Trailer Tires
I am sick of the damage and inconvenience from Chinese tire failures. If cost is no issue, what is the best choice for tires on my Sunbybrook 36 BWKS 3 axle Fiver?
Forum Discussion
boondockdad wrote:
Q: XPS are much heavier than LT.
In actuality, the Michelin XPS Rib carries an LT designation - see HERE. It is substantially heavier than the typical non-steel carcass LT radial, though.
boondockdad wrote:
Do you think the increased un-sprung weight will have an adverse effect on the trailer? Is un-sprung weight even an issue for a 'passive' trailer suspension (and no drivetrain)?
I ran the LT235/85R16E Michelin XPS Ribs under a 2000 Jayco Designer XL 3610RLTS for 4 years with no adverse effects. The Jayco had Dexter 6K axles with shock absorbers. On a typical 5th wheel, the ratio of unsprung to sprung weight is much lower than a car or light truck, so the heavier tire wouldn't be an area of concern to me. I'll live with the weight to get the durability and reliability of an all-steel-construction tire.
boondockdad wrote:
My thinking was, I only needed to match (or slightly exceed) my axle ratings- and the LT's provided that.
A number of 5th wheels we've owned have run at 95% to 97% of the GAWRs. Personally, I prefer some operating margin in the trailer's tires - if I can run at around 70% of the tire's rating, I'm a happier camper. I really don't care to operate at 95% of a tire's rating if I don't have to - just personal preference.
Rusty
