FE said " The only Michelin branded tire currently being fitted to any RV trailer axles is a European designed 17.5” LRJ truck tire. It’s being fitted to 8000# axles. That particular tire has a 62 MPH speed restriction as posted in Michelin’s tire data book. I have emailed them numerous times - changing my wording on each occasion - to inquire about the speed restriction. They have never answered me. From the information I have been able to gather the TRA says that tires of that design with speed ratings below 65 MPH CANNOT have their load capacity and air pressure manipulated to gain any higher speeds beyond 62 MPH. Can you substantiate that? "
FE is talking about the Michelin XTA Low Platform Trailer 215/75R17.5 LR-J which is rated by Michelin at 4805# @ 120 with a 62 mph max speed clearly stated on the spec page.
In 2008 or 2009 TRA stopped allowing a speed increase for Truck Bus type tires. As of 2010 there is no such allowance according to the 2010 TRA yearbook on pg 3-04. The manufacturer specified 62 mph max and this published limit is what DOT would run any certification test at so while I think I understand FE's desire to drive faster than 62 he would simply be running above the tire "Red Line". If the trailer mfg is not informing the buyers of that RV of the special speed restrictions I will leave it up to the lawyers to decide if there is any legal action available but I see no technical change is indicated by current standards.
