FastEagle wrote:
No matter who starts and sets some discussion guidelines for a thread such as this it is doomed from the start. The brand loyal and design loyal posters are mostly firmly set in their beliefs and only solid well presented information that the everyday user can rely upon to get them from point A to point B safely will be successful. Everything else is just a lot of talk.
Try taking information found in this thread to your local tire retailer and convince them that it’s authentic. They may ask you if your source represents the interests of the vehicle manufacturer or particular tire manufacturer. Most well established retailers are only going to follow the SOP of the tire manufacturers they represent. And, they will keep on the good side of their legal counsel by following the existing government regulations for fitment and safety.
There is a lot of confidential information about tires that none of the posters are at liberty to reveal. Actually, being on a particular tire manufacturers payroll and having direct access to confidential materials information may be the only way to have that information. Anybody can go out and get a durometer and measure the hardness of their tire treads. And the answer is? You know how hard they are but NOT their composition.
FastEagle
p.s. I went to a local RV show yesterday. It was a disappointing experience when checking some of the RV trailer specs and then looking at the OE tires. I found that a large dual axle fiver with 6750# (GAWR) axles listed on the certification label was fitted with ST235/80R16E tires rated at 3420# @ 80 psi. That particular trailer had a basement so large it looked like a Smart Car would fit in it.
Travel trailer tire fitment wasn’t much better. I found Certified GAWR 4000# axles fitted with ST205/75R15D tires rated at 2150# @ 65 psi.
FE didn't ask a question but if he asked what would be an acceptable alternative....
I find no acceptable alternative ST type tire except possibly an ST235/85R16 LR-F run at 85 psi assuming he can find a rim rated for the 95 psi 3520# load that matches the tire. But he would still be speed limited. I find a LT285/75R16 LR-E size in the tables but the tires I find are traction type which would not be suitable for trailer application. So his only easy option if he stays with the OE tires is to be sure he is lightly loaded (below 3360 on the heaviest loaded tire) and never exceed 65 mph or run less than 80 psi cold. He might be OK.
Clear enough answer?
