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

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 26, 2014
Around here Big O sells the Sailun tire. I ordered mine from online and had them mounted and balanced at a small tire shop in town. I took them off the 5th wheel myself and saved some dough.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jul 26, 2014
The Mad Norsky wrote:
4x4FF wrote:
After reading this and several other threads I'm thinking I might try to get the Sailon's. Does anybody know of a U.S. dealer, preferably a chain??

Steve

Been looking through their website myself. AFAIK, the only dealers shown are Canadian. Cannot, at least until now, locate a US dealership.

Hope someone comes along that can assist.

I typed in "Sailun Tire Dealers" on my homepage and they have dealerships all over the United States...I found one that sells them within 20 miles of my home.
The_Mad_Norsky
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
4x4FF wrote:
After reading this and several other threads I'm thinking I might try to get the Sailon's. Does anybody know of a U.S. dealer, preferably a chain??

Steve

Been looking through their website myself. AFAIK, the only dealers shown are Canadian. Cannot, at least until now, locate a US dealership.

Hope someone comes along that can assist.
4x4FF
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
After reading this and several other threads I'm thinking I might try to get the Sailon's. Does anybody know of a U.S. dealer, preferably a chain??

Steve
buc1980
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
I got 11800 lb on my FW axle and I don't have any problem in the last 3-4 years with RIB.I use G614 before and I have to many problem with them.I think now Goodyear strait their sh... UP.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2014
You've gotten away with probably overloading a tire or two, but please don't advise other people to do the same. Unless of course you've weighed each tire/wheel independently and can verify that your trailer weighs exactly the same on all 4 wheels.

Why do you think they put a weight rating on tires in the first place?
handsome51
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
I have a 2006 Carriage 5th wheel. Fully loaded on a trip at a scale it weighs a fraction over 14,700lbs. Out of that the fraction over and 3100lbs is hitch weight. So I have 11,600lbs on the tires. I have been using the XP Rib for almost the whole time I have had the trailer. I bought it new. It had the Towmax china tires on it from the factory and they lasted for 7000 miles of towing . As soon as one showed signs of going bad I replaced all five with the XP Rib.I am on my 2nd set now. I replace them every 5 years by the date on the side of the tire. I have never had a problem out of them.The side wall also has a steel belt. They are heavy if you try to pick one up.
You did not mention your hitch weight in your 1st post. Is that included in what you posted. If so, you have less weight on the tires
BB_TX
Nomad
Jul 25, 2014
I agree with above. I have XPS Ribs on mine and love them, but at a lower weight. I think you need to look at other options if you are going with LTs.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
RockyMt wrote:
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.

Yep, too heavy for the RIBS, but I'd also looked at G rated GY G614's and the Sailun tires...Keep an eye on the Carlisles, make sure you know what they speed rated to..
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
4x4FF wrote:
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

If you have 7,000# rated axles, then I would recommend that you go with G rated tires. The post that me again made with recommendation of G G614's or the Sailun tires are pretty much the two I would look at if 5er' really has 7000# rated axles.