LT Tire vs ST Tire
I assumed I wanted ST Tires for my camper and some people are telling me to go with LT Tires. Now I'm confused, and guess I shouldn't assume.
Forum Discussion
I've read a couple of threads about this question. It feels more like the sort of forum "debates" that are all over the web. The only facts I can glean from this discussion are:
1. ST tires are designed and built for trailers (not saying anything about quality, but just that ST's intended use is for a towed vehicle).
2. LT tires, by definition, are required to have very good traction and turning ability. In addition, the load ratings for LT tires vary as do the load capacity of the vehicle.
3. (not mentioned specifically)TT's are towed millions of miles a year with no startling frequency of tire failures. No evidence has been provided that any type of tire fails more or less often than another for this use.
People who have no problems with their tires are hardly motivated to post to forums expressing that. I, for one, expect my tires to perform. The number of people who post here is tiny compared to the RV population as a whole. On a typical weekend trip, I see more TT's on the road than the total number of people currently posting. We all do.
What's the point? Simply that we represent a tiny fraction of people towing stuff. All of the evidence posted is anecdotal; either personal experience or interpretation of standards not meant to be used as comparisons between different uses.
While cost is critical to trailer manufacturers, saleability trumps cost saving every time. Sure, there are "better" tires than the ones that came on our TT's. However, no reputable testing organization has objectively tested ST tires and issued a quality comparison (Consumer Reports where are you?). Definitely, there is no objective evidence that LT tires are better for towed vehicles. There is also no evidence they are worse.
It's all opinion.
1. ST tires are designed and built for trailers (not saying anything about quality, but just that ST's intended use is for a towed vehicle).
2. LT tires, by definition, are required to have very good traction and turning ability. In addition, the load ratings for LT tires vary as do the load capacity of the vehicle.
3. (not mentioned specifically)TT's are towed millions of miles a year with no startling frequency of tire failures. No evidence has been provided that any type of tire fails more or less often than another for this use.
People who have no problems with their tires are hardly motivated to post to forums expressing that. I, for one, expect my tires to perform. The number of people who post here is tiny compared to the RV population as a whole. On a typical weekend trip, I see more TT's on the road than the total number of people currently posting. We all do.
What's the point? Simply that we represent a tiny fraction of people towing stuff. All of the evidence posted is anecdotal; either personal experience or interpretation of standards not meant to be used as comparisons between different uses.
While cost is critical to trailer manufacturers, saleability trumps cost saving every time. Sure, there are "better" tires than the ones that came on our TT's. However, no reputable testing organization has objectively tested ST tires and issued a quality comparison (Consumer Reports where are you?). Definitely, there is no objective evidence that LT tires are better for towed vehicles. There is also no evidence they are worse.
It's all opinion.
