I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.

Had a set of commercial T/As on a conversion van. Good tire, they wore like iron.

I’ve had very good service from Bridgestone R250’s. They are a tiny bit taller than trailer balloons.

agesilaus wrote:I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.You know the ST225/75R15 LRE provides more load capacity than the LT225/75R16 LRE by about 200# per tire. I don't know why you just don't pick a brand and go up to the LRE 15" tires that probably won't cause you to have to change wheels.The ST225/75R15 designated size can also be found with a LRF which is a steel cased tire. However, it would need wheels that would support the 95 PSI required for full load capacity (3195#) from the LRF.

agesilaus wrote:I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.We did this upgrade on a Jayco 285RLS in 2009. Bought 5 Commercial T/As in 235/85/R16. In 2011 we traded for the Mountaineer, had the tires removed and remounted on it. The spare failed at this time, had never been on the ground. Dealer made it up. In 2013 one of the remaining original tires started to fail. At that time I went with the Bridgestone R250, they ran without issue until last year. When we replaced the BFG's we found the the 1st replacement tire was subject to recall and it was replaced again, and we are using it for a spare, it has never been on the ground. We are now running G637 235/85/R16 Sailuns. Also had 1 215/85/R16 BFG fail do to tread separation on the 05 truck, replaced all 6 with the Bridgestone R500, they were on the truck when it was replaced with the 2018.Michelin XPS Ribs or Bridgestone R238 all steel tires would be best, but not cheap. Commercial T/As, Bridgestone R500, Sailun Terramax HLT, or other non steel tire should give you years of good service.

The old BFG Commercial T/A were replaced several years ago with their upgraded Commercial T/A 2. Other 16" LT E along with jayco's suggestions that their respective mfg has recommended for trailer use are; Cooper Discoverer HT-3 Goodyear Wrangler HT

Recommended 16 inch LT tires for TT | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

Huntindog
Explorer
Feb 23, 2020
I only told you about my Michelins as that is what I have been using... By the time I made the decision to move to LTs, I had more ST failures than I care to remember. I wanted a solution immeadiatly. So I went straight for the best.

Unlike what some have stated, 16" LT tires are available in many levels of good, better, best. Any of them will be an upgrade for you.
I would probably shoot for one with a highway/rib tread style, that fits your wallet... Though as I pointed out, there is a demand for used Michelins with a lot of tread.
Once past he intial outlay the yearly cost isn't that bad.
Dick_B
Explorer
Feb 23, 2020
X2 on the XPS ribs. They are so heavy I can hardly lift one to put on our rear tire holder. Requires 80 psi. Should last a long time.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Feb 23, 2020
agesilaus wrote:
I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.

I'll repost the OP question.
Pay attention to the last part where he asked

"" Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.""
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 23, 2020
Huntindog wrote:
CALandLIN wrote:
agesilaus wrote:
I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.

You know the ST225/75R15 LRE provides more load capacity than the LT225/75R16 LRE by about 200# per tire. I don't know why you just don't pick a brand and go up to the LRE 15" tires that probably won't cause you to have to change wheels.

The ST225/75R15 designated size can also be found with a LRF which is a steel cased tire. However, it would need wheels that would support the 95 PSI required for full load capacity (3195#) from the LRF.

Calvin..... He asked everyone not to go there. His decision has been made. Just because you don't agree... It is not your money.

He gave his opinion just like I did based on his comment about the $200 price for a tire, not to mention lower weight capacity. It's a vs comment, it's a suggestion with a point of safety to go along with it.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 23, 2020
To make it easier on you and still have good solid tires, keep the 15" and get a set of Carlisle HD's. They are a good tire and have a great reputation here among us. LT's are a good option but as your finding out a good set of LT's are expensive, not to mention the need to buy 4-16" rims.
I had the Carlisle HD's and never had an issue. And they have an 81mph speed rating, so there is plenty of cushion. Carlilse did not skimp on theses tires!
Huntindog
Explorer
Feb 23, 2020
CALandLIN wrote:
agesilaus wrote:
I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.

You know the ST225/75R15 LRE provides more load capacity than the LT225/75R16 LRE by about 200# per tire. I don't know why you just don't pick a brand and go up to the LRE 15" tires that probably won't cause you to have to change wheels.

The ST225/75R15 designated size can also be found with a LRF which is a steel cased tire. However, it would need wheels that would support the 95 PSI required for full load capacity (3195#) from the LRF.

Calvin..... He asked everyone not to go there. His decision has been made. Just because you don't agree... It is not your money.
Huntindog
Explorer
Feb 23, 2020
Do you want the best? Michelin XPS RIBS.
A steel cased tire suitable for retreading.
I have been running them since 2006 with no issues.
They are not cheap. Due to my location, I replace them at 5 years. I sell them on Craigs list for 300.00 a set. They sell fast, with the first person buying them every time. That helps defray the yearly cost.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Feb 23, 2020
The old BFG Commercial T/A were replaced several years ago with their upgraded Commercial T/A 2.

Other 16" LT E along with jayco's suggestions that their respective mfg has recommended for trailer use are;

Cooper Discoverer HT-3
Goodyear Wrangler HT
jaycocamprs
Explorer
Feb 23, 2020
agesilaus wrote:
I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.

We did this upgrade on a Jayco 285RLS in 2009. Bought 5 Commercial T/As in 235/85/R16. In 2011 we traded for the Mountaineer, had the tires removed and remounted on it. The spare failed at this time, had never been on the ground. Dealer made it up. In 2013 one of the remaining original tires started to fail. At that time I went with the Bridgestone R250, they ran without issue until last year. When we replaced the BFG's we found the the 1st replacement tire was subject to recall and it was replaced again, and we are using it for a spare, it has never been on the ground. We are now running G637 235/85/R16 Sailuns. Also had 1 215/85/R16 BFG fail do to tread separation on the 05 truck, replaced all 6 with the Bridgestone R500, they were on the truck when it was replaced with the 2018.
Michelin XPS Ribs or Bridgestone R238 all steel tires would be best, but not cheap. Commercial T/As, Bridgestone R500, Sailun Terramax HLT, or other non steel tire should give you years of good service.
CALandLIN
Explorer
Feb 23, 2020
agesilaus wrote:
I'm getting rid of our 15 inch Marathons on our TT and moving to 16in probably LT225/75R16 with new rims. I have people recommend 16 inch Michelin Defenders but those are well over $200 each. I see someone used GR Commercial T/A with good results but someone else suggested asking for ideas. Please don't restart the LT vs ST fight.

You know the ST225/75R15 LRE provides more load capacity than the LT225/75R16 LRE by about 200# per tire. I don't know why you just don't pick a brand and go up to the LRE 15" tires that probably won't cause you to have to change wheels.

The ST225/75R15 designated size can also be found with a LRF which is a steel cased tire. However, it would need wheels that would support the 95 PSI required for full load capacity (3195#) from the LRF.