Tires- LT or ST

[2stonesthrow]

TIre recommendations? We are towing 8500# travel trailer. We’ve had numerous blowouts with China bombs over the years, partly due to Texas heat and high speeds. We are over the blow outs and need something that will hold. We currently have 15” but looking to go to 16” LT that can handle higher speeds of 75mph. What has worked for you with the higher speeds? Tia!

[Huntindog]

StirCrazy wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

StirCrazy wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

didn't we have a thread a while ago where we found that the testing standard for both tires is virtually the same, but the LT does one test to a higher speed (partially loaded I believe it was at 60PSI) where the ST does a higher max load test? doesn't sound like it is much more demanding, or a fact.

This is the part you missed:But now the endurance testing diverges significantly.

The ST tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 50 mph. After that, the ST test is over.

The LT tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 75 mph. This is a 50% increase over the ST and will induce significant additional load and heating on the tire during testing. After that, the LT test is not complete. Next a “Low Inflation Pressure Performance” test is performed for the LT tire only. The tire pressure is decreased to 46 psi and the tire is immediately run for an additional 2 hours at 75 mph and 100% of rated load.

Thus, the LT tire endurance test is drastically more intense than the ST endurance test.

but what you are missing is if a ST tire is rated for a higher speed, then it had to be tested at that speed. I know some of the tests are more stringent for a LT tire as they carry people, where as a ST tire carries well nothing that can't be replaced so if you drive over the tested design speed that's on you. The ones I just put on my 5th are rated up to 75MPH so they would have to be tested at that to get that rating. do I ever drive that fast, no. I just finished a 1000 mile round trip and locked the speed control in at 60mph.

the biggest reason for blowouts with ST tires is User error, I know we hate to hear that stuff is our own fault or road hazards. 9 out of 10 are people not checking pressure, not inspecting their tires, driving too fast on lower rated tires, buying the cheapest of cheap tires to save a buck, or just plain old road hazards. Potholes, for example, can put a week spot in the tire a year later when you are traveling on a hot day at close to the capacity in speed or weight and all of a sudden it blows. You can't explain it as the damage happened last season and just held till now.

Just like LT tires you don't go out and look for the absolute cheapest one that isn't rated for your truck when loaded or the speed you drive at, but why do we do that with our RV's. Yes, the manufacturer will put the cheapest ones they can get that are legal for the weight and they don't care about speed as the paperwork for the tires says 50mpg and that's on you if you drive it faster. the tires that came on my rv were capable of hauling the weight and close to the speed I drive but not quite. I had one blowout after 6 years of use. my old trailer I never had a blow out till 10 years of use (yes those tires should have been changed but I didn't know much about inspecting them at that point in time.) On my 5th wheel I found a broken bead and changed that one out two years ago, last year I had a blow out, then for this year I changed all 4 out so they were matching, and I found one of the other older ones had tread separation starting. the factory tires had a 2-2-1 belt design and used nylon and polyester as well as steel belts. My new ones are rated to 75mph, use a 2-2-2 construction and are all steel construction. so I got these ones figuring I would kick the major upgrade down the road another 5 or 6 years as to move to the sailun I need new rims also. These ones are rated at 1300 lbs higher than the weight that will be on them so there is buffer on the speed and the capacity.

LT or ST is a personal choice and people will argue about it all day, throwing facts to skew the discussion one way or another to suit them selves. in the end if you have cheap tires and one blows upgrade to a better tire that suits how you drive and the weight you have on them. if you drive 80mph then ya probably no ST tire is rated over 75mph so you need to look at LT tires. if you drive 70 then there are options in both.

Are you a part time comedian?
In an attempt to persuade others on STs superiority, you list 4 failures. You also state that LTs are tested to more stringent standards, because they carry people.
This is hilarious

[StirCrazy]

JIMNLIN wrote:
One thing we learn when towing trailers for a living is load C/D/E ST tires simply will not stand up to this type of daily work for thousands of miles like a good recommended (tire mfg recommendations) LT tire.

Commercial grade all steel carcass 16" ST load G tires like the Sailun S637 are a class way above a poly carcass 16" ST load C/D/E.

The ST may have extra load capacity over the LT tire but it still doesn't have to pass the higher speed (mph) ratings of the LT tire.
Thats big for a lay person if miles (30k-50k) of trouble free service and reliability are expected from tires on any trailer.

you can get load grade e in all steel also, that's what I put on the 5th this year while I save up for the new rims I need for the sailun

[StirCrazy]

Huntindog wrote:

StirCrazy wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

didn't we have a thread a while ago where we found that the testing standard for both tires is virtually the same, but the LT does one test to a higher speed (partially loaded I believe it was at 60PSI) where the ST does a higher max load test? doesn't sound like it is much more demanding, or a fact.

This is the part you missed:But now the endurance testing diverges significantly.

The ST tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 50 mph. After that, the ST test is over.

The LT tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 75 mph. This is a 50% increase over the ST and will induce significant additional load and heating on the tire during testing. After that, the LT test is not complete. Next a “Low Inflation Pressure Performance” test is performed for the LT tire only. The tire pressure is decreased to 46 psi and the tire is immediately run for an additional 2 hours at 75 mph and 100% of rated load.

Thus, the LT tire endurance test is drastically more intense than the ST endurance test.

but what you are missing is if a ST tire is rated for a higher speed, then it had to be tested at that speed. I know some of the tests are more stringent for a LT tire as they carry people, where as a ST tire carries well nothing that can't be replaced so if you drive over the tested design speed that's on you. The ones I just put on my 5th are rated up to 75MPH so they would have to be tested at that to get that rating. do I ever drive that fast, no. I just finished a 1000 mile round trip and locked the speed control in at 60mph.

the biggest reason for blowouts with ST tires is User error, I know we hate to hear that stuff is our own fault or road hazards. 9 out of 10 are people not checking pressure, not inspecting their tires, driving too fast on lower rated tires, buying the cheapest of cheap tires to save a buck, or just plain old road hazards. Potholes, for example, can put a week spot in the tire a year later when you are traveling on a hot day at close to the capacity in speed or weight and all of a sudden it blows. You can't explain it as the damage happened last season and just held till now.

Just like LT tires you don't go out and look for the absolute cheapest one that isn't rated for your truck when loaded or the speed you drive at, but why do we do that with our RV's. Yes, the manufacturer will put the cheapest ones they can get that are legal for the weight and they don't care about speed as the paperwork for the tires says 50mpg and that's on you if you drive it faster. the tires that came on my rv were capable of hauling the weight and close to the speed I drive but not quite. I had one blowout after 6 years of use. my old trailer I never had a blow out till 10 years of use (yes those tires should have been changed but I didn't know much about inspecting them at that point in time.) On my 5th wheel I found a broken bead and changed that one out two years ago, last year I had a blow out, then for this year I changed all 4 out so they were matching, and I found one of the other older ones had tread separation starting. the factory tires had a 2-2-1 belt design and used nylon and polyester as well as steel belts. My new ones are rated to 75mph, use a 2-2-2 construction and are all steel construction. so I got these ones figuring I would kick the major upgrade down the road another 5 or 6 years as to move to the sailun I need new rims also. These ones are rated at 1300 lbs higher than the weight that will be on them so there is buffer on the speed and the capacity.

LT or ST is a personal choice and people will argue about it all day, throwing facts to skew the discussion one way or another to suit them selves. in the end if you have cheap tires and one blows upgrade to a better tire that suits how you drive and the weight you have on them. if you drive 80mph then ya probably no ST tire is rated over 75mph so you need to look at LT tires. if you drive 70 then there are options in both.

[Huntindog]

CapriRacer wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

StirCrazy wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

didn't we have a thread a while ago where we found that the testing standard for both tires is virtually the same, but the LT does one test to a higher speed (partially loaded I believe it was at 60PSI) where the ST does a higher max load test? doesn't sound like it is much more demanding, or a fact.

This is the part you missed:But now the endurance testing diverges significantly.

The ST tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 50 mph. After that, the ST test is over.

The LT tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 75 mph. This is a 50% increase over the ST and will induce significant additional load and heating on the tire during testing. After that, the LT test is not complete. Next a “Low Inflation Pressure Performance” test is performed for the LT tire only. The tire pressure is decreased to 46 psi and the tire is immediately run for an additional 2 hours at 75 mph and 100% of rated load.

Thus, the LT tire endurance test is drastically more intense than the ST endurance test.

And here is the part you missed: ST tires are rated for about 20% more load than LT tires. The net effect is the tires are tested at the same load - more or less.

So when installed on a trailer, the load is the same regardless of which type of tire you put on.

I did not miss that.
Size for size STs do come with a higher load rating. But both types are tested to their load rating.... I think the 20% figure is on the high end though. I do not remember it being that much on the tires I had. So when making the swap. one has to be sure the tire has the load rating needed. It's not that hard to do. and if you want a reliable tire you can do it. Imagine TT tires that one doesn't have to check on at every stop. Have a rabbi bless them, rub baby oil on them, sacrifice a chicken etc. just to have them fail anyways. It can be done.One can have TT tires every bit as reliable as automobile tires. Just get over the ST tire love fest... They will not love you back

[JIMNLIN]

One thing we learn when towing trailers for a living is load C/D/E ST tires simply will not stand up to this type of daily work for thousands of miles like a good recommended (tire mfg recommendations) LT tire.

Commercial grade all steel carcass 16" ST load G tires like the Sailun S637 are a class way above a poly carcass 16" ST load C/D/E.

The ST may have extra load capacity over the LT tire but it still doesn't have to pass the higher speed (mph) ratings of the LT tire.
Thats big for a lay person if miles (30k-50k) of trouble free service and reliability are expected from tires on any trailer.

[CapriRacer]

Huntindog wrote:

StirCrazy wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

didn't we have a thread a while ago where we found that the testing standard for both tires is virtually the same, but the LT does one test to a higher speed (partially loaded I believe it was at 60PSI) where the ST does a higher max load test? doesn't sound like it is much more demanding, or a fact.

This is the part you missed:But now the endurance testing diverges significantly.

The ST tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 50 mph. After that, the ST test is over.

The LT tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 75 mph. This is a 50% increase over the ST and will induce significant additional load and heating on the tire during testing. After that, the LT test is not complete. Next a “Low Inflation Pressure Performance” test is performed for the LT tire only. The tire pressure is decreased to 46 psi and the tire is immediately run for an additional 2 hours at 75 mph and 100% of rated load.

Thus, the LT tire endurance test is drastically more intense than the ST endurance test.

And here is the part you missed: ST tires are rated for about 20% more load than LT tires. The net effect is the tires are tested at the same load - more or less.

So when installed on a trailer, the load is the same regardless of which type of tire you put on.

[spoon059]

StirCrazy wrote:
As for endurance, I am sure they are great but at almost 450.00/tire they are not one I'll ever buy...

Those must be the platinum edition Endurance tires. I paid about $130/tire installed on sale for mine. I just got the regular rubber ones though. E rated for weight, 87 mph speed rating.

Not a single problem with them.

[Huntindog]

StirCrazy wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

didn't we have a thread a while ago where we found that the testing standard for both tires is virtually the same, but the LT does one test to a higher speed (partially loaded I believe it was at 60PSI) where the ST does a higher max load test? doesn't sound like it is much more demanding, or a fact.

This is the part you missed:But now the endurance testing diverges significantly.

The ST tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 50 mph. After that, the ST test is over.

The LT tire is tested at this pressure, time and load profile at 75 mph. This is a 50% increase over the ST and will induce significant additional load and heating on the tire during testing. After that, the LT test is not complete. Next a “Low Inflation Pressure Performance” test is performed for the LT tire only. The tire pressure is decreased to 46 psi and the tire is immediately run for an additional 2 hours at 75 mph and 100% of rated load.

Thus, the LT tire endurance test is drastically more intense than the ST endurance test.

[Grit_dog]

2stonesthrow wrote:
TIre recommendations? We are towing 8500# travel trailer. We’ve had numerous blowouts with China bombs over the years, partly due to Texas heat and high speeds. We are over the blow outs and need something that will hold. We currently have 15” but looking to go to 16” LT that can handle higher speeds of 75mph. What has worked for you with the higher speeds? Tia!

Since this gets soo off topic, back to your original question. Virtually any load range E tire that fits the rim and fits under the trailer is just fine. You got the rims yet?

[Huntindog]

valhalla360 wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
Have you weighed the trailer and checked against Payload rating of the tires?

Also, do you check the tire pressure regularly?

Most blowouts are overloaded or under inflation.

A lot of people going to LTs increase the payload rating and keep a closer eye on pressure...then credit the fact they are LTs.

I have not seen what you state of LT tire owners giving false credit to their sucess. I also have not seen any evidence of under inflation being a problem.
In fact every RV forum I have seen has a common theme, on ST tire care.
They check their tires at EVERY opportunity. I myself find this overkill...But then again, I switched to LTs in 2006.Ever since, I have been able to relax about my tires. Can you imagine have to check your automobile tires as much as RVers feel the need to for ST tires?

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

Govt has been mandating tire pressure systems on cars/trucks for around 15yrs and aftermarket systems for trailers are also very popular, so apparently, someone feels underinflation is an issue and constant monitoring is important.

Most people who switch have no baseline to compare to. It's only after the blowouts that they start randomly trying things to improve the situation...like checking the pressure regularly (or adding a TPMS) or actually getting the RV weighed to make sure they aren't overloaded. Then they switch to LTs at the same time...low and behold, they are less likely to experience a blowout but never systematically tested to see what fixed the problem...then again blowouts are pretty rare to begin with so their changes may have zero impact.

Once you switch to LTs there is a bigger selection but that is mostly about tread patterns (and profitering). For a trailer, there isn't a lot of benefit to off road tires, so little reason to provide a wide variety of tread patterns in ST tires.

I once drank the ST tire koolaid.
My first TT was purchased in 1992. Tire failures started right away.I believed the ST dribble I read about here on the forum. In fact I often debated on this very forum spouting off all of the supposed reasons a ST tire must be used. Many sets of STs, and load range/size increases later, and on TT #2 I threw in the towel on STs. That was in 2006. I am sometimes a slow learner, but I DO learn.
My tires have been trouble free ever since.

Why do you think LT tires have such higher govt. testing standards? Why does it state on the sidewall of an ST, "Not for automobile use? Why is there no such limitation for LT tires? It is perfectly legal to use an LT on a trailer, but ILLEGAL to use an ST on an automobile.
The reason is that people ride in autos, so the tires are mandated to be better.

[StirCrazy]

Huntindog wrote:

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.

didn't we have a thread a while ago where we found that the testing standard for both tires is virtually the same, but the LT does one test to a higher speed (partially loaded I believe it was at 60PSI) where the ST does a higher max load test? doesn't sound like it is much more demanding, or a fact.

[StirCrazy]

Grit dog wrote:

StirCrazy wrote:

time2roll wrote:
GY Endurance or Carlisle Radial Trail HD are both quality speed rated ST tires.
.

I get a kick out of that every time I see it. Carlisle tires are one of the cheapest tires where I live and every tire shop steers you away from them as they have had to many issues with them, but down there everyone seems to love them.

As for endurance, I am sure they are great but at almost 450.00/tire they are not one I'll ever buy...

Except the OP is in the US, so the 15” GYE tires that are the right size and load range for his trailer are $160-170 and even 16” ones are 2 for $450….

Oh, I imagine they are even cheaper than that down there. makes me wish I did more trips to the US so I could do more maintenance to the truck and trailer 😉 we get so hosed on pricing up here.

[time2roll]

StirCrazy wrote:

time2roll wrote:
GY Endurance or Carlisle Radial Trail HD are both quality speed rated ST tires.
.

I get a kick out of that every time I see it. Carlisle tires are one of the cheapest tires where I live and every tire shop steers you away from them as they have had to many issues with them, but down there everyone seems to love them.

As for endurance, I am sure they are great but at almost 450.00/tire they are not one I'll ever buy...

Go ahead and beat me up on this... Not going to hurt my feelings or change my opinion. Are you sure you are talking about the exact tire? There is more than one line available.

Now try to actually add something to recommend for the OP

[valhalla360]

Govt has been mandating tire pressure systems on cars/trucks for around 15yrs and aftermarket systems for trailers are also very popular, so apparently, someone feels underinflation is an issue and constant monitoring is important.

Most people who switch have no baseline to compare to. It's only after the blowouts that they start randomly trying things to improve the situation...like checking the pressure regularly (or adding a TPMS) or actually getting the RV weighed to make sure they aren't overloaded. Then they switch to LTs at the same time...low and behold, they are less likely to experience a blowout but never systematically tested to see what fixed the problem...then again blowouts are pretty rare to begin with so their changes may have zero impact.

Once you switch to LTs there is a bigger selection but that is mostly about tread patterns (and profitering). For a trailer, there isn't a lot of benefit to off road tires, so little reason to provide a wide variety of tread patterns in ST tires.

[Huntindog]

valhalla360 wrote:
Have you weighed the trailer and checked against Payload rating of the tires?

Also, do you check the tire pressure regularly?

Most blowouts are overloaded or under inflation.

A lot of people going to LTs increase the payload rating and keep a closer eye on pressure...then credit the fact they are LTs.

I have not seen what you state of LT tire owners giving false credit to their sucess. I also have not seen any evidence of under inflation being a problem.
In fact every RV forum I have seen has a common theme, on ST tire care.
They check their tires at EVERY opportunity. I myself find this overkill...But then again, I switched to LTs in 2006.Ever since, I have been able to relax about my tires. Can you imagine have to check your automobile tires as much as RVers feel the need to for ST tires?

The fact is that the govt. LT tire testing standards are much more demanding than for ST tires. That being a FACT, it is not hard to understand why STs fail so often.
On another note: LT tire choices in the 16" rim size are many. In fact most if not all manufacturers offer Good, Better, Best models to choose from. Such selection just isn't availible in ST tires. There is a choice of ONE from each manufacturer...So if one wishes to buy a premium ST tire,,,There are none availible....But as an observation of the testing standards, the cheapest LT tire is tested to higher standards than any ST tire.