The China-Bomb debate Put to rest

First of all, to the OP - this subject is not nor ever will be put to rest - or at least not by any declaration here or any other RV forum. Secondly, much of the information presented is anecdotal, hearsay or just plain wrong. Am I an expert - not a chance. Do I like 'China Bombs'? No, there is just too much evidence, real and again, anecdotal, that there are manufacturing shortcuts, hence failures on these very lightly made, soft sidewall tires. Is my 'evidence' supported by real fact? Nope, not really except that ST tires have a super soft sidewall and even the tread area is soft and not very resistant to outside contributing sources of failures. Yes, I have physically 'tested' a heavy, 50 pound LT (Michelin) next to a 35 pound ST (Tow Max), both 235/85-16 side by side. Do I drive fast - not really though I do travel at 70 or so when on Western high limit Interstates just to kinda keep up with traffic. It's also often in the 90+ degree range West of the Mississippi. For sure I couldn't do that with an ST tire as they build to 130 degrees and often over 100psig on our 12,000 pound, 38 foot 5th wheel. The LTs - well they seldom get more then a few degrees higher then ambient and have never gone beyond 90psig build up, all temp and pressure numbers as measured by my TST TPMS. As far as 'top' speed - those current LTs on the trailer are fine to 106mph, the same as my truck. I'll never drive that speed, but it sure is nice to have that speed cushion. Then when all is said, there are those that like the TBC importer's Chinese Sailun, G rated tire which is overkill for most trailers - but they do seem to survive if you have wheels that will handle 110psig.

All of this - it's what you are comfortable using. If you tow many thousands of miles, any low end Chinese made OEM tires may not give you that warm feeling. If you tow fifty to hundred miles a few times a year, or use your RV at a seasonal CG as many do, those 'Bombs' will probably serve you well.