Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
Here is the article cited above:
http://rvingwithmarkpolk.com/2012/11/08/trailer-towing-st-tires-vs-lt-tires/
http://rvingwithmarkpolk.com/2012/11/08/trailer-towing-st-tires-vs-lt-tires/
Good stuff. Thanks Gary.Gary RV Roamer said:Maxxis makes an ST 225/75R15 and their track record is excellent. At least one of the Maxxis models in that size has an "R" speed rating (106 mph).
Be careful of the speed rating on ST tires - many are rated for only 65 mph. You want a speed index of at least "L" (75 mph) and preferably higher (alphabetically higher letters indicate greater speed). Here is a list of the speed rating codes on the tire sidewall:
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoSpeedRating.dos
Very interesting. Thanks again.Gary RV Roamer said:Here is the article cited above:
http://rvingwithmarkpolk.com/2012/11/08/trailer-towing-st-tires-vs-lt-tires/
Q. Do you know how much air pressure is in your tires right now?
Q. How fast do you tow?
Q. Ever have any problems?
longhaul said:My current 5er came with new ST225/75-15 D Marathons. As you might guess I don't use ST tires so I dumped the new Marathons for 16" wheels and LT215/85-16 E tires. Ran them for over seven years and 55k miles and now have 22k miles on the second set. This is my 3rd 5th wheel trailer since '84 and I always dump the ST tires and go with a LT. I simply don't have tire issues at any speeds.
Gary RV Roamer said:ST tires are rated for trailers only. The side walls are stiff, making them unsuitable for use as steer axle tires but good for trailers. The shortcoming is that they are limited to 65 mph and many of them are of mediocre quality. There are a few good ones - Maxxis is one of te better brands.
LT can get a bit confusing because there are two conflicting uses of the LT designation. One is for High Flotation tires, which are very low pressure and used for offroad mud and sand. Never put those on any on-road vehicle. The more common LT designation is Light Truck and is intended for pick-up trucks. They have relatively strong sidewalls but still suitable for steering. They also work fine for trailer axles and there are often a wider range of sizes and load ranges available - and at more competitive prices too. LT tires will have a minimum speed rating of 75 mph and some may be rated higher.
donn said:Tires made oversees are not necessarily all bad. Take Hankook tires as an example. They are made in Korea and have a very good reputation for quality and durability. Maxxis is another tire made off shore, and is probably the only ST tire made with a decent reputation. But for the long haul with a relatively heavy trailer than came OE or is being upgraded to 16 inch wheels, a decent brand LT tire is far and away a better solution. Michelin/BFGoodrich, Firestone among others still make their truck tires in the good old USA.
Gary RV_Wizard said:Maxxis makes an ST 225/75R15 and their track record is excellent. At least one of the Maxxis models in that size has an "R" speed rating (106 mph).
Be careful of the speed rating on ST tires - many are rated for only 65 mph. You want a speed index of at least "L" (75 mph) and preferably higher (alphabetically higher letters indicate greater speed). Here is a list of the speed rating codes on the tire sidewall:
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoSpeedRating.dos
G614 RST is a LT tire but Goodyear says there intended to be used on Regional Service Trailers (RST).BruceinFL said:It's confusing with the Goodyear G614 RST tires. They have an LT designation but Goodyear and tire dealers market them as trailer tires.