We just purchased a 2012 TT with original Trail Express 225/75/R15 (Load Range C) tires (2311 date code). We inspected the tires well at the dealer and we made the trip home ok and now we want to replace these tires before we use the TT. I've read that many folks like Maxxis, Kumho and Michelin.One basic thing that I need to understand before picking a brand and load range is the difference between ST & LT tires for our TT which is GVWR 8500 and now has C's. We want to go back with either D's or E's. I've read some folks say that recommended STs are best for TTs and then some other folks say LTs are best ?? Can someone please enlighten me on this ?? And we well be getting a TPMS system also.Thanks in advance, Marty

I just found a great article discussing reserve capacity and I understand a little better, but still not sure if everyone is going to LTs or if STs are still viable. Here is the article I found:http://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/215707-Trailer-Tires-ExplainedThanks

We had 2 TTs before getting our MH. Whenever I replaced tires, I always went with LTs (Light Truck) and 1 size bigger and the highest load range I could get. We never had any tire problems on either trailer (knock on wood) because as soon as I saw the slightest cracking taking place I swapped tires. We ran both trailer thousands of miles over the course of 30 years.Here is a link to a WalMart listing for an example of the tires I would purchasehttp://www.walmart.com/ip/Michelin-LTX-M-S2-Tire/15103306Best of luck in your hunt for new tires.

LT are a upgrade option on several high end RV trailer brands or lines within a brand, and are preferred on the heavier trailers running interstate highways as the ST is restricted to 65 mph. Years back we had a good choice of usa made 15" LT tires in C /D and E load ranges due to 1/2 ton trucks requirements. Todays 1/2 ton trucks don't use 15" tires anymore so the usa mfg has dropped them all with exception to a LT235/75-15 C at 19801 lbs capacity and a Goodyear Wrangler HT in a LT215/75-15 D ar 2085 lbs capacity. Other 15" LT or all position commercial grade tires are;Maxxis LT U-168 are a commercial grade tire with several 15" sizes and have became popular with all types of trailer owners.Vanco 2 from Continental another popular tire for trailer users has several 15" sizes and load capacities. Your OEM tires are 2150 lb load rated so there is no benefit of using a E tire at 2830 lbs at 80 psi as you simply don't have enough axle load. Heavier tires are no benefit when derated with 50-65 psi in them. Do a google on ST tires vs LT for best education on the subject. This gets you input from all types of trailer websites and not just RV web.

Thanks Grandpere & JimNLin.I did another few minutes of google searches last night and found some more info on LT vs ST. Big difference indeed. Your input is much appreciated. Since I have Michelin LTX/E's on the TV, I would feel confident in these tires for the TT. The one size up from 225 to 235 I think will be ok but I'll need to measure. Looks like plenty of room under there. How much difference in radius between 225 & 235, both 75R15?Many thanks again, MartyEdit: Just remembered that the OEM wheels will possibly/probably need to be replaced if tires are purchased with higher psi than Load Range C tires. Any comments on the wheel replacement also much appreciated. Thanks.Edit#2: I just found some more info. One thing is that no national big-box store will do the ST to LT swap for liability reasons, so some folks have gotten independent shops to do the swap or just gotten the tires mounted on the wheels and installed them themselves. The other thing I found is the difference in size dimensions from 225 to 235 - “from the 225 to the 235, the additional encroachment into the wheel well is about .3 inches vertically, and about .4 inches horizontally”

To switch to LT you will have to go up to 16", no 15" LT's available that I know of. :(

Which tires to replace original TE 225/75/R15/C

31 Replies

MartyW
Explorer
May 29, 2015
Reporting back that I did get the Goodyear Cargo G26 tires in 225/70R15 to replace the original TT 225/75R15 tires. They are load range D and spec'd at 2,484 lbs per tire. They look great and when pumped to the recommended 65 psi they appear to me to be the same height as the 225/75R15 tires that were on the TT. I purchased the tires from tirerack.com and the date codes I received were week 40 of 2014. Shipping was quick and the price was good. The only hassle was having to do the swaps myself but now that they're all done I'll feel safer on the road, and we also purchased the TST 507 system to monitor the tires. Thanks again to all who recommended these tires.
goducks10
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
kmbelt wrote:
I too had the dreaded 225/75-15 tires on my camper. I changed them out for LT tires without going to the 16" rims.

I put on the Maxxis Bravo UE-168 in LT235/75R15. I had plenty of space for these tires. They are rated at 2337/tire and are Load Range D tires with a max of 65PSI. This is the same rating as the trailer tires i took off.

Best item i've installed.

OH and be sure to balance them. Installers thought i was crazy for wanting to balance trailer tires, but did it anyways.

Nice find. Those are probably the best option for ST 225 tires.
kmbelt
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
I too had the dreaded 225/75-15 tires on my camper. I changed them out for LT tires without going to the 16" rims.

I put on the Maxxis Bravo UE-168 in LT235/75R15. I had plenty of space for these tires. They are rated at 2337/tire and are Load Range D tires with a max of 65PSI. This is the same rating as the trailer tires i took off.

Best item i've installed.

OH and be sure to balance them. Installers thought i was crazy for wanting to balance trailer tires, but did it anyways.
tinner12002
Explorer
Nov 01, 2014
MartyW wrote:
I have the TV in the driveway with a TT spare tire in the back so I went out and measured both tires.

TV 245/75R15 (Load Range E) - 29 1/2" high x 10.0" wide
TT 225/75R15 (Load Range C_ - 27 3/4" high x 8.5" wide

I've never up-sized on at TT before (have on several trucks), but I don't think there is anything that would impede a little more witdh (no wheel wells),
and 1 3/4" more height may be possible. I'll have to check the TT (at storage lot).

Any thoughts on up-sizing 225 (past 235) to 245 on TT.

Probably will be 235, but trying to consider everything if I can get an E rated 245.

You have to remember your only gaining half of the overall tire height in your wheel well. Also, your tire choices really are limited by your wheel lug pattern, wheither you have 5 lug or 6 lug wheels. If you have 6 lug I would look at maybe going to 16" tires and wheels as I've never heard anyone say oh I think I have too much tire for my trailer. As for my experience, I'm not afraid of ST tires as the 65mph speed limit for them doesn't bother me one bit. I think most people upgrade to LT tires so they can drive faster towing. I upgraded both my 5th wheels from 15" to 16" wheels with Maaxis ST tires.
MartyW
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
Thanks PartyMarty. Prior to this thread I had absolutely no idea that the ST tires were manufactured with so much less testing. And I wonder if many people really realize this. I sure didn't. When I saw how little they were tested and the main fact being that by "trailer" use that in effect sorta meant they were not being certified to haul "humans". That sure amazed me, and I can't thank the folks here enough.
MartyW
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
Thanks goducks10 for your input and will do. It sounds like a super tire with so much reserve capacity and an LT instead of ST to boot.

But we won't be using our TT again until Spring and I was thinking probably better to wait to purchase/swap in the Sprint instead of having them sit outside over the Winter. In a way I'd like to get it done now but it seems to make more sense to wait till Spring.

Now I need to start learning about TPMS systems.
PartyMarty
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
It is refreshing to see that the OP has studied this subject and figured out that the continued recommendation to utilize ST tires is not as good a solution as making the switch to LT rated tires .
Too many posters on this forum seem to " glaze over " with the technical and just plain give up trying to understand that ST tires are made to a lower price point .
ST tires work as long as they are just sitting .
But for hauling trailers in 110 degree temps there is no substitute to swapping out the lighter weight ST tires in favor of the heavier standard LT tires .
goducks10
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
Come back and give us a follow up review. I already have the required rims and would be interested to see how the G26 works for you.
MartyW
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
Many thanks to all who responded on this thread. Your knowledge and expertise is greatly appreciated. And thanks to Lowsuv for recommending the GY G26 Cargo.

The plan is to go with the Goodyear Cargo G26 heavy LT tires at 225/70R15 on the existing wheels fitted with upgraded metal valve stems.

Many thanks again to all,
Marty
MartyW
Explorer
Oct 27, 2014
Great catch goducks10 !!

Yes, the axle would actually only be a half inch lower. Great !!

This morning I spoke with the tech who installed the hitch and he said the 1" would probably be ok without adjustment, and now I feel confident that we'll be ok. That's wonderful...

Many thanks !!

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Which tires to replace original TE 225/75/R15/C

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