Tire attributes other than longevity

[Durb]

I'm about to finish my fourth season on my Towmax tires and will replace them next Spring. I can't complain about the tires as they have run for thousands of miles and delivered me each trip without incident. This is also my first fifth wheel and I really don't know what to expect in terms of tire performance, right now, the trailer just rides behind the truck without drama.

My question is: Are there other tire attributes such as comfort, braking performance, wet weather performance, tracking, handling, or even side slipping during backing that I should consider? My tires are 235/80R16 LRE and I run them at full sidewall 80 PSI even though I only average a little over 2,000 pounds per tire. I'm thinking about using the tire inflation tables on my next tires, are there brands more amenable to being aired down?

Have any of you changed brands and could immediately notice a difference in the quality of their tow?

[BB_TX]

For your weight, I agree the Michelin XPS Ribs are great. I ran my first set about 23,000 miles and 9 yrs. And the tires barely looked worn. No cracking or weather checking. I just replaced them due to age, not wear. Mine carry about 2,500 each. Michelin recommends annual inspection at 5 yrs and replace after 10. Although I check mine regularly beginning at new. For that many years, the cost difference to a less expensive tire is minimal.

[laknox]

Durb wrote:
I'm about to finish my fourth season on my Towmax tires and will replace them next Spring. I can't complain about the tires as they have run for thousands of miles and delivered me each trip without incident. This is also my first fifth wheel and I really don't know what to expect in terms of tire performance, right now, the trailer just rides behind the truck without drama.

My question is: Are there other tire attributes such as comfort, braking performance, wet weather performance, tracking, handling, or even side slipping during backing that I should consider? My tires are 235/80R16 LRE and I run them at full sidewall 80 PSI even though I only average a little over 2,000 pounds per tire. I'm thinking about using the tire inflation tables on my next tires, are there brands more amenable to being aired down?

Have any of you changed brands and could immediately notice a difference in the quality of their tow?

You're lucky to have a set of Blowmax tires last that long. IMO, running them at full sidewall pressure helps, even if the ride is a bit hard. Given that you've got 16" wheels, your options are much more wide open than if you had 15". Don't know your weight, but I'd certainly consider Michelin XP Ribs or the slightly less expensive Bridgestone Duravis R250. Both are LTs and all-steel construction. They also have a =much= higher speed rating and while you're likely never to get close to their max, just knowing that they're =built= for it means that they'll stand up to your use a whole lot better than almost all ST tires. You can then use load tables to pressure to what you need.

Lyle