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daveswenson · 06-01-2016, 06:08 PM

I just ordered a set of the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in a 235-75/15. They are now available. They're rated at 2271 lbs. With a 10% derate they're at 2044 each. Should be more than adequate for my 28 Intl, which has a GVW of 7600#. I hope they can handle it.

SteveSueMac · 06-01-2016, 06:54 PM

Dave - what do your trailer axles weigh on the scales loaded for camping with WD applied? Probably a few hundred pounds less than GVWR, I'm guessing.

I have the older version on my 27FB which sees about 6000# on the trailer axles loaded for camping with WD applied and they've been terrific.

I don't recall offhand - maybe Switz remembers - I think that standard says to divide by 1.1 (not to multiply by .9) and if so, that would add another 20# or so to each tire as well. However - my memory could be off there and even if it's correct, I can't explain why that's the mathematical operation instead of the one you did to arrive at your number. If this is 7th grade algebra and I'm missing something, I have an excellent excuse but will wait to see what others have to say 😂

SteveSueMac · 06-01-2016, 08:44 PM

I thought I remembered "divide by 1.1" from somewhere - here's the text of the regulation:

S4.2.2.2
When passenger car tires are installed on an MPV, truck, bus, or trailer, each tire's load rating is reduced by dividing it by 1.10 before determining, under S4.2.2.1, the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to an axle.
-------------

So they're not saying you reduce 10% of the tire's load capacity - they're saying you reduce the capacity by dividing it by 1.1 (effectively reducing capacity by 9.09%). Frankly, I wonder if this is a mistake. The person writing the regulation may have wanted to reduce the capacity by a full 10% (which would be to multiply the stated tire capacity by .9) and mistakenly reversed the formula for calculating markup. If you had a product and needed to add 10% markup you would multiply price by 1.1 - Perhaps the writer of the regulation (mistakenly) assumed dividing a number by 1.1 would then produce a 10% reduction from the printed tire capacity...

I don't know - I have to assume there was a (non-flawed) reason to specify dividing by 1.1 (which gives the older version 1985# capacity and the newer version 2065# capacity per tire).

Yes - this bothered me 😀

franklyfrank · 06-02-2016, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malinois38

I have a 28" International and I'm having a hard time justifying the jump to new 16" wheels/tires. If you have been running 15" Michelins on a similar size,weight trailer can you please give me some feedback.
It looks like the 15" tires should be okay with the trailer max, but it is somewhat close. I usually run around 6500lbs camp ready.
I have not heard any feedback on the new 15" Michelin Defender that was to come out this spring, any input?

I am running Michelin LTX M/S 2 P235 R15 108T Extra Load E2, it is rated D2 8 Ply at 50 PSI on my 2013 30' International for two years now. Trip ready and loaded with WD engaged we are at 7,400 lbs on the trailer. Great tires smooth ride.
These regulations are light years behind today's tire technology..

SeaLevel · 06-02-2016, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveswenson

I just ordered a set of the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in a 235-75/15. They are now available. They're rated at 2271 lbs. With a 10% derate they're at 2044 each. Should be more than adequate for my 28 Intl, which has a GVW of 7600#. I hope they can handle it.

Where did you order them from?

Thanks.

Rich Jenkins · 06-04-2016, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAH

I use the 15" Michelins on my FC 30, about 20,000 miles in past 3 years. No issues. Last CAT scale indicated 1,780 on TT tires, compared to de-rated 1,985 capacity. Even without the tire speed restriction, I don't go above 65 towing. I just don't feel safe towing at higher speeds than that.

Came back to this thread to look for someone running Michelins on a FC30'.

The Boss wants to flip our 27' FC for a 30' FC and I am planning to ask our dealer (Colonial) to move my Michelin-shod 15" wheels onto the new trailer when we do the swap later this month.

daveswenson · 06-10-2016, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

Where did you order them from?

Thanks.

Discount Tire. But they should be available anywhere that can get Michelin.

**Rocinante** · 06-11-2016, 10:52 AM

FYI, our local DT just declined to install these 15" Michelins on our 27FB, despite several advance phone calls where he said "Yes" and then even charged my credit card for the purchase. Maybe the sight of the trailer at his shop made him nervous, who knows. So he apologized profusely, refunded our money and sent us on our way.

The excuse was that he just didn't like the capacity math for these tires on our trailer. I happen to disagree with him, but it was also clear I wasn't going to win the argument...and it's not an argument we want to risk having every time we take Rocinante in for tire service of some kind.

So, we're considering Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires: LT235/75R15 110S. The load rating (110 = 2,337lbs) looks even better than the new Michelin Defenders (109 minus a 10% de-rating) , so It's either that or move up to 16" wheels.

If you're reading this thread and have used the Pirelli tires on your trailer, I hope you'll speak up!

**Rocinante** · 06-11-2016, 02:50 PM

Just spoke with a local tire store that carries the Pirelli's I mentioned above. He agrees they are fine with capacity, but said two things that deter me: the tread is quite aggressive, and the nearest ones would take three days to get here. The former suggests these would give a rough ride to the trailer and the latter that they may be even harder to get if we're out in the boonies.

mojo · 06-14-2016, 06:27 PM

I too have questioned whether these tires (Pirelli Scorpion ATR LT235/75R15 110S) might be a better solution to Michelin passenger tires. They are a light tuck tire, they came stock with my F150 and lasted for 42K before replacing. They were not harsh or aggressive, and would not really consider them as a "all terrain" off road tire. Just not in the market yet to replace the GYM's because I have never had a failure with them...and I average about 15K miles a year...and the St tires last me about 3 years.