Acura MDX towing

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by brick1

Is the Escalade stopping distance with or without a load on the hitch?
Interesting that the Chevy 3/4 ton stopping distance only increased 3.7 ft with a load.
brick

Doesn’t matter. If you don’t allow sufficient stopping distance you will crash into the vehicle in front of you. I always think of this when I see cars, Bus type RVs, semi trucks, etc following 15 feet behind each other at 70 mph.

Also just doesn’t look like fun. I just drop back and try to avoid running over the pieces.

[GMFL]

Another reason not to tow with a small car. What are you going to do with your blown out tire other than put it inside the Airstream?
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ml#post2130594

[switz]

We used/use the 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on our 2013 25FB International Serenity and now our 2015 23D International Serenity. We use 44 psi per CanAm. That is a much better ride for the trailer and a wider tire foot print for stopping than ST tires.

They were sidewall rated 2,183 pounds and derated to 1,985 pounds for trailer use per Federal regulations. These have been replaced by the Defender series which are rated 2,271 pounds and derated to 2,064 pounds for trailer use.

The new series could also be used on the 26 & 27 models with GVW of 7,600 pounds. After all, most Airstreams in the 25/26/27 class end up with tongue weights crowding or exceeding 1,000 pounds. So deducting the tongue weight would mean the trailer tires are carrying 6,600 pounds. That represents a 20% load margin for safety which far exceeds the stock GYM tires margin Airstream had on our 2014 Classic.

We also use the 16" Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires on our Classic at 72/73 pounds.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by switz

We used/use the 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on our 2013 25FB International Serenity and now our 2015 23D International Serenity. We use 44 psi per CanAm. That is a much better ride for the trailer and a wider tire foot print for stopping than ST tires.

They were sidewall rated 2,183 pounds and derated to 1,985 pounds for trailer use per Federal regulations. These have been replaced by the Defender series which are rated 2,271 pounds and derated to 2,064 pounds for trailer use.

The new series could also be used on the 26 & 27 models with GVW of 7,600 pounds. After all, most Airstreams in the 25/26/27 class end up with tongue weights crowding or exceeding 1,000 pounds. So deducting the tongue weight would mean the trailer tires are carrying 6,600 pounds. That represents a 20% load margin for safety which far exceeds the stock GYM tires margin Airstream had on our 2014 Classic.

We also use the 16" Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires on our Classic at 72/73 pounds.

I was using the 15" Michelins you mention on my last AS, a 2014 25' FC; I believe in Michelins from experiences with previous 2 25' AS's we owned. However, I will say the last set of XLT Defenders I purchased in 2016 prior to selling that 25, were not LT rated. I was told by the Michelin guys that they do not offer a true LT in 15" anymore; the LTX is not rated for LT. I experienced a different sensation pulling the 25' AS with these tires...kind of like it was "wandering" or with a slight "roll" sensation side to side. Nothing significant, other than I did not have that feel prior to installing the LTX Defenders. I believe this sensation was due the give in the sidewalls from talking with tire manufacturer. LT tires have a heavier sidewall then offered now in the LTX 15" which are designated passenger tires.

With my new 28' AS, I just replaced the GYM's original tires with the new 15" GY Endurance tires this past week from Discount Tire in Helena, MT. We discussed upgrading to new Sendel 16" wheels with Michelins LT series. I did not want to go up to 16" wheels just to get Michelins LT series; IMHO no reason to spend the extra money for 5 new wheels/tires when there does not seem to be any issues with the new "made in USA" 15" GYE's which are rated up to 85 mph. Guys I talked with who have these seem to be fine with this model tire so far. I have only put 50 miles on since installation Thursday, but they felt fine on the freeway at 70, and coming over Rogers Pass in MT felt stable. Will monitor and let you know how I like them after next trip.
Looks like were getting off topic?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

Speed limit 70 most places in Ohio.

Again, to repeat what was stated at least twice previously, the speed limit for all combined vehicles over 8000 pounds is 55 mph in Ohio.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Again, to repeat what was stated at least twice previously, the speed limit for all combined vehicles over 8000 pounds is 55 mph in Ohio.

State all you want, but from Cincinnati to Detroit last week the semis slowed to 65 for the cops. The truck speed on signage is 65 mph for trucks. 55 would be a hazard. All the bus RVs and trailers were doing 65 plus and no one was getting stopped.

[markdoane]

You're both right. The speed limit in Ohio is 55 for combined vehicles over 8000 lbs, except on rural interstates.

[SteveNdebbie]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I was using the 15" Michelins you mention on my last AS, a 2014 25' FC; I believe in Michelins from experiences with previous 2 25' AS's we owned. However, I will say the last set of XLT Defenders I purchased in 2016 prior to selling that 25, were not LT rated. I was told by the Michelin guys that they do not offer a true LT in 15" anymore; the LTX is not rated for LT. I experienced a different sensation pulling the 25' AS with these tires...kind of like it was "wandering" or with a slight "roll" sensation side to side. Nothing significant, other than I did not have that feel prior to installing the LTX Defenders. I believe this sensation was due the give in the sidewalls from talking with tire manufacturer. LT tires have a heavier sidewall then offered now in the LTX 15" which are designated passenger tires.

With my new 28' AS, I just replaced the GYM's original tires with the new 15" GY Endurance tires this past week from Discount Tire in Helena, MT. We discussed upgrading to new Sendel 16" wheels with Michelins LT series. I did not want to go up to 16" wheels just to get Michelins LT series; IMHO no reason to spend the extra money for 5 new wheels/tires when there does not seem to be any issues with the new "made in USA" 15" GYE's which are rated up to 85 mph. Guys I talked with who have these seem to be fine with this model tire so far. I have only put 50 miles on since installation Thursday, but they felt fine on the freeway at 70, and coming over Rogers Pass in MT felt stable. Will monitor and let you know how I like them after next trip.
Looks like were getting off topic?

Actually you are right on topic. I just replaced the GYM tires with the GYE’s at 80 psi and the AS did feel like it was wandering around behind us. Per Andy’s recommendation I lowered the tire pressure to 45 and just now getting ready to tow it back to storage. I’ll see how it feels

[SteveNdebbie]

Much better!

[ROBERT CROSS]

We started at 80...but dropped back to 70. Made no difference towing riding in the TV, big difference in the AS.

GYE's are E rated...I don't see the logic in going below the the E rated min inflation.

Bob
🇺🇸

[SteveNdebbie]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

We started at 80...but dropped back to 70. Made no difference towing riding in the TV, big difference in the AS.



GYE's are E rated...I don't see the logic in going below the the E rated min inflation.



Bob

[emoji631]

I don’t know the logic behind lowering the tire pressure for the TT either, Bob. It does seem to ride better, at least behind our MDX. I couldn’t tell any difference between 70 or 80 but I could at 45-50 psi. I haven’t gone on the highway with the lower psi; just country roads so I will have to see how it does. I don’t have a lot of extra torque so I wonder if will cause more drag?

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by SteveNdebbie

I don’t know the logic behind lowering the tire pressure for the TT either, Bob. It does seem to ride better, at least behind our MDX. I couldn’t tell any difference between 70 or 80 but I could at 45-50 psi. I haven’t gone on the highway with the lower psi; just country roads so I will have to see how it does. I don’t have a lot of extra torque so I wonder if will cause more drag?

Here are a couple of reasons why lower tire pressure (matched to the load tables) is beneficial:

1. Less stress on your trailer - leading to fewer popped rivets and/or cabinets falling from the walls, etc.
2. Larger tire patch, i.e. tire rubber on the road. This will increase safety.
   • Larger contact surface will improve braking and tire adhesion to the road if you need to do an emergency manoeuvre.
   • Larger contact surface will help counter buffeting by sidewinds or passing trucks that otherwise could contribute to trailer sway.

The increased rolling resistance from tires inflated using the manufacturer's load tables will be negligible and outweighed by better handling, stability and thus increased safety.

Some people believe that it is more important to have your tires at maximum side-wall pressure to help alleviate 'inter-ply shear' that occurs when you turn a sharp corner.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Here are a couple of reasons why lower tire pressure (matched to the load tables) is beneficial:

1. Less stress on your trailer - leading to fewer popped rivets and/or cabinets falling from the walls, etc.
2. Larger tire patch, i.e. tire rubber on the road. This will increase safety.
   • Larger contact surface will improve braking and tire adhesion to the road if you need to do an emergency manoeuvre.
   • Larger contact surface will help counter buffeting by sidewinds or passing trucks that otherwise could contribute to trailer sway.

The increased rolling resistance from tires inflated using the manufacturer's load tables will be negligible and outweighed by better handling, stability and thus increased safety.

Some people believe that it is more important to have your tires at maximum side-wall pressure to help alleviate 'inter-ply shear' that occurs when you turn a sharp corner.

Matched to the load table of an E rated tire...or just keep reducing until your comfortable?
As I read the table 70psi is the min pressure for the GYE load E...am I rong?

Bob
🇺🇸

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Matched to the load table of an E rated tire...or just keep reducing until your comfortable?
As I read the table 70psi is the min pressure for the GYE load E...am I rong?

Bob
����

Go to the PSI on the table that matches your load on the heaviest loaded trailer tire. If you need to inflate to the load range E section of the table because you have weighed your rig and that is required then go for it, but otherwise, why would you want to inflate to a higher PSI if it isn't required? If a tire was only good at the maximum inflation why do manufacturers publish load tables?

According to your posted GY Endurance table I would only need to inflate those tires to 45 PSI (load of 2020 lbs per tire) to be at the maximum required for the maximum weight of my trailer.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Go to the PSI on the table that matches your load on the heaviest loaded trailer tire. If you need to inflate to the load range E section of the table because you have weighed your rig and that is required then go for it, but otherwise, why would you want to inflate to a higher PSI if it isn't required? If a tire was only good at the maximum inflation why do manufacturers publish load tables?

Well...I read the table as 70psi is the minimum pressure for the E rated tire...more research is in order.👍
Bob
🇺🇸

[brick1]

Tires carry the rated weight capacity when inflated to max psi. If you run lower pressure, the weight rating is reduced. Just make sure that you have sufficient tire capacity at each wheel for your load.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Well...I read the table as 70psi is the minimum pressure for the E rated tire...more research is in order.��
Bob
����

I read the table as 70 PSI for a load of 2620 lbs per tire and 45 PSI for a load of 2020 lbs per tire (ST225/75R15).

[ROBERT CROSS]

I can read this one as you read the other one...😂👍

We are now on the same page...🤓

Bob
🇺🇸

[Andrew T]

70 PSI isn’t the minimum for a load range “E” for example Mercedes specs 61 PSI for the E range tires on the Sprinter.

The Endurance has no problem running 35-50 PSI depending on the trailer weight. We have not seen the durability issues with it that we saw with Marathons and other ST tires.

The ride with Michelin’s is much smoother. The old LT 235 Michelin and the current Passenger XL Michelin are basically the same tire.

Andy

[smithcreek]

Originally Posted by gsp_

Adventure.AS - I’ve read your posts in various threads regarding the setups you provide, and the responses to your recommendations. I can see that you are truly passionate about your craft and believe in what you are doing. I also recognize that you may be the only organization who’ll outfit a car/suv like this - which puts you into a unique situation of increased scrutiny. If I may, I’d Like to offer a suggestion.

I don’t believe that quick rebuttals on forum posts will sway the masses to your view with much success. Actual data and real-world experience from your setups would go a long way towards dispelling FUD around your product. For instance, you test each towing upgrade against over 40 specifications, and have for years. Why not provide that data on your website so we can review the parameters you utilize against specific vehicle performance? Or borrow the “TFL Truck” YouTube format where they do standardized, read-world towing tests on camera, deomstrating the basic towing experience and expectations: 0-60 time, stopping ability, towing at speed flat, towing up a 7% grade, towing down a 7% grade, engine/transmission/brake temperature, etc. TFL’s approach isn’t aggressively scientific - yet effectively provides baseline expectations for particular a setup.

Either of these approaches (or ideally, both) would present fertile ground for a reasonable, intelligent discussion of your towing solutions.

You are addressing the wrong person with your post. Anyway, one or two pieces of anecdotal evidence aren't worth much but hundreds of positive testimonials on this forum alone might not be a scientific study (which is silly to expect in the first place), but is meaningful data.