Cap

What's the recommended tires for TT or f'vers, from you with experience? The one I'm about to take delivery of has some from china and I've heard bad things.

yamahatim

Buy a name brand radials.

PHX 150

Carlisle's ST tire is rated 65 mph, and the "E" rated tire is good for 2800 lbs. each, at 80 psi. They're radials and run $130 ea. mounted and balanced.
Maybe use the tires that are on it for a few years. Trailer tires don't wear out, they age.

kozal01

iTrader: (2)

I started a thread like this a while back, got alot of good info. I ended up with Maxxis, they were the most suggested tire I found.

https://www.f150forum.com/f82/new-ti...railer-195316/

brulaz

Think all ST trailer tires come from China these days. Maxxis ST's come from Taiwan and have a good reputation on other forums as well. I've put a lot of miles on my Goodyear Marathon ST's (from China) without problems.

Think ST tires are more cheaply made with less reserve weight capacity than LT (truck) or P (car) tires. So you have to be extra careful in maintaining their pressure. If they get a nail and start losing pressure, they may fall apart at speed before you notice the low pressure. A lot of people install TPMS this reason, and most recommend running them at their max pressure as well.

Others jump up to an LT tire, if you can get a wheel and tire size to fit. It's an expensive upgrade though.

BassAckwards

Always use an ST tire never an LT they are constructed completely differently. Depending on the size of your TT and how many axles I would recommend a 205/75R15 LRC for the lighter side with tandem axles or 225/75R15 LRE for really heavy singles or really heavy tandems.

They are also meant to run at max psi all the time. This is the only tire where the max psi on the sidewall is actually the recommended pressure.

And yes 65 mph is the speed rating on trailer tires so the closer you get to their max weight capacity the closer you need to stay to 65 mph.

brulaz

Heh, forgot to mention that running LT tires is controversial. If you want to get into it, there are numerous threads on rv.net. The most recent one in the travel trailer section has been closed by the moderator, as usual.

BassAckwards

Yeah, idk the legalities of it like if it would pass a weigh station inspection or not, but I know I could get in big trouble for selling and then installing an LT tire on a trailer at work at least.

I mean if someone is really worried that an LRE trailer tire isn't good enough then they should shell out the cash for some good LRG Trailer tires. Those dudes will get the job done lol.

RedOne

Unless you are hauling commercially why would you even begin to worry about passing a weigh station inspection...private RV doesn't have to stop or get weighed/inspected at those.

LT tires are much more heavy duty than ST tires and have much more safety margin than trailer tires. Higher speed rating too (ST tire-65mph vs LT tire-100 mph or more(not that one should ever tow near that fast)).

Cover Dog

FIY...do with it what you want. Copied from a thread on Forest River Owners Forum.

Trailer Tire Applications
Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only. They are not built to handle the loads applied to, or the traction required by, drive or steering axles.
An "LT" designation on a trailer tire size specifies load range only. It is not designed for use on light trucks.
Do not mount "ST" or "LT" trailer tires on passenger cars or light trucks.
Inflation
Always inflate trailer tires to the maximum inflation indicated on the sidewall.
Check inflation when the tires are cool and have not been exposed to the sun.
If the tires are hot to the touch from operation, add three psi to the max inflation.
Underinflation is the number one cause of trailer tire failure.
Load Carrying Capacity
All tires must be identical in size for the tires to properly manage the weight of the trailer.
The combined capacity of the tires must equal or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the axle.
The combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded trailer weight by 20 percent.
If the actual weight is not available, use the trailer GVW. If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, you should replace both tires on that side. The remaining tire is likely to have been subjected to excessive loading.
If the tires are replaced with tires of larger diameter, the tongue height may need to be adjusted to maintain proper weight distribution.
Speed
All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
The load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases.
Time
Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
In approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone.
Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.
It is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.
Mileage
Trailer tires are not designed to wear out.
The life of a trailer tire is limited by time and duty cycles.
The mileage expectation of a trailer tire is 5,000 to 12,000 miles.
Why Use An "ST" Tire
"ST" tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.
The polyester cords are bigger than they would be for a comparable "P" or "LT" tire.
The steel cords have a larger diameter and greater tensile strength to meet the additional load requirements.
"ST" tire rubber compounds contain more chemicals to resist weather and ozone cracking.
Storage
The ideal storage for trailer tires is in a cool, dark garage at maximum inflation.
Use tire covers to protect the tires from direct sunlight.
Use thin plywood sections between the tire and the pavement.
For long term storage, put the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires. Then lower the air pressure and cover the tires to protect them from direct sunlight.
Maintenance
Clean the tires using mild soap and water.
Do not use tire-care products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates.
Inspect the tires for any cuts, snags, bulges or punctures.
Check the inflation before towing and again before the return trip.
Keys to Avoiding Trouble
Make sure your rig is equipped with the proper tires.
Maintain the tires meticulously.
Replace trailer tires every three to five years, whether they look like they're worn out or not.
These facts are courtesy of Discount Tire.
TheSasks is offline Report Post