ST vs LT Tires -- I'm confused

You can go with what you have proven with experience or try the LT tire route, I believe both will provide satisfactory service.

B.F. Goodrich Commercial TA.

Made in the U.S. by Michelin.

Note that you want a LT tire with a linear tread; not heavily blocked all terrain type.

op asks wrote:
Any problems with appropriate Maxxis on a 5'er?

Many folks use the Maxxis ST8008 and some use the commercial grade Maxxis U-168 LT tires on their trailers. The Maxxis ST is not without reported problems on this website. However the ST8008 are popular on this website and not so popular on other trailering websites.

Any problems with putting LT's on a 5'er rather than ST's?

Assuming the owner uses a LT with enough load capacity and one that has been recommended the owner will generally see more service miles and much more reliability. Before the tire industry gave us the ST tire everything was P or LT tires (passenger/light truck tires).

What LT brands are not made in China? Are there any that are specifically manufactured in the USA?

We have several usa brand LTs available however the problem isn't just made in china. We've had the same issues with ST tires when they were all made in the USA. The problem is the ST tire design/performance.

There are some very good LT and multi position tires not made in the USA so it all depends on the size tires your needing. Some of the smaller 5ers come with 15" and go up to 17.5" tires and wheels on the larger trailers.

Your queston is pretty general so give us your trailers GVWR/axle ratings/current tire size and load range and we can give you some very good advice on a particular tire size and brands.

Another one here, with no problems with ST tires. Ran Goodyear Marathons for 5 years. Replaced them because of wear and age. Went with Maxxis, have 3 years on them so far.

I can only tell you my experience... I've had no issues with ST tires. I've had the original Towmax and now the Goodyear Marathons (ST235/80r-16E) and have had no issues in all types of weather with almost a 12K lb loaded fiver. I stay at 65 mph or less (as indicated they are made for) and always make sure they're at 80 psi before hitting the road. Looking at other fivers on the road, they're all passing me at over 65 mph, and I'm pretty sure not all of them have LT tires, so those are probably the ones that later complain about blowouts. But after all is said and done, it's your choice. Will I eventually go to LT? Maybe, IDK... but my axles are 7K, so I don't even know if I can, I haven't had a need to look into it, knock on wood :-)

Pick an appropriate LT tire with a load rating for a pair equal to or greater than the axle rating and go camping secure in the knowledge that you should not experience tire issues for a long long time.

Another issue for some folks is speed ratings:

ST - Max 65 mph
LT - Up to the posted speed limit?

The_Painting_Teacher wrote:
"ST vs LT Tires -- I'm confused"

You think you're confused now- just wait!

Best of luck to you....:)

Your question often prompts explosive comments from both the ST camp & the LT camp.

The tire industry says - in part - that replacement tires must be equal or greater in size and load capacity when compared to the Original Equipment tires depicted on the trailer’s certification label. They do not refer to any design.

From there the snowball grows rapidly.

Your options are very dependant on your trailer’s axle ratings.

FastEagle

Most LTs are NOT made in China. Switching from STs to LTs has several issues. There are almost no identical sizes, so you will need to confirm have sufficient width or height clearance for the LTs. Also, as long as you have 5200 lb or 6000 lb axles, then load capacity is not an issue as most LTs in load range E have a 3042 lb capacity. However, 7000 lb axles may require load range G tires.

I had Maxxis ST tires on my last fiver and had serious problems, switched to LTs, BFG Commercial T/As.