clarification on LT vs ST tires please

[Bombfixer]

I just purchased a 2013 raptor toyhauler. I have been reading all the posts about tires along with all the either good information here. Here is my question: the toy hauler I bought comes with ST tires. They are made by General. When we negotiated the price, they threw in a complete 5 yr king pin to brake lights full service warranty. I thought that was a good deal. But when I asked about replacing the ST tires with LT three, I was told that it would void the warranty. The keystone rep told me that LT were made for the two vehicle, not for a trailer. He said that's why STs are called Special Trailering tires they are made specific for trailers. Is someone blowing smoke up my skirt? Should I risk voiding the warranty by changing to LTs? I have not yet actually taken delivery of the unit nor have I actually gotten the warranty in my hands to see exactly what it says about tires. I am going to be pulling this rig with a 2014 Ram 3500 drw, with the new air bag suspension, Cummins motor and Aisin tranny.

[TucsonJim]

One thing I never realized about my "ST" tires is that they are rated for 65mph max. In Arizona, our interstate speed limit is usually 75mph. However, with that said, there always appears to be a vehicle cruising down the highway at something less than 65. I usually drive my rig at 64-65mph, but on occasion, I've had to bump it up to 70 while passing so I don't impede traffic. I get a little nervous taking those ST tires up to 70 for the minute or so that it takes to pass.

And while I'm on the subject, a pet peeve of mine is when I ride behind a slower vehicle for quite a while, and finally make up my mind to pass. It seems that quite often, the said vehicle must not like getting passed by a big truck and FW, and decides to speed up once I'm in the passing lane. Or worse, start pacing my speed so I can't get back over!

[JIMNLIN]

I just purchased a 2013 raptor toyhauler. I have been reading all the posts about tires along with all the either good information here. Here is my question: the toy hauler I bought comes with ST tires. They are made by General.

General doesn't make a special trailer tire (ST) or at least one doesn't show up on any of their web adds. They do have a General Grabber ST but its a light truck tire (LT).

But when I asked about replacing the ST tires with LT three, I was told that it would void the warranty. The keystone rep told me that LT were made for the two vehicle, not for a trailer. He said that's why STs are called Special Trailering tires they are made specific for trailers. Is someone blowing smoke up my skirt?

Yeah, lots of funny smelly smoke.
However not knowing the specific tire sizes and load ranges discussed were guessing here.

A ST235/80-16 E has 3500 lbs of capacity and works on 7k axles.

A LT235/85-16 E has 3042 lbs of capacity so yes using these tires on 7k axles will most likely void some kind of warranty. If you have 7k axles the Goodyear G614 or the Sailun S637 both at 3750 lb and a load range G works.
If you have 6k axles the LT E at 3042 lbs has always worked great.

A trailer owners only responsibility when choosing and installing a tire on the trailer is it shall meet or exceed the vehicles axle ratings.

The ST and LT both have the same number of plies in the tire. Both have a two ply carcass with two additional steel belts under the tread.

The exception is the commercial grade Michelin XPS Rib and the Bridgestone Duravis R-250 and M895 which have a one steel ply carcass with two steel belts under the tread. Michelin says the XPS ribs are recommended for commercial trailer service. Something "NO" ST tire can or has ever recommended.

A ST is for a trailer only but the LT can and has always been used in a drive/steer and trailer position.

[Francesca_Knowl]

john&bet wrote:
Then why did my Keystone Montana come with Lts? The certification label on the left front of trailer does not list ST or LT or load range E just the size. LT Es are going back on it as replacements pretty soon.

There have been posts recently about this phenom indicating that while some trailers are being supplied new with "LT" tires, said tires are still limited/labeled "for trailer use only"- is this the case with those supplied on your Montana?

And what's the size indicated on the vehicle placard?

[TexasChaps]

mpfireman wrote:
ST tires are made with stiffer and additional plies in the side walls, thus when turning ,your trailer's 2nd or 3rd axle being stationary causes these other tires to slide around corners. LT tires lack these added plies. But again many RV owners have switched from the ST tires to the LT tires. It's your rig, so you have to make that choice. ST tires also contain additional rubber compounds that are designed to withstand long exposure to the sun, thus they say, less sidewall cracking.

Quite true, but then what is the reason for so many negative comments about ST tires in general ?

I for one ( and forgive my ignorance here.. ) only heard about ST tires when I started RV'ing.. until that point I have always used LT tires on my trailers ( for some 30 years or so.. ) never had any problem...

[muelldawg]

That is exactly what I have read also, mpfireman.

[mpfireman]

ST tires are made with stiffer and additional plies in the side walls, thus when turning ,your trailer's 2nd or 3rd axle being stationary causes these other tires to slide around corners. LT tires lack these added plies. But again many RV owners have switched from the ST tires to the LT tires. It's your rig, so you have to make that choice. ST tires also contain additional rubber compounds that are designed to withstand long exposure to the sun, thus they say, less sidewall cracking.

[john_bet]

Then why did my Keystone Montana come with Lts? The certification label on the left front of trailer does not list ST or LT or load range E just the size. LT Es are going back on it as replacements pretty soon.

[lincster]

Typical salesman, doesn't have a clue.
With LT tires, you won't need the warranty for tire issues cause you won't have them.

[coolbreeze01]

Maybe the "5 yr king pin to brake lights full service warranty" includes the tires? Good luck.

[donn0128]

The Keystone rep was trying to cover the companies collective arses. There is no way in heck a warranty could be voided simply by upgrading to a better quality tire. I guess you need to ask him if this extended warranty then will cover tire damage when the cheap chinese junk that his company supplied blow apart and damages your brand new trailer. I guarantee his reply will be that will not be covered. My next question to him then, then how can you claim changing to a better tire will void the warranty. If it did in fact void the extended warranty, then I would consider the warranty basically useless and forget it in lieu of more money off on the deal.

[downtheroad]

Bombfixer wrote:
Is someone blowing smoke up my skirt? Should I risk voiding the warranty by changing to LTs?

Sounds and smells like smoke to me....But, the only way to know for sure is to get out your magnifying glass and carefully read the fine print in the warranty.