ST trailer tire 75 mph rated

[rexlion]

For those who prefer to tow a little faster than 65 mph, as well as for those who would like some extra cushion in their tires' speed rating, I recently learned that Hercules ST tires are rated for 75 mph. Just wanted to let folks know about this additional option. I am getting one put on my cargo trailer next week (they had to order it from the warehouse, the store didn't stock it).

[SprinklerMan]

2012Coleman wrote:

SprinklerMan wrote:
Very well said Huntindog . What I have noticed after reading the rv forums , race car forums and some fishing forums ,...

They talk about ST vs LT tires on fishing forums? :h

What are those conversations like - " I once had an ST tire that was this big!" "Well, let me tell you about the fight this LT tire put up one time..."

It was thisssssssssssssssssss big

These guys have some high dollar boats , and big dollar race cars they have the same discussions about ST tire failures

[Huntindog]

rbpru wrote:
A person can ignore the fact that LTs were once used for trailer service and now are no longer the recommended type of tire for that service.

A person can ignore the facts that even with more rigorous testing LTs are not recommended for trailer service.

A person can ignore the fact that the tire industry spent time and resources to develop the ST tire specifically for trailer service.

A person can even ignore the fact that those tire companies that do not make ST tires would rather lose sales than recommended their LT tires for trailer use.

It is a free country, a person can choose what they want.

A person can also ignore the fact that LT tires are TODAY either standard equiptment or offered as an optional upgrade on high end TTs and 5vers.

[Bill57]

I have Trailer King ST tires that are rated to 75mph. 205 75R15 LRD.

[RinconVTR]

What's missing in the majority of these threads are the different types of "LT" tires. Very few "LT" tires are made specially for RV and trailer use and get an LT prefix. And very few are running true LT tires one would also mount to a real truck.

No one here knows how LT vs ST tires are tested at any given manufacture. NO ONE. So what if you found a document stating what the minimums are, you still don't know what reality is!

Fact is, and the point about racing tires IMO was, that regardless of testing, FAILURES ON THE ROAD CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME!

There are dramatically more ST tires in service than LT's, in context of trailer service, so of course there will be more reports of failure!

[thomasmnile]

4X4Dodger wrote:

Most tires PERIOD are made overseas.

Indeed. Drive through Akron, it is a shell of its former self. Even Cooper Tire, which I consider a top tier automotive tire at a lower price point has shifted a lot of its manufacturing from the US to Mexico and.......Asia! 😞

[rbpru]

A person can ignore the fact that LTs were once used for trailer service and now are no longer the recommended type of tire for that service.

A person can ignore the facts that even with more rigorous testing LTs are not recommended for trailer service.

A person can ignore the fact that the tire industry spent time and resources to develop the ST tire specifically for trailer service.

A person can even ignore the fact that those tire companies that do not make ST tires would rather lose sales than recommended their LT tires for trailer use.

It is a free country, a person can choose what they want.

[4X4Dodger]

SprinklerMan wrote:
There is big money in tires . Companies want profit . NOW I am wondering .

Why the big name tire companies , Michelin , firestone ,yokahama ,etc dont make ST tires ?( goodyear does but they sub it out )

Why are most of the ST tires made overseas by companies you havent heard of ?

With all the cars and trucks on the road why dont you see towmaster and hercules tires with a passanger car or truck tire line .

When ST tires are marked " trailer use only " or "not for passanger use " Why arent they good enough for a car or truck ?


Why are ST tires speed limited at 65 mph when there are roads in the US with higher speed limits ?

Well I hate to say this but you are incorrect on almost every front.

Those companies DO Make ST tires...but their largest market is for Tractor Trailers

Most tires PERIOD are made overseas.

Many ST tires in smaller sizes are rated for more than 65

ST tires are actually made to do a specific job. They are not suitable for use on a passenger car ESPECIALLY on the STEERING AXLE and this is due to their sidewall design.

READ THIS:FACTS On ST TIRES Carlisle TRANS GROUP

[JIMNLIN]

RinconVTR wrote:

rbpru wrote:
I have read the government test standards for ST and LT. Yes, the LTs undergo far more rigorous tests that STs. That is because LTs are designed for trucks and the stresses associated with truck service. ST tires are tested for the stresses associated with trailer service.

If you wish to believe the more rigorous LT testing makes them suitable for trailer service and the LT manufacturers are stupid for not recommending they be used for trailer service, go right ahead.

I would add that Indy racing tires also undergo severe stress and testing, so why don't we all switch to them?

My thoughts and feelings as well...

For sure not mine.
I've read the FMVSS testing requirements and there are no different test associated with trailer service. So if you have some different info on tire testing than the FMVSS please shows us what and where we can view that type testing.

This we know.....
The ST is to be used in a trailer position only.
The LT can and has always been use in a steer/drive and trailer position for many many years before the ST tire was ever placed in service.

Now your comment about Indy tire;
Indy type tires have a very high speed rating and little to non load carrying ability so they make a really silly example for using in a trailer position. If you have a link to their testing that you think makes them a candidate for trailer service show us that also.

[2012Coleman]

SprinklerMan wrote:
Very well said Huntindog . What I have noticed after reading the rv forums , race car forums and some fishing forums ,...

They talk about ST vs LT tires on fishing forums? :h

What are those conversations like - " I once had an ST tire that was this big!" "Well, let me tell you about the fight this LT tire put up one time..."

[spoon059]

thib2722 wrote:
Running above 65 mph is more than a tire issue. It's a control and braking issue. If some idiot pulls out in front of you, will you be able to stop?

I'd rather arrive 30 minutes later safe than the alternative.

Here we go again... what is the "magical number" that makes you safe when this idiot pulls out in front of you? 66 is unsafe, but 64 is okay? You are still going to wreck... What about 50? 40? 30? I'd say 20 miles an hour is your safest. Its easier to lock up your brakes and maintain control at 20. Then again... 10 is half the speed. You know what... we probably shouldn't tow at all. Find a nice spot and sit there and build high walls of thick material to keep all the idiots out.

Uh oh... what about the idiots INSIDE the fortress now...???

[Huntindog]

rbpru wrote:
I have read the government test standards for ST and LT. Yes, the LTs undergo far more rigorous tests that STs. That is because LTs are designed for trucks and the stresses associated with truck service. ST tires are tested for the stresses associated with trailer service.

If you wish to believe the more rigorous LT testing makes them suitable for trailer service and the LT manufacturers are stupid for not recommending they be used for trailer service, go right ahead.

I would add that Indy racing tires also undergo severe stress and testing, so why don't we all switch to them?

Having been on a pit crew, I can say with authority that Indy race tires are NOT DOT approved. IOW, they are not tested to the standards required to be used on the public roads. For passenger or trailers. In fact it is illegal to use them on the road.

Read those testing standards again. Specifically the the bead unseating force test. This is the one test where the ST tire SHOULD have a higher standard as the STs are marketed as being better suited for the sideways forces imparted on them when turning. Yet the test standard for them is exactly the same as it is for LT tires.

It is interesting that it is like that as whenever the govt. looks at regulating anything, that industry's lobby gets involved to "help" draft the rules. Almost always wanting lower standards. If he tire industry wanted a higher standard for this test, to back up what they would later tout as an advantage... They could have easily had it

Marketing is not fact. It's just marketing.

[rexlion]

thib2722 wrote:
Running above 65 mph is more than a tire issue. It's a control and braking issue. If some idiot pulls out in front of you, will you be able to stop?

I'd rather arrive 30 minutes later safe than the alternative.

If some idiot pulls out in front of me on the expressway, you mean? Because that is where I'd be driving 68 or so. I don't tow that fast in places where people are actually likely to pull out in front of me.

[thib2722]

Running above 65 mph is more than a tire issue. It's a control and braking issue. If some idiot pulls out in front of you, will you be able to stop?

I'd rather arrive 30 minutes later safe than the alternative.

[Jframpey]

coolbreeze01 wrote:
I hope the higher speed rated ST tires prove themselves. I would be interested in LT tires if they were made in 15" LR E sizes.

X2. I just had a blowout on a 18 month old towmax 225/75R15 D rated tire... Find me a 15" LT LR E tire and I'd consider buying it. I can't justify 4 new rims and tires just yet.

The current LR D ST tires have a load capacity of 2580... The scales say I was at 2200 per tire. Are there any 15" LT tires with sufficient weight ratings?

[ls1mike]

I have 14 inch tires on the Passport. They are the new Carlisle tires.
These one are rated to 81 mph. I don't go over 65. In fact here in Wa state the posted speed limit for Trucks is what people towing trailers with a combined weight of over 10,000lbs are supposed to be going.
When I bought my truck it had Hercules tires on it. Metric type, just shy of a load range E. They are 10 ply. I have to say I have about 25,000 miles on them and they are one of the best tires I have owned. I was nervous at first, but I would get another set in a heartbeat.