. That would make their effective load capacity less than the equivalent LT tire which does not require the reserve. So, add 15% to the GVWR and see where you land for capacity.

Keith

OP says trailer weighs 13,500 and the existing tires are rated 13,680.
GVWR was not stated but I don't think it would be extreme overkill.

Then you want to add 15% to GVWR?

Yep, because those OE ST tires have already failed for the OP. Obviously if he is going to stay with ST's, which he isn't, he would need more capacity. Even the local tire police guy found here recommends the 15% reserve for ST's. Yet even he can't make them last very long.

Add to that the often repeated testimony of folks who have changed out their failing ST tires for LT's that match the axle rating(GAWR) and their tire problems disappear with no other changes made, myself included. When was the last time we heard of or frequency of reported LT tire failures reported here as compared to ST tire failures?

Keith

kedanie wrote:

smkettner wrote:
I recommend tires rated to carry the full GVWR.

Really?!!
That would be extreme over kill. Usually, the GVWR is 3K-4K over the GAWR. Finding tires to meet that would be pretty pricey. The reality of ST tires is that for them to have a chance of surviving they need to have a 15% reserve capacity. That would make their effective load capacity less than the equivalent LT tire which does not require the reserve. So, add 15% to the GVWR and see where you land for capacity.

Keith

OP says trailer weighs 13,500 and the existing tires are rated 13,680.
GVWR was not stated but I don't think it would be extreme overkill.

Then you want to add 15% to GVWR?