Joined the LT tire movement

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by woodfox45

Tire pressures have me confused . As an example my 09 2500 hd has a gvw of 9200lbs , The tire inflation label on the door calls for 60psi front and 72psi rear, gvw for front is 4800and 6084 rear the tires call for max of 80 psi . So if I was loaded to 9200 gvw my front tires would be carrying 2400lbs ea. and the rear 3042lbs ea.So why do the tires on a tandem axle Airstream need 80psi on a E rated tire ? Wbcci #14183 Les from Ohio

It is common for trailers to have barely enough load carrying capacity - so they call for the maximum inflation pressure. Put another way, trailer ought to use much larger tires than they do. (with some exceptions).

On the other hand, trucks have tires that are rated to higher loads than they need. They don't need to use all the capacity, so they use a lower inflation pressure. Note that if you add the front and rear GAWR's, you get a value that is higher than the GVW.

[slowmover]

So why do the tires on a tandem axle Airstream need 80psi on a E rated tire

On any tire used on any trailer: the side-shear forces seen by such calls for maximal stiffness that the tire does not detach from the rim, or, long-term, degrade the sidewalls such that failure chances increase. Maximum pressure, therefore.

.

[handn]

Originally Posted by switz

I installed five of the Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires using the OEM aluminum wheels on my 2013 International Serenity 25FB with a GVW of 7,300 pounds. Each of the trailer axles are rated 3,600 pounds. These tires have a weight rating printed on the sidewall of 2,183 pounds @ 50 psi. Per 49 CFR 571.110, when these tires are used in non passenger type vehicles, the load capacity must derated to 1,985 pounds (10%). That Michelin tire diameter is 28.9" as compared to the GYM ST225/75R15D tire diameter of 28.3". If the tire weight rating for two tires exceeds the axle rating on the vehicle door plate, the weak link in the support chain would in theory be the axle. I run 50 psi in these tires.

Many in the tire wars threads switched to the same tire and wheel Airstream used on the Eddie Bauer trailers. Those are the Michelin LT 225/75R16E LTX M/S2 tires rated 2,680 pounds at 80 psi. These tires are 29.2" tall, or 0.9" taller than the GYM ST tires. The SenDel T03-66655BM aluminum wheel was used by Airstream. That black high lighted wheel has been discontinued. The plain aluminum wheel part number is T03-66655T.

My 3/4 ton Dodge has a rear axle rated at 6.010 pounds and the two factory installed Michelin LT265/70R17E rear tires at 70 psi are rated at 6,010 pounds. At 80 psi they are rated at 6,390 pounds. I would think the factory considered a safety margin in there somewhere when selecting these tires. The front axle is rated 5,500 pounds and the recommended tire pressure is 45 psi for the two factory installed Michelin LT265/70R17E tires to generate a two tire capacity of 5,510 pounds.

Nothing like real numbers from the items in question.

Thanks or the real skinny! There is a lot of misinformation out there.
I switched to Michelins two years ago after multiple ST tire failures suffered during multiple day, hot weather interstate trips and have forgotten about tire problems. For a lighter two axle or any three axle trailer 15 inch Michelins (or like rated s.o.b.'s) are the way to go. If I had a heavier trailer, I would upgrade to 16 inch wheels and heavier LT tires.
Frankly, I don't know why we are still having this debate. Marathons, Chinese made, U.S. made, it is all irrelevant, the fact is any ST tire will prematurely fail if towed at freeway speeds in very hot weather.

[Bill M.]

"So a P235/75R15XL is a P metric tire."

Yes, exactly. But the confusing thing is that the Michelin name for this tire is the "LTX". Same name they use for their E rated LT tires in larger wheel sizes ( I have them on my truck). I assume the original poster thought because of that name he was actually getting a LT tire. I thought that at first because the last set I had with the same name were LT tires.

[JamuJoe]

It's great to share experiences on this forum. The ST vs LT dialogue gets clouded, though, when individuals share personal experiences and express such as absolute universal "facts". Controlled testing and statistical data is lacking. My personal experience was that my original 14" Marathons rolled for over 23,300 miles without problem, and as I look at them now de-mounted, they show no signs of abnormal wear whatsoever. They rolled at 60 mph across OK and TX freeways at over 100º ambient for two summers, and rough mountain roads in all seasons. Was it luck or careful maintenance and operating within load and speed parameters? My decision to upgrade to 15" Michelin LTX was based upon several factors, including manufactures recommendations on the life span of ST tires. I'm really happy that they fit on my FC23FB and look forward to years of service from them.

Originally Posted by handn

Thanks or the real skinny! There is a lot of misinformation out there.
Marathons, Chinese made, U.S. made, it is all irrelevant, the fact is any ST tire will prematurely fail if towed at freeway speeds in very hot weather.

[Ramble On]

I just ordered 4 Sendel T03 66655st wheels from Tredit and will pickup tomorrow. Now the tougher debate as to which LT tire to match to these wheels. I have narrowed my choices to either Michelin or Bridgestone.

Michelin LTX M/S 2 $245.00 29.2 dia 38.2 lbs

Duravis R250
(steel casing) $223.00 29.4 dia 52 lbs

Duravis M895
(steel casing) $225.00 29.4 dia 53 lbs

Duravis R500 HD 183.00 29.2 dia 41 lbs


Any opinions or suggestions?

[pappy19]

Michelin LTX M/S 2's are the best tires I have ever had, including on my pickup truck, they wear like iron and I would definately recommend them. More money, but more trust.

Pap

[jcanavera]

If you look around, many dealers are offering a $70 rebate on the purchase of 4 Michelin tires if you act before month end. At this point my only experience is with the Michelin's.

Last June I got my LTX M/S tires for $202 each with free shipping from Discount Tire Direct. And that price was before the $70 rebate.

Jack

[Pahaska]

I have 4 new Michelin tires in the back of my truck, just waiting for the wheels to be delivered. After 3 of my friends had major damage from ST tires, I won't turn a wheel until I get them installed.

[sandlapper]

When you mail order tires, how do you know they will be fresh and not already "old"?? Is there some way to check the dates??

Thanks..

John

[woodfox45]

Originally Posted by Ramble On

I just ordered 4 Sendel T03 66655st wheels from Tredit and will pickup tomorrow. Now the tougher debate as to which LT tire to match to these wheels. I have narrowed my choices to either Michelin or Bridgestone.

Michelin LTX M/S 2 $245.00 29.2 dia 38.2 lbs

Duravis R250
(steel casing) $223.00 29.4 dia 52 lbs

Duravis M895
(steel casing) $225.00 29.4 dia 53 lbs

Duravis R500 HD 183.00 29.2 dia 41 lbs


Any opinions or suggestions?

Check Discount tire they had a $70. rebate through June I think mine were $202. each Hope you have one in your area .

[JamuJoe]

I found that buying tires and wheels from the same source (performanceplustires.com) was a great experience. LTX M/S 2 P235/75R15 @ $145.00 ea mounted and balanced on 15x6 870 TRAILER ALUMINUM RIM RACELINE WHEELS @ $96 ea quickly delivered to my door for free (and no tax). They also handle Sendel wheels, but these were backordered and I like the change in style with my new wheels.

Installation on the trailer was easy using a Camco Trailer Aid 21 Tandem Tire Changing Ramp - much easier than using a bottle jack.

[dznf0g]

I ordered from TireRack.com, which went fine...good price....free delivery...and fast. BUT, when I took in to Discount Tire, they told me that they would have price matched and mount and balance would have been much cheaper if I hadn't carried in. But, I would have had sales tax. Probably a "push", but less hassle to just get them there.

[Captain Hank]

Sandlapper,

There is a date code on every tire. Look on the sidewall by the DOT number and the code will be the week and year the tire was made. (Ex: 4912)

[Ramble On]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

I have 4 new Michelin tires in the back of my truck, just waiting for the wheels to be delivered. After 3 of my friends had major damage from ST tires, I won't turn a wheel until I get them installed.

What kind of wheels did you order and are the michelins lt225/75/16E?
I kinda figured that michelins would be the favorite from responders, but I had hoped to hear from others regarding the bridgestones. So far no response.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Ramble On

What kind of wheels did you order and are the michelins lt225/75/16E?

Those are the tires I have.

Wheels still not here. I don't know the manufacturer. Description si 16x6" Aluminum Modular Trailer Wheel, 6-5.5" Bolt Circle, 3100 lbs capacity, 4.25" Center Bore

[dkottum]

These are the 16" wheels I installed on our Airstream, same design as original.

T02 | Sendel Wheels

[polarlyse]

Are we confidant whether or not the 15" LT tires have an adaquete load rating to handle the 30'ers. I've read some threads on the changeover to LT tires but I'm confused as to if they will handle the load without having to go to 16"ers. Maybe someday but not interested in going that route right now.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I ordered from TireRack.com, which went fine...good price....free delivery...and fast. BUT, when I took in to Discount Tire, they told me that they would have price matched and mount and balance would have been much cheaper if I hadn't carried in. But, I would have had sales tax. Probably a "push", but less hassle to just get them there.

Next time around, you can have TireRack drop-ship your tires to a cooperating installer in your area who won't charge you penalty rates for the mount+balance on TireRack tires.

[SafariSS]

I picked up a set from Discount for 146.00 each