A/S Tire selection - 225/75/15E HELP

[Louie Dee]

This is an over discussed topic but always one that surfaces further considerations. At tire dealers I hear all kinds of recommendations. Based on real world experience, for a 1990 25' A/S, what are your thoughts on the best choices? I hear Tow Master, Michelin, Carlyle, Marathon, etc.

Thanks in advance for your comments. Lou

[dznf0g]

Without opening all the whys and don'ts and "who shot John" stories. My preference would be Michelin p225/75/15 MS/2 with the XL rating.

While my AS needs the LTs I have the XLs on my Van and love them. Do follow CapriRacrs's recommendation and derate by 10% on the capacity, and then leave yourself a 15% margin. See if the resultant number is suitable for your loaded rig.

[handn]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Without opening all the whys and don'ts and "who shot John" stories. My preference would be Michelin p225/75/15 MS/2 with the XL rating.

While my AS needs the LTs I have the XLs on my Van and love them. Do follow CapriRacrs's recommendation and derate by 10% on the capacity, and then leave yourself a 15% margin. See if the resultant number is suitable for your loaded rig.

X2, All ST tires are blowouts waiting to happen and E rated tires inflated to max pressure will give the trailer and the tow vehicle a bone shaking ride.
I have these Michelin tires on my 25 foot Safari and they have worked great. I have not had a blowout despite towing lots of miles in hotter than hell conditions. I have a nice smooth ride and my rig tracks straight and true even if my foot gets a little heavy and I am up there at 70 mph.
I inflate my Michelins to max sidewall pressure. Deflating them makes the sidewall flex even more. I agree with the idea of leaving yourself a 15% weight margin. If 15 inch tires don't work on your Airstream, it is worth it to go to 16 inch wheels.

[Lance M]

I agree with the Michelin LTX M/S2 recommendation.
The correct size is P235/75/15 XL 108T
I have them on my '72 Ambassador.

[CaCraig]

I don't think Michelin makes a 225/75/15 or it's not available on Tirerack. They do make a 235/75/15.

I'm not trying to hijack this thread, just trying to get a clear idea because I haven't found the answer.

I'm in need of tires, rims and axles. My AS axles are original and have 3200 stamped in them. Should I get the same 3200 axles? I've heard 3500 mentioned also.

I've got this figured out correctly, the axle can handle 3200 lbs, so that's 1600 per tire/wheel. I need a tire that is rated for at least 1600 lbs or more. Does that mean my AS loaded should not weigh more than 6400 lbs. (2x3200) when loaded? Is that right?

[dznf0g]

My bad...yes they are 235s...on my van as well.

[m.hony]

I agree with the Michelins. If not Michelins, a similar quality, similar load range.

[Jacob D]

You will hear horror stories about virtually every tire. I ran a set of Marathons for 13 years and about 60,000 miles with no problem whatsoever. Before you say it, I know that is too long for safety and just have to say it was a combination of oversight and a long series of family illnesses etc. ON the other hand, I had bad experience with Michelins on a car and truck I inherited. I will not run Michelins for that reason. The best tires are those you inspect and maintain vigilantly, run at the correct pressure and to prevent sidewall deterioration, cover when parked and spray with a UV protectant. To determine the correct pressure, weigh your trailer two wheels at a time balance your load and calculate the pressure required. In my opinion there is no need to run at max pressure unless conditions are severe or the weight requires it.

[aliner]

Originally Posted by Jacob D

You will hear horror stories about virtually every tire. I ran a set of Marathons for 13 years and about 60,000 miles with no problem whatsoever. Before you say it, I know that is too long for safety and just have to say it was a combination of oversight and a long series of family illnesses etc. ON the other hand, I had bad experience with Michelins on a car and truck I inherited. I will not run Michelins for that reason. The best tires are those you inspect and maintain vigilantly, run at the correct pressure and to prevent sidewall deterioration, cover when parked and spray with a UV protectant. To determine the correct pressure, weigh your trailer two wheels at a time balance your load and calculate the pressure required. In my opinion there is no need to run at max pressure unless conditions are severe or the weight requires it.

I agree with Jacob D. Just got back from a 4500 mile trip with GYM tires. They held up great! I too inspect and maintain vigilantly, after all it's an Airstream.

[Tom_T]

I also strongly disagree with the LT tires only crowd, & think that using the proper ST tires specifically designed for trailer use is the way to go.

In fact, the big problem is with cut-rate manufacturers - mostly Chinese at present - who are making inferior products.

Even the vaunted USA & European mfgrs can make a defective tire, as the Michelin noted above.

I too had a belt separation blowout at 65 mph of a <24 months & >90% tread Michelin LT 195/70R14-C 8PR tire correctly spec'ed as OEM for our 1988 VW Westfalia camper van (back when Michelin still made them)!!!!

So, yes the LT Michi's DO FAIL as well, & don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Is there any harm in running LT tires on a trailer? - well other than LT's having more "grip" & rolling resistance than ST tires, which are made to roll easier by design since you're pulling & don't need the traction - probably not, even if certain folks above & on here will tell you the visa versa is a disaster waiting to happen.

Far more important is that the tires are less 5 years or less old, no checking or splits in the sidewalls or treads, inflated to proper pressure, properly sized & rated for your trailer, inspected regularly ...

... & that your TV & TT tires are not overworked by speeding or running fast & hot through the desert 120+ degree heat where pavement temps can exceed 200 & that overheasts & thereby over pressurizes properly inflated tires, & any other "stupid 2-legged animal tricks"!

Now to my ST tire recco ....

On the recommendation of a vintage trailer restorer who has done 100s of vintage trailers, I'm running the MAXXIS M8008 ST225/75R15-E 8PR (we could use D 6PR on our Avion T20, but they are hard to find in the lower rating).

You cab find them at the MAXXIS link below, then check for one of their local tire stores which carry them near you - but you'll probably need to have them order them for you.

ST Radial M8008 | Maxxis Tires USA

Good Luck whichever way you go!
Tom
///////

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by handn

X2, All ST tires are blowouts waiting to happen and E rated tires inflated to max pressure will give the trailer and the tow vehicle a bone shaking ride.
I have these Michelin tires on my 25 foot Safari and they have worked great. I have not had a blowout despite towing lots of miles in hotter than hell conditions. I have a nice smooth ride and my rig tracks straight and true even if my foot gets a little heavy and I am up there at 70 mph.
I inflate my Michelins to max sidewall pressure. Deflating them makes the sidewall flex even more. I agree with the idea of leaving yourself a 15% weight margin. If 15 inch tires don't work on your Airstream, it is worth it to go to 16 inch wheels.

I think it is just irresponsible to make blanket statements of your opinion like this about tires.

You offer no facts to back it up, and then go on to note that you do in fact drive irresponsibly at high speeds in hot conditions, which are a problem for any tire on vehicle in heat at high speeds - including race cars which can control their tire pressures on the fly.

BTW - legal towing MAX speed in CA & many states is only 55 mph ... for a reason!

Some of us just do NOT agree with your leading statement. I & many others believe that a good ST tire is the better choice for trailers.

And from personal experience, your claimed bouncing ride at full inflation is just NOT true in my case - even with over rated E tires on a much lighter vintage trailer with leaf springs & no shocks! Nor is it true for most others whom I know running properly sized STs!

Also note that there is a federal law under DOT jurisdiction that the XL passenger tires when used on vans & lighter pickups be 10 or 15% under their max capacity, so folks should keep that in mind when choosing a tire for any applicable vehicle.

So how about using an IMO or IMHO in front of your future such brash personal opinion statements?

Tom
///////

[AtomicNo13]

I personally have more failures with LT Michelins on my triple axles than ST tires. On my Pan America, I have literally ripped 2 sidewalls while turning, and have lost one very recently on my Classic. All the tires were less than 18 months old, properly inflated, maintained, and never abused. Tires fail no matter what!
I have used the Carlisle radial trail rh with the greatest success!
LT tires are of a generally higher build quality, but are not designed for trailer service, period! They are just built to do different jobs.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

I personally have more failures with LT Michelins on my triple axles than ST tires. On my Pan America, I have literally ripped 2 sidewalls while turning, and have lost one very recently on my Classic. All the tires were less than 18 months old, properly inflated, maintained, and never abused. Tires fail no matter what!
I have used the Carlisle radial trail rh with the greatest success!
LT tires are of a generally higher build quality, but are not designed for trailer service, period! They are just built to do different jobs.

Where on the sidewall were the tears.

[AtomicNo13]

One was juts above the bead, the other below the shoulder directly above the "Michelin" name.
On both occasions Michelin refused to replace since they were installed on a trailer and they clearly state in the warranty that LT tires are not to be used in trailer service.
On a side note, I have popped tons of these tires off the rim while sharp backing, never a one on an ST tire.

Fwiw, I only own tri axle Airstreams....
These are a while different abusive beast than tandem units!

[dznf0g]

Inside or outside sidewall?

[AtomicNo13]

Mounted black wall out, the outer side.

[larryglarson]

I have had great luck with the standard Good Year Marathons. I have a 30' Classic and they wear very well. Also almost all Walmarts have them. I know you will hear a lot of stories, but?

[Lance M]

It's your trailer, and your checkbook. Do as you see fit, or makes you all warm and fuzzy inside.

[AtomicNo13]

Here's my damage costs

16" Michelin blowout repairs $17345.18 not including new tires

15" blowouts $0
So far, the 15" ST tires are costing me a whole lot less. I've only run the 16"Michelin for 2 years or only 60000 miles..... I'm in the camp of not so happy campers!

[JimGolden]

I have run the Maxxis UE-168 which is a commercial tire that is both LT and ST rated. I've got about 25,000 miles on them in seven years. They've been great. They are a Load Range D (65psi max) and are rated at 2337lbs. I'm not sure you have to derate them due to the dual rating. I run them on my triple axle and have never popped a side bead.

Q speed rating which is 99mph. I've not had it that fast....

Bravo Series UE-168(N) | Maxxis Tires USA


Some good info.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=35&

Best of luck