CapriRacer wrote:
I started this thread with the idea of discussing what can be done to improve the situation with the failure of ST tires. My Recommendation? Use tires with larger load carrying capacity. I even developed a simple to use guide that outlines everything that is needed to implement my recomendations:
Barry's Tire Tech - ST Tires
Everyone should be well aware of where I am coming from - I'm a tire engineer, currently employed by a major tire manufacturer. There are things I can not discuss - certain questions I can not answer - because I enjoy my job and I don't want to jeopardize it.
I hope everyone has noticed that I've never once mentioned a particular tire brand. I've talked in general terms. I've discussed the difference between ST tires and LT tires from an engineering perspective - both how they are designed, and how they are used.
I find it very disturbing that this thread would be used to attack any particular poster. There is no reason to do this. I have seen absolutely nothing to warrant such an attack.
I see no brand names being promoted. I see no retailers being promoted. All I see is an honest assessment that when it comes to ST tires, there is a quagmire. There doesn't appear to be a brand of ST tire that performs. You just can not simply replace an ST tire with another type of tire - like an LT - without creating other difficulties. There's the fact that ST tires come in 13", 14", 15" and 16" - and there isn't a "One size fits all" approach that works - a fact that seems to be ignored.
I am requesting that the personal attacks stop.
I agree that there is not a one size fits all approach. For each axle weight rating/OE tire and wheel combination, there is a solution for that combination. For those with 13" and 14" wheels, the solutions often involve getting the next size larger wheel and putting the appropriate ST tires on. For those with 15" wheels, it is often getting 16" wheels and putting LT tires on. For those with 16" wheels already -- it can be difficult. For the 7K axles and above, the 17.5 inch wheel and medium truck tire solution often works. The one that is real difficult is the 6K axle. If the wheels will handle it, the G614 works. If the wheels won't handle the pressures of the G614, it becomes more difficult. If the GVWR is above about 12.5K, perhaps the 17.5 inch upgrade, or new wheels and the G614 is a good solution. For a GVWR of less than 12.5K, the XPS Rib/Duravis R250 -- although controversial -- has proven itself in the real world. But even with those who have used this solution, I will see them tell the person with the 14K GVWR that the Rib/R250 solution is not for them. So there are people here who put some thought into this before they start typing so that they don't recommend something that is potentially dangerous.
