Forum Discussion

sloman2001's avatar
sloman2001
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014

ST235/80R16 Tire Replacement

I wish to go to the LT tires, and the shop I called said they do not make them in that size, I would have to go to an LT235/85R16 tire. He said since this tire is a bit larger than the old, you have to check the clearance to make sure it would fit. He claims my old rims would still work fine.

In looking at my clearances, it would appear all would be fine, both from the top and side since I have tandem axles. I have a 5 inch clearance between the tires, and 3" from above. The tires he says are about 1" larger than my current, so the above clearance would become about 2.5" rather than the 3".

Does this make sense to all of you. I am not a tire expert, or a 5th wheel expert either for that matter. I'll check with my RV manufacturer, but I know what they will say. They usually are not much help with anything.

Thanks, Tom

59 Replies

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  • MrVan's avatar
    MrVan
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2014
    What is the GVWR and Tongue Weight fully loaded on your Cougar?
  • John_Bridge's avatar
    John_Bridge
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2014
    Is there a sizable price difference. I'm happy with the Goodyear 614s except for the price. Also, are they rated G? I need the load carrying ability. :)
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2014
    laknox wrote:
    BB_TX wrote:
    I put LT 235/85 R16E on mine to replace the STs. Your numbers are correct.
    But make sure your trailer weight is OK for the LTs if they are load range E. They are probably going to be rated for about 400 lbs each less than your current ST. No problem as long as your trailer weight is ok for that. Mine is.


    At the same time, the rule-of-thumb for safety margin on LT's is about 25% while on ST's it's basically zero, so the LT's might actually have a bit more capacity than the ST's, just not according to the sidewall.

    Lyle
    I use LT tires and I am very happy with them but I would like to see this "25% rule" in print somewhere from one of the tire companies. I'm thinking this is another urban myth much like the so called 20% or is it 25% rule regarding towing capacity...

    B.O.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Jan 16, 2014
    BB_TX wrote:
    I put LT 235/85 R16E on mine to replace the STs. Your numbers are correct.
    But make sure your trailer weight is OK for the LTs if they are load range E. They are probably going to be rated for about 400 lbs each less than your current ST. No problem as long as your trailer weight is ok for that. Mine is.


    At the same time, the rule-of-thumb for safety margin on LT's is about 25% while on ST's it's basically zero, so the LT's might actually have a bit more capacity than the ST's, just not according to the sidewall.

    Lyle
  • Mark_Heisler's avatar
    Mark_Heisler
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2014
    I changed my out from ST235/80/16 Goodyear to LT245/75/16 Toyo HT.I would never go back to a ST tire again
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2014
    BB_TX wrote:
    I put LT 235/85 R16E on mine to replace the STs. Your numbers are correct.
    But make sure your trailer weight is OK for the LTs if they are load range E. They are probably going to be rated for about 400 lbs each less than your current ST. No problem as long as your trailer weight is ok for that. Mine is.


    X2
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jan 16, 2014
    I put LT 235/85 R16E on mine to replace the STs. Your numbers are correct.
    But make sure your trailer weight is OK for the LTs if they are load range E. They are probably going to be rated for about 400 lbs each less than your current ST. No problem as long as your trailer weight is ok for that. Mine is.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2014
    I installed the 235 85 16 LTs on my fiver and they fit fine. They areabout I believe 1" taller making them 1/2" closer together. This kleft me a 2" gap between tires and have had no wheel well clearance problems.
    I like that it raised the rear of the trailer another 1/2" giving me more clearance at the bed rails.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2014
    Go to the tire manufacturers web site and look up the tires specs. It will give you the O.A.D. for the tire in question. You will likely get a lot of conjecture on here and little in the way of facts.

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