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rcpd34's avatar
rcpd34
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014

Tires; revisited; yet again

I thought I knew what I wanted. I really did. I am looking to replace my ST235/80/16 Goodyear Marathon tires due to age and the begining of rot. I was going to get the same tire, just move up to E rated from D. I have 3 axles and a GVW of 13K. D would probably suffice, but I like the extra insurance. I made my case on a couple of threads and got bombarded. I heard good cases for both. I talked to my tire guy and got the company line. ST for trailers; period. I read a good artcle here:

ST vs. LT Tires

And got some great info, but no definitive answers. At this point I don't think there are any. I would like to hear real world experiences; especially those who had ST tires and went to LT tires for a reason. I would also like to hear of any LT owners who went to ST and why. I'm not trying to get a flaming argument going, just a good friendly discussion. My trailer is a 2006 Jayco Talon ZX bumper pull. Thanks in advance.

54 Replies

  • hope it helps and there are many toyhauler guys that run lt tires to the dunes and back and overload the******out of those units too w/o issue however I know one guy that switched and because they weren't st tires the ins denied the claim and he was out $80k plus the atty fees! his toyhauler burned to the ground with his sand rail and two quads inside. the tire slapped the others and floor and it lit. just something to think about, you know how they like loop holes.
  • hammer21661 wrote:
    st tires are only rated at 65 mph. Do I need to say more?


    yes, based on actual load and load rating.

    from goodyear

    Thank you for contacting our web site. You don't "derate" an LT tire when
    using on a trailer application. You do "derate" a Pmetric tire if you use
    it on a trailer or on a truck. Reason is an LT tire is designed to operate
    at max load 100% of it's life. A Pmetric is designed to operate at max
    load only part of its life. Rule of thumb is to "derate" a Pmetric in this
    type of application by 10%.

    If you've had good luck with the Marathons on your trailer, I would
    continue to use them.

    Jennifer - Consumer Relations





    Inflation

    Always inflate trailer tires to the maximum inflation indicated on the sidewall.
    Check inflation when the tires are cool and have not been exposed to the sun.
    If the tires are hot to the touch from operation, add three psi to the max inflation.
    Underinflation is the number one cause of trailer tire failure.

    Load Carrying Capacity

    All tires must be identical in size for the tires to properly manage the weight of the trailer.
    The combined capacity of the tires must equal or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the axle.
    The combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded trailer weight by 20 percent.
    If the actual weight is not available, use the trailer GVW. If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, you should replace both tires on that side. The remaining tire is likely to have been subjected to excessive loading.
    If the tires are replaced with tires of larger diameter, the tongue height may need to be adjusted to maintain proper weight distribution.

    Time

    Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
    In approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone.
    Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.
    It is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.

    Mileage

    Trailer tires are not designed to wear out.
    The life of a trailer tire is limited by time and duty cycles.
    The mileage expectation of a trailer tire is 5,000 to 12,000 miles.

    Why Use An "ST" Tire

    "ST" tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.
    The polyester cords are bigger than they would be for a comparable "P" or "LT" tire.
    The steel cords have a larger diameter and greater tensile strength to meet the additional load requirements.
    "ST" tire rubber compounds contain more chemicals to resist weather and ozone cracking.
  • I have always had cheap ST Chinese junk and never had a blowout but never trusted them, mainly be the way they rode and looked marginal at best for the load they were carrying. On my last fiver I upgraded from Ds to Es and went with Maxxis. They are a far superior tire in my opinion and didn't have a problem for 2 years up until I traded for my current fiver. I will say that a move from D to E is a wise choice as long as your wheels are rated for 80psi.
    When I bought my new fiver last year, I had them put a set of Firestone Transforce LTs before I signed the papers. I didn't want the Road Riders junk ST Es that came with it. I have only had them for a year, but will say that I made a good choice. They look and ride like a real tire and I have the upmost confidence in them.
    Everyone has tire opinions, just do what you are comfortable with.