B.F.Goodrich says NO to LT tires

oops on the key board....

Airstreamer67 wrote:
I'm ready to replace my Maxxis STs that are date coded 2005. I've had a couple of flats on them through the years, which I fixed with plugs. No problems. But I think I see signs that one tire may have the beginnings of tread separation, and I guess after seven years of use they've earned retirement.

I'm planning to replace them with Maxxis STs. They've proven their value to me.

I've used passenger tires and truck tires on trailers without issue. I'm not sure any of it matters as long as they are not abused and are used within their design limits.

Remember, when using LTs and Ps on trailers, they should be derated by about 10% according to the tire & rubber trade association.

JIMNLIN got it covered but proper acronym is TRA for Tire & Rim Association.

airstream wrote:
Remember, when using LTs and Ps on trailers, they should be derated by about 10% according to the tire & rubber trade association.

LT tires have no reduced capacity requirements. Only the P tire.

RMA

Passenger tire loadcarrying
capacity must be reduced by dividing by
1.10 for light truck applications. For example:
P235/75R15 which has a maximum load capacity for
passenger vehicle application = 2028 lbs. For a light
truck application, using the formula, the maximum
load capacity would be 2028 / 1.10 = 1844 lbs.



NHTSA
FMVSS 571.110
S4.2.2.2 When passenger car tires are installed on an MPV, truck, bus, or trailer, each tire's load rating is reduced by dividing it by 1.10 before determining, under S4.2.2.1, the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to an axle.

FastEagle wrote:

Ron3rd wrote:
A few years ago I saw some really NICE Carriage Domani 5th wheels at an RV show and they all had LT tires on them from the factory.

If you had looked closer you may have seen they were 20" tires.

FE

Actually the 20" tires were a optional P285/50/20R Goodyear Fortena on 5.2k axles and they came with a special chrome mag wheel from American Racing (8 lug 20 X 10" rim). tire and wheel size/type is a direct quote from a member on IRV2 website thread. He was looking for a replacement tire.

So much for asking any RV trailer manufacturer what type or size tire to use. Hell when they put a 20" P tire on a 11k-12k 5th wheel trailer or a cheap ST tire why would anyone other than a newby bother asking for their input on tire selection.

Looks like the OP caught a good mess.

Email them back and ask if its ok to put ST tires on the truck.

I'm ready to replace my Maxxis STs that are date coded 2005. I've had a couple of flats on them through the years, which I fixed with plugs. No problems. But I think I see signs that one tire may have the beginnings of tread separation, and I guess after seven years of use they've earned retirement.

I'm planning to replace them with Maxxis STs. They've proven their value to me.

I've used passenger tires and truck tires on trailers without issue. I'm not sure any of it matters as long as they are not abused and are used within their design limits.

Remember, when using LTs and Ps on trailers, they should be derated by about 10% according to the tire & rubber trade association.

FastEagle wrote:

dbbls wrote:
It is clear that the Goodrich response was written by a lawyer.

That probably has a lot to do with it. However, Special Trailer tires (ST) are specifically designed for trailer axle service. Light Truck tires (LT) are specifically designed for the rigorous service required for the drive and steer axles on light trucks.

The vehicle manufacturer has the sole responsibility for the selection of tires/rims for the vehicles they manufacturer. Tire manufacturers build tires to specifications needed by the vehicle builder. They are not in the business of second guessing the authority of the vehicle manufacturer.

The RV trailer manufacturer has the option of providing a list of optional tires/rims for the trailers they build. Seldom, do any of them, exercise that option. So what you have on your RV trailer’s certification label is the minimum requirement set by the vehicle manufacturer. Increasing load capacity (if available) with the same size tire is the first best option. Brands are a personal choice.

There are correct ways to ask for things just as there are incorrect ways to ask for the same thing. To avoid replacement tire misapplications you have to use the correct way. That is to provide the retailer with all information about your Original Equipment tires (OE). In other words, provide them with the information found on your trailer’s certification label.

The best way to get replacement tires of a design different from the OE tires is to get the trailer’s manufacturer to give you a letter of authorization for a change in tire design. They may give you a recommendation for an equal or larger sized tire of another design that has equal or more load capacity than the OE tires.

FastEagle

Well then I guess I am ok to put LT's back on my RV as that is what Montana put on it when manufactured. They have served very well in the last 9 1/2 years. Go figure. For me I am not worried. Happy travels.

Terryallan wrote:
IF you go Goodyear. Go ahead and cut holes in them. It will save time

I will second that one. Just blew out a 3 yr old Goodyear Marathon on the first leg of a couple thousand mile trip. Had four new tires put on because I didn't want to deal with another issue. The guy at the tire place asks me if I want the tires balanced because th other ones were not. Grrrrr. You would think someone...either Keystone, or the dealer would have done that, prior to us buying the camper.

Ron3rd wrote:
A few years ago I saw some really NICE Carriage Domani 5th wheels at an RV show and they all had LT tires on them from the factory.

If you had looked closer you may have seen they were 20" tires.

FE

I agree with others pointing out the liability issues created by the email sent to bfg. There is no way for them to come back and disagree with the recommended tires from a vehicle/ trailer manufacturer.

In my real world experience LT tires far exceed the capabilities of ST tires. First 1000 miles in our trailer on ST tires = 2 blowouts. Last 10000 miles and 3 years on LT = 0 blowouts or failures plus bfg warrantied my commercial tas into Duravis R250s.