Yet another tire thread - Cougar X-Lite 26SAB

PokerCamper wrote:
I know, I know ... not another tire question thread. Sorry, but there's so much out there that I get lost (and disheartened) before I can read it all.

Simple question really. GVWR of my 5'er is 9990, GAWR is 4400 for each axle, and current tires (ST225/75R15D on 15x6 rims) are shot. Have an appointment with my local dealer (original owner bought it there in 2012, sold it to us in 2014) a month from now for tire replacement / brake inspection / bearing pack / state inspection (which it failed last fall because of the tires).

We're only part timers averaging less than 2,500 miles / season but I don't want to replace old Chinese bombs with new ones. I want to know if moving up to E rated ST tires is OK if I go with the better brands (Maxxis) or if I should just move up to LT's instead.

I wanted to buy them from Tirerack.com but the only STs they have are the usual Marathon / Towmax garbage which is why I'm considering going the LT route. They have a lot better options for 6" rims like the BFG Long Trail T/A Tour and the Firestone Destination A/T. Both of those have ribs rather than belts, which I've learned is desired for trailer service (see, I did read some of the other forum threads). :)

My question is that both of those LTs have a Load Index of 1874# per tire or 3744 / axle (700# less than my GAWR). I know hitch weight gets factored into the calculation, but I've no idea what mine is and no way to figure it out before I order the tires.

So am I good with either of those LTs so I can ditch the ST tires? I'll spend some more time reading the various threads, but all advice is welcome. Thanks in advance!