Next year my wife and I intend to start full-timing. I plan on installing new tires on my 5th wheel at that time. As I read the posts on here I understand the value of good tires. Michelin XPS Ribs are highly recommended on here...but....as I look at their literature I am a little confused. The size I would need is a LT235/85R16. I currently have 7k axles on my rig and when weighed have right at 11,500 on the 5th wheel axles. As I load the coach with more stuff this will probably increase some. Based on Michelin data each tire (XPS Ribs) have a load rating of 3,042 lbs. per hub. This gives me 6,084 per axle or 12,168 total. If I put the ribs on I am 'almost' at my max rating. With that being said, I also understand the difference between LT and ST tires and know ST tires are 'Rated' higher. Am I missing something here or am I calculating this wrong?? Steve

With that 5th wheel weight I would go with G-rated LT tires, not the E-rated. Just not enough carrying capacity IMO. That is, of course, if your wheels will handle the added pressure of 110 psi tires. If not, and you want to stay away from ST tires, you may have to look at different wheels and tires.You say your 5th wheel weighs 11,500 lbs. on the two axles, which in an ideal world equals 5750 lbs. on each axle. However you may have less than that on one axle and more than that on another, perhaps 6300 lbs. on one axle and 5200 lbs. on the other axle. That would put you over your tire weight limit. Not an unlikely scenario.I have a triple axle toyhauler and have a couple tires that have 1200 lbs. more than the other four. Not an issue as I have a lot of surplus carrying capacity.

G rated would be a better choice and provide an extra margin of safety.

I currently have G rated tires on it. Actually I bought his unit used and it has some ST and some LT tires on it. So...I guess the Ribs are out??Steve

And if GY G614 are to steep for you look at the Sailun LRG. It is similar in diameter to the 235 Rib, so you need at least 33" center to center on your axles.http://www.sailuntires.ca/MRT/S637.htmlChris

I ran into the same problem-my axle rating is 7000lb,trailer weight to heavy for XPS ribs.So I put Carlisle F rated tires on my trailer-235/85r/16 @95lds.I put a new set of XPS traction on the truck!Old ones were 10 years old.

question on XPS Ribs | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

RockyMt
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2014
I ran into the same problem-my axle rating is 7000lb,trailer weight to heavy for XPS ribs.So I put Carlisle F rated tires on my trailer-235/85r/16 @95lds.I put a new set of XPS traction on the truck!Old ones were 10 years old.
4x4FF
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
I currently have G rated tires on it. Actually I bought his unit used and it has some ST and some LT tires on it. So...I guess the Ribs are out??

Steve
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2014
And if GY G614 are to steep for you look at the Sailun LRG. It is similar in diameter to the 235 Rib, so you need at least 33" center to center on your axles.

http://www.sailuntires.ca/MRT/S637.html

Chris
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
G rated would be a better choice and provide an extra margin of safety.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2014
With that 5th wheel weight I would go with G-rated LT tires, not the E-rated. Just not enough carrying capacity IMO. That is, of course, if your wheels will handle the added pressure of 110 psi tires. If not, and you want to stay away from ST tires, you may have to look at different wheels and tires.

You say your 5th wheel weighs 11,500 lbs. on the two axles, which in an ideal world equals 5750 lbs. on each axle. However you may have less than that on one axle and more than that on another, perhaps 6300 lbs. on one axle and 5200 lbs. on the other axle. That would put you over your tire weight limit. Not an unlikely scenario.

I have a triple axle toyhauler and have a couple tires that have 1200 lbs. more than the other four. Not an issue as I have a lot of surplus carrying capacity.

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question on XPS Ribs

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