Something to think about..LT or ST tires

[tinner12002]

I think all or most tire stores are watching more about what tire/size that came on the item that the tires are being put on and not wanting to stray from that because of the liability that is involved.
That would or could be a nasty lawsuit for both the trailer owner and the tire store if an LT tire blew out on a trailer that was suppose to only have ST tires and caused an accident causing a death. I'm betting the courts would rule in the victims favor that ST tires should have been on that trailer.
Just my .02 and something I always try to keep in mind.

[fj12ryder]

I did read the whole thing, and my point was that a manufacturer that puts LT tires on ANY, read ANY, trailer they make is not likely to attest to the fact that they build trailers that aren't designed for LT tires. Regardless of the fact that a certain trailer may come with ST tires.

If the maker says that that trailer is not designed for LT tires, and it's built no differently than any of their other trailers, that would kind of put them on the spot, wouldn't it?

[Campfire_Time]

fj12ryder wrote:

Considering the fact that some models of trailers come with LT tires, I would guess that getting a statement from the manufacturer that "they didn't design the trailer for LT tires" could be a bit tough.

You might want to read every post from the beginning. We're talking about stock ST tires that were replaced by LTs. Obviously if it came stock with LTs, there isn't going to be a question by a tire shop. There probably isn't anything in writing for many trailers, but do you really think if a manufacturer is backed into a corner they are going to say "sure, you can put them on and we'll accept liability!"? I think not.

[fj12ryder]

"And I guarantee you that no how much documentation you provide to show that LTs are better, all the plaintiffs lawyer needs is a statement from the manufacturer stating they didn't design the trailer for LT tires."

Considering the fact that some models of trailers come with LT tires, I would guess that getting a statement from the manufacturer that "they didn't design the trailer for LT tires" could be a bit tough.

And just for my own information, is there anything that says LT tires are not to be used for trailers?

[Campfire_Time]

azdryheat wrote:
Your entire post is based on pure speculation on your part with no basis in fact. Please, come back when you have facts and substance to support your argument.

Don't bury your head in the sand unless you like living in the dark. Nothing about his post is speculation. I wanted to put a specific set of tires on a Suburban about 10 years ago (I wanted LTs, they wouldn't put them on!). Sams Club refused citing that they were not the stock size/recommended replacement. My dad had a set of tire mounted on a 'Burb by Walmart last year. They were never right, truck always shimmied at 65 mph. Front end was tight, tires were rebalanced 3 times. He went to a tire shop and they told him those tires were not meant for a 'Burb. He went to a different Walmart and the service manager apologized up and down that they were never supposed to sell him those tires. They upgraded him at very little cost. No trouble now, it drives perfectly. You don't have to take my word for it, after all you don't know me from Adam and I could be blowing smoke. Get the facts for yourself. Just call around and ask what their policies are.

big buford wrote:
I like to vacation on vacation. Not change tires. My rig chews up st's in two seasons.
As said, you can be sued for just about anything nowadays. I prefer to go with what works.

I think the point being made is that a lot of shops are shying away from doing what the customer wants as opposed to putting on what was stock. I've been hearing more of this kind of thing lately and have experienced it myself. Places like WalMart, Sams Club and the national tire chains are getting funny about this. I know Tires Plus is also picky about this issue.

If you need to deviate find a tire shop that specializes in custom wheels. Putting non-stock sizes on vehicles is their core business. And places that don't stock a given type/brand of tire will work with you to either order or have you bring them in yourself.

fly-boy wrote:

In no way would a person be in trouble for replacing cheap ST tires with better quality LT tires.

That's just it though, its not "getting in trouble". It's personal liability. Of course you can do what you want. We all can. But sadly we live in a highly litigious society. Lets say you blow an LT and a piece flies off and causes someone in a nearby car to get seriously hurt. Your trailer came with STs. One savvy lawyer is all it takes to file a civil lawsuit that you deviated from manufacturer specs and you'll have a tough time getting a personal liability rider after its all settled. And I guarantee you that no how much documentation you provide to show that LTs are better, all the plaintiffs lawyer needs is a statement from the manufacturer stating they didn't design the trailer for LT tires. I'm not saying that's right, it just is. Its the world we live in today.

[fly-boy]

ST tires are cheap- that's why trailer manufacturers use them and why people replace ST tires with ST tires.

In no way would a person be in trouble for replacing cheap ST tires with better quality LT tires.

And any tire shop that won't replace ST tires with LT should be in a different business.

[ScottG]

Isn't there a point at which ST tires just don't have the rated capacity and one must use LT's?

[TexasChaps]

azdryheat wrote:

tinner12002 wrote:
I think all or most tire stores are watching more about what tire/size that came on the item that the tires are being put on and not wanting to stray from that because of the liability that is involved.
That would or could be a nasty lawsuit for both the trailer owner and the tire store if an LT tire blew out on a trailer that was suppose to only have ST tires and caused an accident causing a death. I'm betting the courts would rule in the victims favor that ST tires should have been on that trailer.
Just my .02 and something I always try to keep in mind.

Your entire post is based on pure speculation on your part with no basis in fact. Please, come back when you have facts and substance to support your argument.

I agree.. facts ???

FWIW.. Discount tire mounted LT tires on my TH without question.

[azdryheat]

tinner12002 wrote:
I think all or most tire stores are watching more about what tire/size that came on the item that the tires are being put on and not wanting to stray from that because of the liability that is involved.
That would or could be a nasty lawsuit for both the trailer owner and the tire store if an LT tire blew out on a trailer that was suppose to only have ST tires and caused an accident causing a death. I'm betting the courts would rule in the victims favor that ST tires should have been on that trailer.
Just my .02 and something I always try to keep in mind.

Your entire post is based on pure speculation on your part with no basis in fact. Please, come back when you have facts and substance to support your argument.

[MarkTwain]

LT tires on trailers!
My Big Horn 5th wheel from Heartland Mfg. came with LT Good Year "G" rated tires. 2 years and not one problem:):)

[hmknightnc]

tinner12002 wrote:
I think all or most tire stores are watching more about what tire/size that came on the item that the tires are being put on and not wanting to stray from that because of the liability that is involved.
That would or could be a nasty lawsuit for both the trailer owner and the tire store if an LT tire blew out on a trailer that was suppose to only have ST tires and caused an accident causing a death. I'm betting the courts would rule in the victims favor that ST tires should have been on that trailer.
Just my .02 and something I always try to keep in mind.

Huh? ST tires are only rated for trailer use and generally limited to 65mph. They are cheaper and provide higher rated load capacity with less tire material. Not allowed on vehicles because they don't meet specifications for vehicle use.

LT tires are rated for vehicle use and provide lower rated load capacity with more tire material and not derated to 65mph. They far exceed specifications for trailer use.

How are you figuring somebody is going to get sued for using equipment that is superior in performance and exceeds the required specifications for the application?

[big_buford]

I like to vacation on vacation. Not change tires. My rig chews up st's in two seasons.
As said, you can be sued for just about anything nowadays. I prefer to go with what works.

[dockmasterdave]

For years now I've had tire shops tell me, the only tires they can put on my truck are what came on it, or a factory optional size. I assume for the same reason.

[fla-gypsy]

Anything is possible in our no accountability, litigious society. Some tire installers already will not change type and size tires from OEM.

[powderman426]

I know there are trailer mfgers that put lt tires on from the factory,so I imagine they would be the responsible party if a problem were to arise. I went to take a look at the Sailun spec sheet and it does NOT show those tire as being suggested for rv trailers. The trailers they show are tractor trailers and low boys. I agree with the OP that if a tire shop takes it upon themselves to change tire types or sizes that the responsibility would fall on them. JMO

[fj12ryder]

I wasn't aware that LT tires were for motorized vehicles only.