Trailer Tires

donn0128 wrote:

mabynack wrote:


I've read several recommendations against putting LT tires on RVs because the sidewalls aren't built for the abuse they get when you take a tight turn with the trailer.

Pure BS!
Have you ever watched a stear tire during a tight turn?
My 2005 fifth wheel came stock with LT tires. They performed flawlessly for 7 years, yes seven years. Replaced with more LT tires. The naysayers either have no clue or are ignorant about using a quality tire. Just ask one of them how many ST tire failures they have experienced over the years

I have watched a rear tire in a tight turn. That's why I am hesitant to put a light truck tire on my fifth wheel. Truck tires are designed to bite in when you're going around a curve. Trailer tires are designed to slip so they don't dig in on tight turns.

This is from another RV Forum:

LT tire tread is designed to provide optimum traction under power and turning performance in all weather conditions. As such, the tread design provides for high friction in side loading to provide "grip" while turning. It also has an aggressive tread for high friction when used as a drive tire. It also has channels for water to squirt out the sides to keep the drive and steering wheels from hydroplaning. These channels also provide high friction when the tire is twisted in hard turns.

ST tires have a unique tread design. There are only ribs and channels that follow the rotation of the tire. There are no (or few) side to side grooves and the tread itself is very "non-aggressive" to provide a minimum rolling friction for better tire life and fuel economy.

In the past, the higher tire loading in high end campers was not being served by the tire industry so to provide the load carrying capacity required they put LT tires on at the factory. Today, there are more choices available and for a given load factor better performance will come from an ST tire.

Under similar driving conditions, the ST tire will provide better gas mileage and longer tire life. During sharp turns the ST tire will crab sideways much more easily than an LT tire. This will reduce uneven wear and "scrubbing" of the tread.

ST tires also have a much higher emulsion content in the rubber since most ST tires don't get a lot of use. LT tires are run at highways speeds more often and the emulsion can lubricate the rubber more easily when the tires get hot at highway speeds. The higher content in the ST tire rubber prevents/delays dry rot in tires that don't get much use.

Paraphrased from a 2 hour conversation with
Walter C. Cannon
Executive Director
RV Safety & Education Foundation