The Towmax STR Powerking 235/75r16E's that came on my fiver made it about 3 years and 4k miles before two of them failed. Luckily, between traffic lights, a guy got my attention to let me know that I had a huge bubble on the side of one of them. He certainly saved me from a blowout. So now I'm researching replacement tires and the general consensus seems to be that ST tires are crap and the thing to do is go to an LT. I'm looking for some good advice in this area. What have you tried? What should I stay away from? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

Friend of mine used geolanders from discount tires on his. Seemed to work well as he was thinking of going to alaska with it. Now it has changed he bought a Cl A rv instead. We travelled together for about 3000 miles and he had no issues. I put maxxis tires on my TT and had no issues either.

 

Probably the hottest topic here on this forum. Everyone has an opinion, many have gone to LT's, others have stayed with ST's, just moved up to e rated if not already there.

Search this forum and you'll get plenty of opinions and comments.

Yes, almost all if not all ST's aren't made in the USA.

Many have recommended Greenball, who source their tires from all over SE Asia.

Others either like or dislike Goodyear Marathons...no in between.

Then there's Carlise tires though Americas tire. Chinese built too.

Whatever type of tire you decide on, I really think the key is keeping them fresh, 4-5 years old, inflate to max, and don't let them sit idle for too long in one spot. Keep your speed under 65.

Next opinion...cause it won't be the same!

 

Yep! Opinions are like, well... I'll pass for the rest of that.

I hear the pain though. I have China bombs and am going to spend more this week on some made in USA tires. Goodyear G614's. They are more expensive but they are A) made in the USA, B) if they fail, Goodyear backs them, and C) if a blowout damages your trailer, Goodyear pays for that too.

I know there are less expensive tires, I know that some of them have really good reputations, but I am sticking with made in USA.

My two cents for what it is worth.

 

If you only need E rated tires, not G, then you are doing well as there are many LT options out there.

Michelin XPS Ribs get good reviews. There are several other popular ones over at RV.net (when its working, not so much lately).

Surprise to me, depending on the size you get, some are made in the U.S.

 

I now have Gladiators on mine. That is what the insurance company bought when my tires failed.

Those tires were Freestar.

these seem to be pretty good but I know they will do the same eventually so over the winter I will look at getting them replaced as well.

 

On our flatbed trailer, we put LT tires on it when the old ST tires came apart. We pull it over all kinds of terrain, heavily loaded, and at high speeds, sometimes all 3. The LT tires hold up way better and don't sway nearly as bad under extreme loads.

 

Here's another opinion like many stated. Good reading as I still believe in ST tires if used properly.

Trailer Towing ? ST Tires vs. LT Tires | RV 101® your education source for RV information

 

Over the years I have had several different brands of ST tires feeling that they were made specifically for trailer applications. After my last blow-out I moved to Bridgestone R250s. A rib tire like the Michelin. Great tires, no problems. Very heavy, i think 55# a piece. Low rolling resistance, seem to track better as well. Good luck.

 

I think going to quality LT tires is a smart move. Didn't always believe that, but my opinion has been swayed by the awful experiences of others.


BUT...


It can be complicated. You have to remember that an LT tire in the same size and load range as an ST tire, the LT will always have a lower load rating. If you think that means they overrate the ST tire, ding ding ding, you're right.


So you often are forced into a larger size LT tire to keep the load rating where you need it. Maybe you can keep your wheels, maybe not. That also means you need to check the between tire clearance and wheelhouse clearance on your trailer, to make sure it will have adequate clearance when the suspension articulates.


Lastly, a nice plus with going to LT tires is that you no longer have a 65mph maximum speed rating. All ST tires are 65mph max.


Personally, I bought new tires for our 3.5 year old fiver last month. I went with ST from Maxxis, and jumped from the OEM LR/D to an LR/E tire. I felt I was pushing my luck on the OEM Powerking Towbasterds.

 

If you have room, and I think you will, go up to the 235/80R16E. Its not quite 1 inch larger in dia. and same width but has a higher load rating by several hundred pounds per tire. I did this on my previous 5th wheel and my tire separations went away. Thank God I caught every one of them before I actually blew a tire. I've seen some pretty nasty coach body damage from exploding tires while at freeway speeds.

 

I now have the Goodyear tires on the trailer. We are 2500 miles into the current trip. It may be my imagination, but I think not, but the trailer tows smoother with less chucking now that I have moved from a load range E tire to the G rating.

 

Interesting. Hope the trip goes well.

 

We are back home after 3200 miles (give or take a bit) and I can say that the Load Range G tires made a difference. Not only did the trailer seem to pull smoother, but the fuel mileage was better. 10.5 compared to our previous trip at 8.2. Now I will say, that was a similar route, not an exact route. Is it the tires, I think so, can I prove it, NO.

 

Good on you !!!
on my previous 5er I replaced the no name chinabombs with g614's and had a blowout too quickly for my wants c pic below (note the FRAME member bent from the tire carcass !)

For some reason I saved the tire carcass and goodyear asked for it and paid for everything except the 3 hours on the side of a 100 degree interstate !!!

the current 5er has lt tires and they have been on for a year at HIGHWAY speeds without incident...