Proper Tire Pressure...
I am changing all my tires on out 5ver from STs to LTs. I have looked for an answer to my question but to no avail, so I will try here, you have all been helpful in the past. I'm going to put 80l...
Forum Discussion
sloman2001 wrote:
I bought the Cougar with an option called the "Mountain Package" at the time. It came with a larger tire and some extra suspension. So while the specs say the tire size is ST225/75R15, it actually came with an ST235/80R16, LR E. The axles have not been de-rated, they are 5200 lbs per axle.
On our way to AZ this year, we had a severe tire blowout in New Mexico, and it did about $2,000 worth of damage to the rig. So now, I am trying to be smart and maybe be overly cautious. So I am going to the LT tires, and was just trying to make sure I am going to be OK with the extra pressure after travelling. I do have metal valve stems with the TST TPMS system.
Tuesday, (1-28-14) I am putting on LTXMS2 Michelin tires all around, ST235/85R16. The load rating is a bit less than the ST tires, but well within spec. The size is slightly taller, but I should be OK. The load rating is 3042 @ 80 psi, with 5200 lbs axles on the trailer. That gives me some breathing room. But I also weighed the rig, the trailer rear axles weighed 8,240 lbs, while the hitch weight was an additional 1,860 lbs.
I really want to thank you guys for all your help. Any other thoughts welcome.
Tom
It is not to late to choose a better LT tire. The LTX M&S2 is a highly sipped traction type tire. The Michelin XPS RIB or Bridgestone Duravis R250(which is closer in cost of the LTX) are much better choices. Both are steel ply sidewall/carcass offerings and have lower rolling resistance, which is good for a trailer tire. The M&S2 also has by design a softer sidewall for ride quality of pickup trucks.
Price comparison on the tire rack site.
R250
245 =$230
235 =$232
M&S2
235 =$201
245 =$198
Note: They have really good prices on this tire. You were most likely quoted more.
Here is a picture of the R250.
In this picture of the M&S2 look at all the sipes, you do not want or need those in a trailer tire. In tight turns they will gripe the pavement to much, putting extra stress on the trailers springs, shackles, hangers, and frame. Tread can squirm going down the road when heavily loaded also, which a trailer tire is all the time!
Also compare the outer rib on each tire. The R250 and XPS RIB have close outer ribs without gaps, while the M&S2 has the gaps and sipes in the outer rib, again not good for tight cornering.
Again, take a serious look at the BS Duravis R250 for similar money!
Chris
