It could be my imagination

[Antique Pedaler]

After six years of running the original GYMs on our trailer, I replaced them with Michelin LTs. I went with the 15 inch ones. It might be my imagination, but the trailer feels more secure with the Michelins. This is especially true when surpassing my personal speed limit of 63 mph when passing someone.

FYI. The GYMs were a year old when installed by the factory on our new trailer. So they were actually 7 years old when replaced.

[dkottum]

Our change to Michelins gave me a sense of security that I never had with the GYMs, so much so that I went from constantly watching the trailer TPMS out the corner of my eye, to leaving the TPMS at home.

Too much of a sense of security perhaps, but after many thousands of miles without thinking about tires as we go down the road, the trip is at least more pleasant.

[mjayjensen]

I did the same. Now inflating the tires to 50psi. Do notice a slight difference in how it tows.
Jay

[Sbb]

I change tires every three years no matter what. Our Bambi gets 22k a year on it.

[cbrittan]

We have been running since new 10,000+ miles on dealer installed Michelin "235/75 15" EXTRA LOAD" tires (the word MICHELIN is white on these tires) which according to Michelin's website, can carry an elephant at 13,000 pounds. We inflate to no more than 50lbs cold. These tires show a sidewall obviously thicker than the Michelin tires on our GMC pickup. They are visibly different in shape at the sidewall.

Since we are discussing confidence in Michelin tires, we agree. We have a high degree of confidence in these tires, and while our dealer joked about "not needing to carry a spare", we do anyway just so we know where it is.

Properly balanced, wheel nuts torqued before every trip, we don't think about tires any more!

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by Antique Pedaler

After six years of running the original GYMs on our trailer, I replaced them with Michelin LTs. I went with the 15 inch ones. It might be my imagination, but the trailer feels more secure with the Michelins. This is especially true when surpassing my personal speed limit of 63 mph when passing someone.

FYI. The GYMs were a year old when installed by the factory on our new trailer. So they were actually 7 years old when replaced.

After 7 years new GYMs would probably ride better too.

[m.hony]

I honestly can't tell a difference in the way my trailer tows with the new LT tires, but I have extreme comfort and peace of mind.

[larryglarson]

No you feel it, but so will your trailer. Shake the "s???" out of it. For one I think real trailer tires are best.

[Antique Pedaler]

One thing I should add is this. So far I have pulled the trailer with the new Michelins three 300 days. At the end of each day I have reset the lug nuts torque. After the tried day there was only one nut out of specs.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

After 7 years new GYMs would probably ride better too.

You went from seven year old POS tires to brand new higher-quality tires, I would hope you'd notice an improvement!

[Phoenix]

2005 19' Bambi (4,500 lbs, single axle):

• Two of three original GYMs failed (ST225/75x15D) -- Tire age = 3 years, approx 7,500 miles, tire pressure = 65 psi.
  
  
• One of two Maxxis replacement tires failed (ST225/75x15E) -- Tire age = 2 years, approx 5,000 miles, tire pressure = 80 psi.
  
  
• Two Michelin XPS Ribs (LT225/75x16E) have had absolutely no problems -- Tire age = 5 years (and still running), approx 35,000 miles (to date), tire pressure = 80 psi. For safety, these two XPS Ribs will probably be replaced at age 6-7 years with 60-75,000 miles on them, and over half of the tread still remaining. (At 35,000 miles, the tread shows almost no visible wear.)

Detailed tire history for our Bambi: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1503775

[SSquared]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

2005 19' Bambi (4,500 lbs, single axle):

• Two of three original GYMs failed (ST225/75x15D) -- Tire age = 3 years, approx 7,500 miles, tire pressure = 65 psi.
  
  
• One of two Maxxis replacement tires failed (ST225/75x15E) -- Tire age = 2 years, approx 5,000 miles, tire pressure = 80 psi.
  
  
• Two Michelin XPS Ribs (LT225/75x16E) have had absolutely no problems -- Tire age = 5 years (and still running), approx 35,000 miles (to date), tire pressure = 80 psi. For safety, these two XPS Ribs will probably be replaced at age 6-7 years with 60-75,000 miles on them, and over half of the tread still remaining. (At 35,000 miles, the tread shows almost no visible wear.)

Detailed tire history for our Bambi: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1503775

Have you weighed your bambi to know how much load your tires are actually carrying?

[Phoenix]

Total weight on our Bambi's axle was 4,280 lbs, fully loaded, weighed while on an 8-month, 13,000 mile roadtrip. Sorry, I didn't weigh each wheel individually.

For those unfamiliar with the XPS Rib, it has a 1-ply steel sidewall, 3 steel radial belts, weighs 49 pounds, and is rated to carry 2,680 lbs @ 80 psi. Our two tires were made in Germany.

[WestieHouse]

Do the 15" rims with LT tires fit in the wheel well of a 23' FC?

[FreshAir]

I had to buy 16" wheels as Michelin did not have the tire that I wanted in 15 inches......worth the expense but I loved the moon wheel covers I had for them.

Neil

[SSquared]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Total weight on our Bambi's axle was 4,280 lbs, fully loaded, weighed while on an 8-month, 13,000 mile roadtrip. Sorry, I didn't weigh each wheel individually.

For those unfamiliar with the XPS Rib, it has a 1-ply steel sidewall, 3 steel radial belts, weighs 49 pounds, and is rated to carry 2,680 lbs @ 80 psi. Our two tires were made in Germany.

Thanks for the update. That really shows how the single-axle trailers put a big load on the tires. My dual axle 25FB was at 5960 pounds on the axles last time I weighed it.