I'm using Endurance ST tires. But a lot of people who I consider to be very smart use LT tires. So reasonable minds can differ on that point; the fact that so many smart folks use LT tires causes me to doubt my own decision to use ST.But here is my question -- the manufacturers, such as Goodyear, strongly recommend ST tires for trailers. They know that they could be sued if their products are defective, so it seems to me that they have a strong incentive to recommend the safest alternative. That tips the scale for me -- I give a lot of weight to that recommendation, on the theory that they know more about tires than I do. I am not an expert in this area.So for those of you who use LT tires, do you have a theory as to WHY the manufacturers do not recommend LT tires for towing? Note that I am not asking whether LT tires are better -- I assume that those of you who use LT have carefully concluded that they are superior to ST.My question is why don't the manufacturers reach the same conclusion?

You really want to resurrect this beast?St vs Lt never ending debate

profdant139 wrote:I'm using Endurance ST tires. But a lot of people who I consider to be very smart use LT tires. So reasonable minds can differ on that point; the fact that so many smart folks use LT tires causes me to doubt my own decision to use ST.But here is my question -- the manufacturers, such as Goodyear, strongly recommend ST tires for trailers. They know that they could be sued if their products are defective, so it seems to me that they have a strong incentive to recommend the safest alternative. That tips the scale for me -- I give a lot of weight to that recommendation, on the theory that they know more about tires than I do. I am not an expert in this area.So for those of you who use LT tires, do you have a theory as to WHY the manufacturers do not recommend LT tires for towing? Note that I am not asking whether LT tires are better -- I assume that those of you who use LT have carefully concluded that they are superior to ST.My question is why don't the manufacturers reach the same conclusion?Most TTs when purchased new are only used 3 times a year. After 3 years, that goes down a LOT. I read a study on this once.That being the case, a demand exists for a low cost tire, that will fit the needs of most of the people. Most will spend extra money for a quality tire for their everyday driver,,, but cannot justify doing the same for a TT they rarely use.Thus the ST tire was born.Now there are some high end TT manufacturers that DO equip their units with LTs. Either standard, or as an option.That should tell you something.

Why don't the manufacturers recommend LT tires??

2oldman
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2017
You really want to resurrect this beast?

St vs Lt never ending debate
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2017
Cost plane and simple
MarkTwain
Explorer
Oct 23, 2017
Profit margin??
MarkTwain
Explorer
Oct 23, 2017
Profit margin
Huntindog
Explorer
Oct 23, 2017
profdant139 wrote:
I'm using Endurance ST tires. But a lot of people who I consider to be very smart use LT tires. So reasonable minds can differ on that point; the fact that so many smart folks use LT tires causes me to doubt my own decision to use ST.

But here is my question -- the manufacturers, such as Goodyear, strongly recommend ST tires for trailers. They know that they could be sued if their products are defective, so it seems to me that they have a strong incentive to recommend the safest alternative. That tips the scale for me -- I give a lot of weight to that recommendation, on the theory that they know more about tires than I do. I am not an expert in this area.

So for those of you who use LT tires, do you have a theory as to WHY the manufacturers do not recommend LT tires for towing? Note that I am not asking whether LT tires are better -- I assume that those of you who use LT have carefully concluded that they are superior to ST.

My question is why don't the manufacturers reach the same conclusion?
Most TTs when purchased new are only used 3 times a year. After 3 years, that goes down a LOT. I read a study on this once.

That being the case, a demand exists for a low cost tire, that will fit the needs of most of the people. Most will spend extra money for a quality tire for their everyday driver,,, but cannot justify doing the same for a TT they rarely use.

Thus the ST tire was born.

Now there are some high end TT manufacturers that DO equip their units with LTs. Either standard, or as an option.

That should tell you something.
Arcamper
Explorer
Oct 23, 2017
Though not a travel trailer my Montana 5th wheel requires LT G tires according to the tire placard. We ordered it from the factory with Goodyear 614's on it and never looked back. I will never go back to an ST tire.
TomG2
Explorer
Oct 23, 2017
All prejudice and opinion aside, there are design advantages to ST tires for trailers.

A couple of tire experts will come along and make the case for ST tires. If they are as terrible as some think, the ditches would be full of overturned travel trailers and fifth wheels. People who are willing to change out their original tires for LT's are the kind of folks who are more likely to protect their investment by avoiding curbs and maintaining proper air pressure.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 23, 2017
Goodyear G614 RST tires.......LT235/85R16-----suitable for 5th wheel and travel trailers per GY

My 5th wheel came OEM with them

GY FULLY covers any trailer damage IF tire is defective

So GY DOES recommend an LT for trailers

Endurance Tires are ST in 'D' and 'E' load ranges.
rbpru
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2017
The trailer industry, which includes utility, boat, TTs, 5vers, horse, cargo and assorted other trailers wanted a tire for use on their products.

They needed a tire that would have 1,a stiff side wall that would handle the side loads of parking and other such maneuvers, 2, a tire that had low rolling resistance, 3, a tire tread designed for pulling not transferring torque to the payment, 4, rubber compounds that were resistant to sunshine and ozone 5, cost less than a conventional tire.

The tire industry responded with the ST tire. To use ST tires the trailer industry had to give up 1, the more robust designs and material used in the LT light truck tires 2, limit the speed to 65 mph, 3, using ST for any turning or traction related application.

To assure proper usage some ST tire are stamped "for trailer use only". Also, though most LT manufactures will agree that their LTs tires can be used for TT service, they are not advertised or recommended for such used.

In recent years the tire industry has seen the need for higher speeds and more durability across the trailer market, so the tire makers have developed new tires to fill this need. However given the increased cost of these newer products, there are not likely to replace the one million plus standard ST tires that leave the various TT and other trailer markets every year.

The vast majority of trailer users are satisfied with their ST trailer tires but those who are not, the new crop of faster, stronger, and more expensive tires are available.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Oct 23, 2017
Anything is better than recaps....