Joined the LT tire movement

[SafariSS]

Put on a set of Michelins today, 235/75 r15 LTX MS2. They have a weight rating of 2183 lbs per tire at 50psi. I have them mounted on a Safari 30 GVWR of 8400lbs but I have never weighed more than 7700 lbs.

This is my fourth set of tires, never had a Marathon blow out but never got good wear out of them. Last set had three tread separations. Second set of tires were Maxxis, fairly good wear but one tread separation. I am really good about checking pressure but do like to tow at 70.

[sandlapper]

I am not about to dive into the tire issue talk, but would be interested in knowing how they work out for you. I may need 6 of them before too long.

Thanks for posting.

John

[SafariSS]

I don't normally like making multiple changes at once, but I am also changing my hitch to a ProPride and tow vehicle. Been towing with 3/4 ton suburbans since my trailer was new and moved to a GL350 . Going to be interesting!

[sandlapper]

Yep, there are a lot of new variables there.

John

[BlackAces]

Originally Posted by SafariSS

Put on a set of Michelins today, 235/75 r15 LTX MS2. They have a weight rating of 2183 lbs per tire at 50psi. I have them mounted on a Safari 30 GVWR of 8400lbs but I have never weighed more than 7700 lbs.

This is my fourth set of tires, never had a Marathon blow out but never got good wear out of them. Last set had three tread separations. Second set of tires were Maxxis, fairly good wear but one tread separation. I am really good about checking pressure but do like to tow at 70.

Your new Michelin tires actually have a maximum load capacity of 1984# (ea) when fitted to RV trailer axles.

[m.hony]

My trailer has the Marathons. I saw some on the lot that hadbMichelin. I know Michelins are good because I got 130,000 miles out of my last set on a Chevy Express van. I will get Michelins next.

[SafariSS]

Originally Posted by BlackAces

Your new Michelin tires actually have a maximum load capacity of 1984# (ea) when fitted to RV trailer axles.

I am willing to take my chances after having poor luck with ST tires. I figure my lower side skin would be about 5k to replace and do not want to worry about a total tire failure.

[JamuJoe]

I also mounted a new set of Michelin 235/75R15 LTX MS2 today, replacing the original 14" Goodyear Marathons on our 2011 FC23FB. The Marathons had been problem-free for 2 1/2 years and 24,800 miles, but I decided to heed ST manufacturers advice and not extend them on time and mileage. I purchased the Michelins mounted and balanced on 15" Raceline wheels from performanceplustire.com - great prices, service, and fast and free delivery to my door. The larger wheels and tires fit just fine and look great. I'm happy to have the additional 1.1" of road clearance. On the 30 mile road test across the mesa in very gusty winds, and then up and down a few 8% curvy grades, the unit tracked perfectly without sway - just as it always has. (I tow with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and Equalizer Hitch).

Thanks to those who have made this upgrade before me and shared the fit information for these larger wheels and tires on the FC23FB.

[outofcontrol]

Originally Posted by BlackAces

Your new Michelin tires actually have a maximum load capacity of 1984# (ea) when fitted to RV trailer axles.

Just curious, where do you find this information? I'd like to check other tires' ratings. I didn't even know they rate LT tires for trailers.

I like the idea of 70,000 miles.

-Kevin

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by BlackAces

Your new Michelin tires actually have a maximum load capacity of 1984# (ea) when fitted to RV trailer axles.

I haven't seen that number anywhere. The Michelin web site says max load, single tire......2680@80 lbs psi. Are you talking 1984 at less pressure?

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by SafariSS

Put on a set of Michelins today, 235/75 r15 LTX MS2. They have a weight rating of 2183 lbs per tire at 50psi. I have them mounted on a Safari 30 GVWR of 8400lbs but I have never weighed more than 7700 lbs.

This is my fourth set of tires, never had a Marathon blow out but never got good wear out of them. Last set had three tread separations. Second set of tires were Maxxis, fairly good wear but one tread separation. I am really good about checking pressure but do like to tow at 70.

Are those P235/75R15/XLs? Load Range C (50psi)

[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.

[interstateflyer]

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.

So am I correct in assuming that the 10% load capacity derating only applies to (P) passenger not (LT) light truck Michelin LTX M/S2 tires?

[switz]

The code reads passenger tires. The 16" LT 225/75R16E LTX M/S2 tires are specifically called light truck tires so there is no derating required for trailer use. The maximum air of pressure is 80 psi for a load range E rating.

The 15" XL tires are a fish out of water. They are a hybrid of P & LT. You might say an extra load rated passenger car tire. They are called LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL so are derated per the regulation. The maximum pressure is 50 psi.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

So am I correct in assuming that the 10% load capacity derating only applies to (P) passenger not (LT) light truck Michelin LTX M/S2 tires?

Yes, you are correct. P types tire need to be derated. LT type tires are already derated.

[SafariSS]

Originally Posted by CapriRacer

Yes, you are correct. P types tire need to be derated. LT type tires are already derated.

About to head out with the new michelins, I have them at 50psi and will be curious what the hot psi is

[BlackAces]

Originally Posted by outofcontrol

Just curious, where do you find this information? I'd like to check other tires' ratings. I didn't even know they rate LT tires for trailers.

I like the idea of 70,000 miles.

-Kevin

The OP correctly described the Michelin P235/75R15XL tire.

When “P” designed tires are used on trailer axles they MUST be de rated. The tires maximum load capacity - in this case - is 2183#. By DOT regulation that figure is then divided by 1.1 to determine its maximum load capacity (1984#) for trailer axle service.

[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

[Bill M.]

In case everybody does not know by now: The old Michelin LTX tires were a LT tire. I bought a set in 2008 and ran them until last month. The worked great. They did have surface cracking this year. The new Michelin LTX are a P rated tire but they are rated at 50 psi.(XL) And Michelin does not now make a LT tire in 15". I also jut put on a set of the Michelin LTX. P-235/75/R15XL.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

In case everybody does not know by now: The old Michelin LTX tires were a LT tire. I bought a set in 2008 and ran them until last month. The worked great. They did have surface cracking this year. The new Michelin LTX are a P rated tire but they are rated at 50 psi.(XL) And Michelin does not now make a LT tire in 15". I also jut put on a set of the Michelin LTX. P-235/75/R15XL.

You have to be very careful here.

If a tire size starts with the letter "P", it is a P metric tire. That means the tire has been designed to The Tire and Rim Association's standard for P metric tires - and there is a load vs pressure table that applies. These tires come in "Standard Load" (SL) and "Extra Load" (XL).

If the tire has the letters "LT" in front of the tire size, it is an LT metric tire and it has been designed to The Tire and Rim Association's standard for LT metric tires - and a different load vs inflation pressure table applies. These tires come in "Load Ranges" - C, D, E, etc.

So a P235/75R15 XL is a P metric tire.