Forum Discussion
Chris3
Feb 23, 2012Explorer
Tireman9 wrote:FastEagle wrote:ExRocketScientist wrote:
I think you missed what I am asking. I am not asking for the information that is on the sidewall of the LT tire. I am asking if you made an ST tire the same dimensions and inflation pressure as a particular LT tire, what would the max load rating be on its sidewall. Because of the difference in K factor, we know it is a higher number than what is on the sidewall of the LT tire. But instead of qualifying it, I am asking that it be quatified for about a dozen popular LT tire sizes.
Why not start with real world figures.
LT235/85R16E - real world: 3042# @ 80 psi.
ST235/85R16E - real world: 3640# @ 80 psi.
Although the sizes look just alike (except for the prefix) they differ in many ways. Let's get someone to explain why the great difference in load capacities. That's what this thread is about.
FE
Two significant differences.
Tread depth is less with ST tires. That allows them to run cooler at same speed, load & inflation
ST have a speed restriction of 65 vs 85, 99 or faster for LT tires.
It is fact that max operating temperature is the main controller of a tire's durability.
ERS will probably agree that if you say you need to hold max operating temperature constant when you vary speed, load and tread depth when you increase one or more of these three the others must be lowered.
tireman9, load both to their Max and the ST will run hotter because of the larger foot print and additional fixing, resulting in a short life. That is the major issue with ST tires, short life! Chris
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