Forum Discussion
Chris3
Mar 31, 2012Explorer
Tireman9 wrote:Chris wrote:
Tireman9, the couple across from us came home from the Good Sam rally with a new Landmark. Credit goes out to Heartland, it was delivered with GY G614's. Carriage is gone now, however they were pushing out similar 5ers on Duro ST tires. Keystone one of the largest manufactures seems bent on staying the coarse on Marathon ST tires. Most of these trailers come with GAWRings that are right at the tire ratings, and most of these trailers are bought to "see America"! So here we are with thread after thread about tire problems.
The premise that oversizing an ST tire regarding weight capacity is an universal answer does not completely resolve the problems. One is still traveling on a light weight tire that is to easily damage by road hazards.
There is a reason commercial grade tires are more or less over built in comparison to other tires. We have identified these entries numerous times, so I will not repeat them again. The do come in 16" E's and G's and 17.5" H's and J's. I wise consumer will seek them out and pay the extra to be on the best. The not so wise will continue to post about their failed tires! Or in some cases clam up and not omit that they should have bought better tires. Chris
Don't forget that the 17.5 commercial tires have a lower speed limit of 62 which is one reason they are rated at higher load than the ST which are limited to 65 which in turn have a speed limit of 65 which is lower than the LT type tires.
Speed is one of the items that affects a tires level of heat generation. Tread depth is another and of course deflection which is controlled by load & inflation.
There is no "free Lunch" just a bunch of trade offs. Damage is cumulative (read my blog post on why a tire is like potato salad) and the closer to the speed, deflection limit the more heat is generated which in turn consumes the finite life of a tire.
Roger that is correct for the Michelin at 100km. Which is a hold over from European origins. The Goodyear G114 and others are rated to 75 MPH. BTW Michelin rates its 16" commercial highway tire at 75mph for RV use.
Here is a little example of the quality of commercial grade tires. We left the cold wet NW on Nov 4th with 71 lbs inflation in our trailer tires. Yesterday morning I checked them early getting ready to head home. They averaged 73.5 to 74.5 lbs inflation. Try that with a cheap tire. Chris
About Technical Issues
Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,208 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 25, 2025