The new ST tires. Fact or fiction (marketing)

Huntindog wrote:

DinTulsa wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

rbpru wrote:
As always the profound lack of understanding of the ST tire raises its head.

The ST was designed; with stiffer side walls, with UV resistant compounds, with a tread designed for straight pull and less rolling resistance and a service speed of 65 mph.

The were and still are designed for trailer use. Horse trailers, utility trailer, travel trailers and about any other type trailer you pull down the road. That has been their intended use decades as they were the replacement for the "P" type tire used previously.

For several years there was a controversy because the tire manufacturers switched to far-east production and suffered a loss quality control. That issue seems to have past and there was never any negative reports by the DOT. That does not keep folks from complaining and blaming every tire failure on foreign manufacturing.

Once again the industry has recognized a need for an improved tire and manufactures are responding.

Rest assured that once manufacturing is perfected they too will be built by cheaper labor.

No lack of understanding here. And I never once blamed the country of origin. In fact on the many sets of ST tires I owned I never even looked to see where they were made. I just don't think that is a problem.

But the ST tire did not come about to replace the "p" tires which were NOT commonly used in trailer service.

Rather they were to replace more expensive LT tires.

This is a quote used by many in the industry
" The ST tire is an affordable tire solution for your trailering needs"

Sounds good doesn't it?
Note what it doesn't say.
That it is a better tire than the LTs that were used before.

Said another way; " The ST tire is a cheaper tire that is good enough for trailer use"

This is a far more accurate statement.
All of the so called benefits of the ST tires are not tested for in the govt. regs.
In fact the ST vs LT tire testing standards are/were vastly different. The LT must past far more stringent tests over all.
As for the special needs of trailer tires.. There is only one test that could apply to that. the bead unseating force. Those tests are identical for both STs and LTs.

I particularly like the shallower tread for cooler running of ST tires claim. That is a joke. First off, heat is not a big problem as trailer tires spend most all of their time simply rolling down the road following the TVs tires which do most of the work.
Next it is common knowledge in the tire world that shallow tread means less puncture resistance, and less traction (more hydroplaning) What shallow tread DOES mean to the manufacturer is less rubber used in the tire, and a cheaper cost. Then there is the claim that fewer plies with thicker cords are used for the same reasons... It is also cheaper to make it using this method.
Of course saying it that way would not sound good when one is trying to sell a tire. So a positive spin is put on it. Also known as marketing.

This works for many as most trailer tires age out far before the tread wears out. And most consumers are really sensitive to cost.
They simply cannot justify paying LT prices for a TT tire that only gets used 2-3 times a year for far less than a 1000 miles a year, and doesn't carry passengers. Vs. their TV tires which are used everyday for tens of thousands of miles a year and do carry people.

So if a cheaper ST tire meets your needs, it is perfectly legal to use them on your trailer. It is also perfectly legal to use LTs on your trailer.
However it is NOT legal to use ST tires on your TV!!
That fact alone speaks volumes.

You have spent a lot of time on this thread just listening to yourself talk. I don't think anyone is really disagreeing with you on the fact that LT are built to a better standard than ST tires. But, take my situation for example. I'm leaving in a week on a 2000 mile trip, I need new tires today. I don't have time for a trailer shop to move my axles out to fit 16' tires, 15" LT's won't carry the weight of my rv. Not only that, the cost to move my axles, new 16" wheels and 1000+ dollars for LT tires make the transition cost prohibitive. I plan to keep my rv for 8-9 more years prior to upgrading to a 5th wheel. I can buy a new set of Endurance\Maxxis or Carlisle HD tires every 3 years until I upgrade my trailer and still be under the cost of the one time LT tire upgrade. Not only that, I will have to buy another set of LT tires after 5-6 years, unless LT tires are not subject to age. I figure you will argue and say that Endurance\Maxxis or Carlisle HD tires won't last 3 years due to being ST tires and being new, but there is a proven track record on the Maxxis that says they will. So I'll stick with the better quality ST tires and keep rolling down the road for now. When I upgrade to a larger unit that can handle 16" tires from the factory, I'll make the transition to LT.

If you are trying to insult me...You gotta do better than that.

Weather or not you decide to make the LT tire upgrade is totally up to you. Weather or not you decide to actually read the testing standards is your decision as well.... As for your reasoning for staying with STs...Keep in mind that one blowout can change the financial picture.
Damage to the rig in the thousands of dollars is not uncommon.
Not to mention a trip being ruined from it

Your money, your choice.

Not trying to insult you. Just stating the obvious... you like to restate your opinion and explain why your opinion is the only right one. Don't mind that hundreds of thousands or millions of miles are ran on st tires a year without issue. Far more miles are ran on trailers equipped with st tires a year than LT. But I did see a truck with a flat tire today, so that means all LT tires are garbage.