Light Truck tires v trailer tires any thoughts

**duke13** · 03-31-2019, 05:27 AM

Any thoughts about installing Light Truck tires in stead of trailer tires? I am considering this on my GD Reflection 303. We now have a better choice with trailer tires now that Goodyear has the Endurance trailer tires.

**Cate&Rob** · 03-31-2019, 06:34 AM

There was a time (15 to 20 years ago) when trailer tire quality was so bad that the only choice for many was to use LT tires. Some older trailers eve show LT tires as OE on the tire spec label. In recent years, trailer tire quality has gotten better and every tire manufacturer recommends ST tires for trailers because these have sidewalls designed to take the twisting that happens with tandem axle trailers.

Rob

**Ditchdigger** · 03-31-2019, 06:42 AM

If you look at the load rating on the LT vs. ST tires you will see the LT tire are normally less than the same size ST tire, at least thats what I found. Look at etrailer.com they have some good tires. Thats where I got mine.

**duke13** · 03-31-2019, 07:22 PM

Thanks guys ! With the Goodyear Endurance if I stay with 15" tires 225/75R 15 E the load range is 2830 , 4X2830 +11,320. My reflection 303rls shows 8500 loaded on the scales. That should be good. 2830 is what my 15 ' Westlake E rated tires show per tire.
The Michelin 16" 225/76R E shows 2680 load range (10,720 load range for 4 tires ).
It really comes down to which tire is less likely to blowout??

**Cate&Rob** · 03-31-2019, 07:37 PM

Despite all the rhetoric and promises of one brand vs another . . . most tire failures come down to tire damage caused by running at low pressures or high speeds. Take care of any tires that are operating within their design specs and you will likely be fine.

Rob

**duke13** · 03-31-2019, 08:16 PM

Hi Rob, That could very well be the case. I had one blowout and am hoping to never have another. Since then I do have a tire pressure monitor and that helps. We have had trailers for years , since the late 70's, two used and two new. towed all over the country south, west, north, north west , Canada and even to Alaska and have never had an issue with tires until we went to a 5th wheel. I guess it's the higher weights of the 5th wheels. Anyhow, thanks for your input. I rally appreciate everyones input , I feel I can always learn from others. Thanks ! Duke

**powerscol** · 04-01-2019, 04:41 PM

On my old unit I too had tire issues. That was until I lifted it to ride level. It was nose high and rear tires blew. Once I weighed I knew I had to do something. I put 16" E rated BFG's it as at the time the BFG had the strongest sidewall out there. I also upgraded to 6K axles at the time too.

Look to the future and what I may need to do when I get my new truck as I know they sit higher than my current one. I'll probably up size to 16" and look at my options. LT's will be on the short list.

On Edit: I had 16K instead of 6k on the axles - fixed now

**duke13** · 04-02-2019, 09:07 PM

I did hear at the rally last year that several manufactures are putting truck tires on new trailers. I was also told to get a set of Michelins and I would not regret the move. This was told to me by a speaker at the east coast rally two years ago. Just want to do all I can to prevent a blowout.

**Cate&Rob** · 04-03-2019, 05:56 AM

From a thread way back in 2015 . . .

Not to re-ignite the LT vs ST tire debate, but I have looked on several tire manufacture's websites and they all say that ST tires have stronger sidewalls than LT tires.

This is a quick overview that summarizes what the tire manufacturers say. https://rvingwithmarkpolk.com/2012/1...s-vs-lt-tires/
Specifically . . . "ST tires have strengthened sidewalls to prevent the tire from rolling under the rim in turns and when cornering."

The tire manufacturers recommendations are at least worth considering . . . particularly since they all seem to be of the same opinion.

Rob

**WhittleBurner** · 04-03-2019, 08:32 AM

On a single axle trailer I would have no problem with using a LT tire. Dual axle I will always go with the ST tire. Stand behind a dual axle trailer sometime when someone else is backing into a site while turning. When you see those tire start rolling over you will wonder why they don't come off the rim. That will show you the need for ST tires with the stronger sidewalls.