LT tires on TT

bobsbbq wrote:
Anyone considering to use Khumo 14" load range D tires just make sure you have the clearance for them. I wanted to use these but I did not have clearance for them. They are a European size and are taller than a standard 205 75R 14. They are labeled 205 R14 but they are actually closer to a 80 than a 75 series tire. And the 195 R14 are not easy to find. I ended up ordering Maxxis ST tires which came on my trailer.

Bob makes a good point about the fact the Kumho 857 is a taller profile tire ( 82 series ) so choosing a 205-14 as compared to a 205/75-14, results in a taller tire. I posted the following in another thread regarding this:

"In my case, on this trailer ( funfinder ) I have absolutely zero added clearance to go to a larger diameter tire, so I was limited to staying with something same diameter as OE fitment. Also, in my case, the change from OE ST load range C, was 1760 pounds at 50 psi, to these Kumho tires as load range D, 1874 pounds. So I was happy that I went up in load capacity, and was able to stay at essentially the same diameter ( 25.6" )."

Also, for those who may want to buy these tires online, tirerack sells all three sizes that are marketed in the USA ( 184-14, 195-14 and 205-14 . I would guess there are other online or dealer sources also, but I have not checked.

Lowsuv wrote:


In practical real world solution I think a Goodyear G26 Cargo tire in a size of 225/70R15 is probably as good as available on a 15 inch wheel . The ST graded 225/75R15D " Marathon " RV tire has a higher sidewall rating.

Does this mean that you do not consider a Goodyear Cargo G26 size 225/70R15 to NOT be a suitable replacement ?
Yes ? No ? Maybe ?

It is not a suitable replacement for any Original Equipment tire that is ST.

FE

Lowsuv wrote:


The ST tire is placarded " for trailer use only "

No disclaimer for the LT tire .

"Light truck (LT) tire means a tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles."

That is the DOT official definition for Lighr Truck tires.

FE

MrVan wrote:
No matter how much we bloviate the bottom line is LT tires have a much lower reported failure rate on heavy trailers (Load Range E) than ST Tires.

Just reading back over the many posts in this thread.

I’ve been researching RV trailer tires for more than eight years. I belong to just about every RV trailer forum that will let me join.

Back in the LT heyday years (2004-2006) a number of RV trailer manufacturers were using LT tires on 6000# axles. When reading tire threads in forums from those that had the Original Equipment LT tires you will find just as much displeasure with them as with ST tires in other forums.

Here in the NuWa Owner's Forum you can use the search function for Uniroyal tires. “Blowouts” were just as common for the Uniroyal LT tires as the GY ST Marathons in other forums.

None of the tires used - any design - with minimal load capacity reserves were ever very successful. Take it or leave it. Overloading, speeding, and under inflation quickly kills RV trailer tires, especially when they are already being operated close to the bone.

FastEagle

MrVan wrote:
No matter how much we bloviate the bottom line is LT tires have a much lower reported failure rate on heavy trailers (Load Range E) than ST Tires.

Just reading back over the many posts in this thread.

I’ve been researching RV trailer tires for more than eight years. I belong to just about every RV trailer forum that will let me join.

Back in the LT heyday years (2004-2006) a number of RV trailer manufacturers were using LT tires on 6000# axles. When reading tire threads in forums from those that had the Original Equipment LT tires you will find just as much displeasure with them as with ST tires in other forums.

Here in the NuWa Owner's Forum you can use the search function for Uniroyal tires. “Blowouts” were just as common for the Uniroyal LT tires as the GY ST Marathons in other forums.

None of the tires used - any design - with minimal load capacity reserves were ever very successful. Take it or leave it. Overloading, speeding, and under inflation quickly kills RV trailer tires, especially when they are already being operated close to the bone.

FastEagle

I don't read the red ink...........

RandACampin wrote:

The "junk" comes from the haters like you, kieth

First of all, you could at least spell my name correctly!

Second,if you are going to define me as a hater, then tell me what it is that I hate.

I have no problem with the use of ST tires when they are used within their capability to survive. 14 inch tires were the norm back when they were designed and for the most part work just fine at that size and smaller. However the norm now is 15" and even more 16" tires. At those sizes the ST tire seems to have problems. Is it that the design does not hold up when made in those sizes? Is it really poor manufacturing overseas? Is it the owners fault as many say? No one really seems to have the answer.

The problem is those who relentlessly push and bully folks into thinking that ST's are their only choice. Think outside the box here, there may just be a better choice. Laws are written mostly by lawyers who are out to protect big business from them selves. Liability lawyers make a very good living working for big manufacturing companies. Once it gets down to our level, we are pretty much on our own to figure out the real truth.

Keith - correct spelling

I would like to ask a question. How many people have modified their truck? Chips? How many people have put LT tires on a 1/2 ton truck when the tire placard on the door lists the size in 'P'? Or gone up in tire size? Truck/Car manufactures recommend genuine 'GM', 'Ford', 'Dodge' or Toyota parts and yet we use other brands.
Most of us want the best for our vehicle/trailer with what our wallet can afford. Companies want to maximize profits and that means, at times, just meeting specs. Governments low bid and so do companies of all sorts. How many use a full synthetic engine oil when it is not necessary? Why? Because we think it is better. The same for putting LT tires on a trailer. Why? Because some think it is better. Is it? I am inclined to think so as long as it meets or exceeds the load specs. I have yet to see anything posted anywhere over the years that makes me change my mind.
I have been in the automotive business (mechanic) for almost 40 years and I sure don't believe everything a vehicle manufacturer tells me, just like I don't believe everything the government tells me. Remember the Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle a decade and a half ago? Both companies pointed fingers at one another.
Another example: A few years ago a tire company recommended to police officers and fleet mechanics that the police tires be inflated to 52 psi on the Crown Vic patrol vehicles. We tried it and the reports from the police was almost immediate. No traction. Lowered the pressure and problem fixed.
That being said, I recently upgraded my tires from ST205/75/14 to ST205/15/15 'D' Maxxis. I really wanted use Goodyear HT LT215/75/15 but I was concerned about availability on the road. ST205/75/15 tires are available most everywhere. I judged that going up in load range and using Maxxis was a considerable improvement over what I had. That is the bottom line - improvement and peace of mind.

Anyone considering to use Khumo 14" load range D tires just make sure you have the clearance for them. I wanted to use these but I did not have clearance for them. They are a European size and are taller than a standard 205 75R 14. They are labeled 205 R14 but they are actually closer to a 80 than a 75 series tire. And the 195 R14 are not easy to find. I ended up ordering Maxxis ST tires which came on my trailer.

FastEagle wrote:

That's the same thing you posted on the current tire thread on the fifth wheel forum. Why do you enter and read them? You contribute nothing (good or bad). Your rig doesn't even use LT or ST tires.

FastEagle

Seriously?!! Because I currently own a Motor Coach, I can't comment on TT tires or posters arguing like children?!!

You have a 5er and this is a TT forum, by your standards you should not be here on the TT forum either.

For those interested, I have had 3 5ers and 2 TT's along the way. Most came with low quality ST tires that proved to be a problem. Eventually, I learned to switch to a much better LT tire and had no more tire problems.

Oh, and don't forget to tell everyone just how many ST,s you've been through on your current 5er. Was it 23 or have you had to buy more tires since your last count? It must be easier with that special price you get for your undying support for their inferior product. How do you spell "Internet Shill"?!!!

Face the facts, tire companies can build a tire that can survive anything if you are willing to pay the price. Unfortunately, ST's are on the bottom of the line for OE application to keep the costs down and the profits up.

Keith