Maxxis Trailer Tires-why so much better?

OK.. looks like we've once again degenerated a Maxxis thread into name calling and general nastiness. I let this one run despite the history.. won't do that again. Thread closed and any other Maxxis threads will just be deleted immediately.

:R

Yes, I was one that got "approval" from Conti to use Vanco2 on a travel trailer. I'm not going to re-hash that same argument over and over in every tire thread though.

Let's just say Jack and I have agreed to disagree with each others opinions on a few of these issues. In general, I agree more often with Jack than I disagree. As the saying goes, honest men can disagree. I respect his opinions, and he and I occasionally have lively discussions via PM's.

I fall back to my standard position on this whole ST vs LT debate. That is, if a person wants to run ST, then go for it. If a person wants to use LT, I suggest they do loads of homework on the whole issue, and then come to their own conclusions as to what would work best for their application. Your mileage....and tires....may vary.

Party Marty

I stand by my statements about the Vanco line of tires...

instead of repeating others, can you provide me with valid and official information to the contrary…



Dear John,

Web Inquiry: xxxxxxxx

Thank you for contacting Customer Relations at Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

We no longer manufacture ST tires, and ((the Vanco line is not a suitable alternative)).
We would recommend searching for a dedicated ST tire line.

XXXXXX XXXXXXX
Head of International Warranty
Central Customer Service

Tire Division
Continental

And this information taken directly from the Continental tire website and catalog about the commercial Vanco tire line… it’s not something I am saying or made up…

1 - “The growing demand for short-distance transport of passengers and goods
also leads to increased requirements so that the performance of modern day
((vans)) nears that of passenger car.”

2 - “The concept of the VancoTM Camper is to use long well-proven Vanco
technique, optimize its performance for distinguished ((motorcaravan))
requirements and thus ((cater to the needs of this specific target use)).”

3 - “The Continental Vanco Camper tyres are part of Continental’s Vanco tyre
range that comprises ((tyres exclusively for vans)).”

I have asked, Can anyone post any information from their website or official documentation stating differently???

No where do they recommend or endorse them for trailer use, period…

Well can you???

Have you read their material??? Or just repeat things you heard???


IMPORTANT:

When speaking about warranties, e-mails do not make a warranty…
The warranties all include things like,

“No representative, employee or retailer has the authority to make or imply
any representation, promise or agreement, which in any way varies the terms of
this warranty. “

JJBIRISH wrote:
Changing to LT tires is outside the scope of the op thread… but I will say while those that have made the change are convinced and happy with their choice…

I still fail to find many manufactures jumping on this band wagon… including Michelin…

QUESTION:

I want to put Michelin LT tires of sufficient size and load capacity on my trailer but I am concerned about some of the warranty language…

Can I use properly size and rated Michelin LT tires on my trailer???

Thank you for your time in this matter…

ANSWER:

Most trailer tires are ST type tires that carry more weight and are designed for trailers.
If the trailer maker specifies an ST type tire then using an LT type tire would be a misapplication and would void the warranty.

If the trailer maker specifies an LT type tire would be approved then and only then would the LT tire be used.

If you have other questions or concerns feel free to give us a call at the number listed below.
We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.

Depending on ones agenda a loaded question on direct tire replacement backs an tire mfg into the liability corner as has been explained many times or if ones agenda is finding which tire any tire maker recommends for a trailer simply do as this guy did with his question and answer from Michelin.

Answer from Michelin;

Michelin responce

Posted: 12/14/12 12:14am Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator
I sent an email to Michelin for a response regarding using Michelin XPS ribs on my 5th wheel. Here is the question and their response:

Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Due to recent high email volume and some technical issues that we have experienced, please accept our apology for the delay in this response. Your interest in Michelin is certainly appreciated.


In regards to the email you sent stating:
I have a 2006 Montana 5th wheel Trailer that has two 6,000 lb Dexter axles and 4 deluxe aluminum Rims each rated at 3,042 lbs. I would like to install your Michelin XPS® Rib™ LT235/85 R16/E's on this 5th wheel. Will the tires be fully waranteed in this application?

Answer..---------------------------------------------------------------------
We appreciate your request for information regarding the Michelin XPS Rib. The XPS Rib, size LT235/85R16/E, part number 13080 would be a good fitment for your 5th wheel. The tire carries 3042Lbs at 80-psi max pressure. For best pressure recommendation, run at maximum pressure until you can weigh your axles either call or reply to this email for a pressure recommendation.
It is a good application, so there are no warranty issues. Your tires are covered under applicable warranty.
We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.

It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-642-4354 (toll free) between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 8:30AM and 4:30PM Eastern Time on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Diana
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert

PS: It's important that you get all the safety-related materials that come with the purchase of new Michelin passenger and light truck tires. If you did not receive a warranty book, you can download one at www.michelin.com/warranty/. If you did not register your tires, please take a moment to do so at www.michelin.com. Registering your tires is easy and takes just a minute.

Just curious why we never see Maxxis tires on brand new TT's or 5'ers? Certainly if they were all that much better it would seem to be a better selling point.

Not sure what they are putting on now, but our '05 Jayco Eagle TT came standard with Maxxis tires. We replaced them 6-7 years later when they were aging out with exact same. Discount Tire had to order them -- they arrived from Maxxis in individually sealed boxes.

Our TT tires age out before wearing out since we don't travel all that far - hope to change that when retirement comes.

Had Carlisle on the '02 Rockwood Hybrid. One tire failed in year three, ripping through wheel well. My TT was (and is) insured with USAA -- claims adjuster called it “Manufacturer defect.” One call to USAA got Carlisle to pay me my $3k repair bill/claim.

jadatis wrote:
You are writing , when I understand it right that the D-load tires you have now are ST and the new Maxis are E-load LT tires.
ST tires are calculated in their maximum load for more deflection and I once compared almost same sises LT and ST and ST had 15% more maximum load then LT.
So probably the maximum load of the E-load LT are probably the same given as the D-load ST tires.
Best is to give a ST tire the same deflection as an LT would have , its saver and your tires last longer. Comfort and gripp are alright still.

/Dont have the time now but will google your tires for the maximum load, and fill it in my motorhome or trailer calculator to see what pressure advice it gives, but first you have to confirm if I am right.
Or better give me the maximum loads, pressures needed for that I already know, 65psi for D-load/8PR and 80 psi for E-load/10PR.

I didn't say that, the Maxxis tires are all ST trailer tires. However converting to larger wheels and going to 16" LT tires is also being discussed.

My 2014 trailer didn't even make it home with the original tires (TowMax or whatever) I had the dealer switch all 5 of the junky tires out before I ever traveled a mile. I didn't want an inferior tire on my trailer and that's what I believe TowMax to be.

That makes me a Maxxis FanGirl I guess!

WoodGlue

jadatis wrote:
You are writing , when I understand it right that the D-load tires you have now are ST and the new Maxis are E-load LT tires......snip

Nope. Sorry. The Maxxis E load rated tire is not a LT tire.

You are writing , when I understand it right that the D-load tires you have now are ST and the new Maxis are E-load LT tires.
ST tires are calculated in their maximum load for more deflection and I once compared almost same sises LT and ST and ST had 15% more maximum load then LT.
So probably the maximum load of the E-load LT are probably the same given as the D-load ST tires.
Best is to give a ST tire the same deflection as an LT would have , its saver and your tires last longer. Comfort and gripp are alright still.

/Dont have the time now but will google your tires for the maximum load, and fill it in my motorhome or trailer calculator to see what pressure advice it gives, but first you have to confirm if I am right.
Or better give me the maximum loads, pressures needed for that I already know, 65psi for D-load/8PR and 80 psi for E-load/10PR.

Maxxis ST better? Hope so because I drank the Kool-Aid and bought 4 new ones for my TT! Better than what? Original TT tires were those catastrophic Duro "bombs" that ran absolutely trouble free for 17+K miles in 3yrs, 3 mos of travel. The Duros were 3 yrs, 8 mos. old when replaced and had 4/32 tread left. Hoping the Maxxis do as well as the Duros and I intend to do my part with continued good maintenance and good driving habits. Where does "flat" out good luck fit into this picture?
DB2