Slowmover wrote:
ST tires are the problem, not country of origin. Theyre fine for something other than a travel trailer. Speed rating is too low (like running a motor at redline) and against law to use on passenger vehicle. Quality is not inherent. As has been speculated, their recent invention means longer productive life on worn tire making machinery.
Spend a little more and upgrade to LT.
Good point on country of origin and speed ratings.
We had the same issues with ST tire when they were all made in the USA by our major tire makers.... many years before china tires started showing up at tire dealers or on our trailers.
This from the 5th wheel forum dated 9-22-09 by SeniorGNC that puts some real facts out here instead of PR hype from a tire chain store or a ST tire maker. Tire
clicky link Highlights were; Testing per the FMVSS in several categories shows ;
The testing for each tire is comprised of (1) bead unseating resistance, (2) strength, (3) endurance, and (4) high speed performance.
1. The testing for bead unseating resistance is identical for a ST and LT tire.
2.The testing for strength is identical for a ST and LT tire.
3.The difference in endurance testing between a ST and LT tire is significant. Both tires are tested through a equivalent loading/time profile. However, the LT tire is tested at this profile at a higher speed (75 vs. 50 mph) and must still endure an additional 2 hour low pressure test without failure. Thus the overall test for the LT is far more rigorous than the ST test.
4.The difference in high speed performance testing between a ST and LT tire is significant. Both tires are tested through a speed/time profile. The ST tire is tested 88% of rated load while the LT tire is tested at 85% of rated load. Thus, the loading is 3% higher based on rated load and this slight advantage goes to the ST tire. However, the LT tire is tested at significantly higher velocities (nearly 100 mph!) when compared to a ST tire. This is a 16% advantage to the LT tire. Thus, again the overall test for the LT is more rigorous than the ST test.
SeniorGNC did a good job of researching the many websites and all the FMVSS testing specs involved between the ST and LT.