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jvcolaizzi · 10-16-2014, 10:11 PM

At a rally today I spoke with someone that told me there are converting to a truck tire and rim moving away from the stock rim and trailer tire.

Does anyone know if this move makes sense? The reason given to me was to provide a safer more reliable tire.

SteveH · 10-17-2014, 05:21 AM

There are lots of threads on here on this subject for your reading enjoyment, and I would suggest you do a search for the subject "ST tires" and "LT tires".

**moosetags** · 10-17-2014, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvcolaizzi

At a rally today I spoke with someone that told me there are converting to a truck tire and rim moving away from the stock rim and trailer tire.

Does anyone know if this move makes sense? The reason given to me was to provide a safer more reliable tire.

Yes, moving away from ST trailer tires definitely makes sense. ST tires have a questionable reliability and longevity record. There are a number of threads here on the Forums that address this issue. One of the more complete threads is titled, 16" wheels/LT tires.

Brian

AnnArborBob · 10-17-2014, 06:45 AM

In case you are looking for even more validation of moving from ST to LT tires, be aware that Airstream itself is shipping all of its 2015 and later models larger than 25 feet with LT tires.

Silverbee · 10-17-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

In case you are looking for even more validation of moving from ST to LT tires, be aware that Airstream itself is shipping all of its 2015 and later models larger than 25 feet with LT tires.

Not exactly. Our 28ft 2015 shipped with 15" Marathons. We had them replaced with Eddie Bauer rims and 16" Michelins.

Forrest · 10-17-2014, 11:17 AM

I was going to switch to the Michelin LT tires, but found that it is no longer made for 15" wheels. So, I would have had to go to the additional expense of purchasing 16" wheels to mount LT tires.

You may want to check out the new Carlisle Radial Trail ST tire. It has an 85 mph speed rating as opposed to the 65 mph speed rating of nearly every other Special Trailer (ST) tire. The lower speed rating I believe has been the major cause of ST tire failure. It only takes one minute or less travel in excess of that rating to damage the tire, so Carlisle has addressed that with their new design.

I bought the ST225/75R15 for my 32' Excella (GVWR 8,300 lbs.) and just returned from a 3,000 mile trip. They preformed well and though I normally only tow at speeds below 65, there were several segments of the trip when I exceeded that. There appears to be little wear on the tires and they are looking really good, whereas I replaced my previous Goodyear Marathons with only about 7,000 miles on them because of poor wear patterns, and indications of impending tread separation. I took good care of the Goodyear tires, used the Pressure Pro tire pressure sensors, never drove over their speed rating, used tire covers when not in use and even put the trailer on jack stands when storing to keep the tires off the ground.

The Carlisles though, do appear to be performing much better. I bought them from Discount Tire, $99 each plus replacement, fees, and balancing.

The Ice Man · 10-17-2014, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

There are lots of threads on here on this subject for your reading enjoyment, and I would suggest you do a search for the subject "ST tires" and "LT tires".

I've been over the endless threads on ST/LT and one question I have seems unanswered. With the sensitivity of the AS to jack points, do you take your TT to the dealer and trust him to correctly lift the trailer to change the tires, or do you remove your own tires and rims and take them to the dealer in the back of you TV?

SteveH · 10-17-2014, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Ice Man

I've been over the endless threads on ST/LT and one question I have seems unanswered. With the sensitivity of the AS to jack points, do you take your TT to the dealer and trust him to correctly lift the trailer to change the tires, or do you remove your own tires and rims and take them to the dealer in the back of you TV?

I've done both, but when I take the Airstream to the tire shop, I insist on using the jack myself to lift the trailer, one side at a time, and let them change the tires/wheels.

I guarantee you that 9 times out of 10 they will try to jack it up under the axles.

Forrest · 10-17-2014, 11:49 AM

Yeah, I always take the wheels off myself. My tire dealer doesn't even have enough room in his lot to work on my Airstream anyway.

Lance M · 10-17-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

I've done both, but when I take the Airstream to the tire shop, I insist on using the jack myself to lift the trailer, one side at a time, and let them change the tires/wheels.

I guarantee you that 9 times out of 10 they will try to jack it up under the axles.

Or, they try to jack it up with the jack under the fresh water tank pan. That makes for a real mess.

AnnArborBob · 10-17-2014, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverbee

Not exactly. Our 28ft 2015 shipped with 15" Marathons. We had them replaced with Eddie Bauer rims and 16" Michelins.

Silverbee, I am surprised. I thought that I had been told by Airstream at the factory during Alumapalooza that all 2015s over 25 feet were shipping with the Michelin LT tires. Hmm.. Glad you got them though. You won't regret it!

interstateflyer · 10-17-2014, 02:02 PM

I found that while the Michelin LT load range "E"s on upgraded 16" Sendel wheels gave me peace of mind on my 2013 19' Bambi, their harsh ride popped at least 8 rivets at 65-75 psi.

I went with Michelin LTX 15" XL (E2) P235 tires on Sendel 15 inch wheels on my 2014 23D. The ride is very plush. In fact on a 350 mile segment through Arizona on I40 this week, a tall jar of marbles we'd left on the kitchen counter didn't seem to move at all. I wouldn't have expected that with the much stiffer LR "E" LTs.

21Airstream · 10-18-2014, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Yeah, I always take the wheels off myself...

+1 With the proper tools (in my case a Trailer-Aid Plus ramp & DeWalt 1/2" cordless impact wrench) the job really isn't that hard.

SteveH · 10-18-2014, 06:25 AM

I've learned some things about "ST" tires vs. "LT" tires thru research and reading on this and other forums.

You will find there is no other tire rated to carry as much weight as a "ST" tire in a given size. The tire manufactures will tell you that the "ST" tires have been upgraded in weight capacity because they are restricted from use on a drive axle, a steering axle, from use on any vehicle carrying passengers, and restricted to 65 MPH. And I suspect the passenger vehicle restriction really is just a shield used to protect those manufacturers from liability.

You will also find the reverse is true when using a "P" metric radial on a trailer in that if used on a trailer, those tires should be weight de-rated by a certain factor although those tires were designed to be used on drive axles, steering axles, passenger vehicles, and not restricted to 65 MPH.

Seems like a contradiction in restrictions to me, and that the tire manufacturers are (a) trying to sell more and different types of tires, and (b) making every effort to not be required to warrant their product and (c) cover their back sides.

OK, off the soap box for now.......

Bev1940 · 10-18-2014, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvcolaizzi

At a rally today I spoke with someone that told me there are converting to a truck tire and rim moving away from the stock rim and trailer tire.

Does anyone know if this move makes sense? The reason given to me was to provide a safer more reliable tire.

I have 8 ply tires on my 78 had them put on by a tires only place close to me and when I had trailer at CanAm airstream to get brakes done they commented on what good tires I had.
Went to Whitehorse YK this summer no problems carry 50 psi in them as recommended by CanAm.

TinTin · 10-18-2014, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

I was going to switch to the Michelin LT tires, but found that it is no longer made for 15" wheels. So, I would have had to go to the additional expense of purchasing 16" wheels to mount LT tires.

The 15 inch Michelins are readily available here. Just received a set from Costco this week.

HowieE · 10-18-2014, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I found that while the Michelin LT load range "E"s on upgraded 16" Sendel wheels gave me peace of mind on my 2013 19' Bambi, their harsh ride popped at least 8 rivets at 65-75 psi.

First impression was you had far to much pressure in those tires. With the weight of your trailer check the inflation chart for the proper pressure.

Ridgerunner3 · 10-18-2014, 02:54 PM

I take the wheels off and take them to the tire shop.

I put Michelin LTX P235 75 15XL tires on my 2002 Safari 25 in May 2013. I have 12,000 miles on the tires now. I have never needed to add air. I am very pleased with the tires and the performance.

TinTin · 10-18-2014, 03:47 PM

I'll be mounting 15 inch Michelins in the next few days, and am wondering what inflation others are using. Considering about 55 pounds on my 23 footer, with wheel torque on Sendel T02s to 110 ft lbs.

interstateflyer · 10-18-2014, 04:18 PM

I'm running the P235 15 LTX M/S 2 at the recommended pressure on sidewall.....50 psi. I'm torquing the Sendel T03s to110. The 10 inch hubs on my 23D want 110 lbs. according to A/S.

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