I have looked at these too, but they only have a 3042 lb. rating per tire at the LT253/85/16 at 80psi size that most of our trailers take. The GYs are rated at 3750 lbs per tire at 110psi. Some 5th wheels these would work great on, but at the weight mine is, I have to have the higher weight rating.

 

It sounds like you will need to flatten the ol' bank account for a 15K capable set of tires. With the 'usual' 15% pin weight, you have ~2250# on the truck leaving 12,750# on the axles, none of which are loaded the same. This then puts 3187# more or less, on each tire - and out of the LT normal range of 3042#. Assuming you have 8 lug hubs, then it sounds like a 17.5 wheel and tire would be a good choice. Phew, and that's expensive !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I went with Cooper Discover tires.


What I would recommend it to have your trailer weighed so that you can take a look at actual numbers. Get the total weight of your trailer, hitch pin weight and axle weight. Your hitch should be carrying around 16% of the trailer weight + or - a few pounds. This would leave the remainder of the weight on your axle or axles. If you know the individual axle weight your set, if not then go ahead and divide the weight minus the pin weight by the number of axles you have.


You can also use the old adage of a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. So in this theory you could ask why do I need tires with a load rating of 3,500 pounds each when they are mounted on 6,000 pound axles.


Of course then you could get into working the equations and finding out that one side of a 6K axle is carrying more weight than 3K pounds, so does the tire weight rating then compensate for this uneven weight distribution?


But then the tire weight ratings stamped on a ST tire is the actual weight limit of the tire. The weight rating on a LT tire is the stamped weight limit, but not the actual weight limit.


As for moving up to tires that hold 110 PSI, make sure that your wheels are rated to hold a PSI this high. Most 16" metal wheels will do this, not all, but most. Aluminum wheels are a whole different story. The max PSI should be stamped on the wheel, but then again, not all are.


In the end, the ST vs. LT tire battle will rage forward for many years to come just as it has for many years past. Know the limits such as not only weight rating, but speed limits, proper inflation pressures, inspect your tires often and go forth an be a happy camper.

 

Randy, nice egg you got there - how did you time the stop such that it didn't blow ?!? !!!!

Marathons are 'better' than the china bombs, still not totally safe !
BUT, something to be said about a company that Goodyear didn't bat an eye when I made a claim for my marathon blowout and rv damage... they even paid for the spare tire I bought...
of course I did take pics, saved receipts, and brought the tire carcass to one of their stores....

Amazing what metal frame members that tire tore up when it went !

the new rv does have LT tires @ 110 psi

Property Damage Claims Team
Attention Dept. 805
200 Innovation Way
Akron, OH 44316
800-322-4682 (phone)
888-307-1920 (fax)
pdct@goodyear.com (e-mail)

 

20-25% is a more realistic estimate of pin weight, especially on medium to heavy 5ths. My 15.5k GVWR 5th is about 21% on empty weights, 23% loaded.

 

I was have blowouts on my 33' 5th wheel about every year. At first I went from the D rated ST tires that it came with to an E rated ST tire. Was still blowing out tires.

Finally bought some 16" steel wheels and put some 225-75-16 E rated Dunlop LT tires on it and haven't had an issue in 3 years. I'll never buy an ST tire again, ever.

 

It would seem the way of it is this. ST tire guys believe what tire salespeople tell them and what the ST tire companies put in their literature. LT tire believers go by common sense and experience.

 

Mr. Hammer - Meet - MR. Nail

 

My trailer came with blomax china bombs. Used them for a year, saving my money and then replaced all 5 with Goodyear G-114 17.5's. Never looked back

Excellent costumer service and competitive prices from Trailer Tires and Wheels - Steel & Aluminum Trailer Wheels, Bias & Radial Trailer Tires

 

My fiver weighs just under 15,000 pounds. We are full time and travel a lot. It did not leave the dealer without 5 new Goodyear G614 tires installed. I don't pull very fast, I try to weigh every year, and I keep my load down as much as possible. In my opinion if you pull a heavier 5th wheel (over 12,000) you really need G rated tires plus a tire monitoring system (TPMS).

 

Another satisfied customer...

 

Since this thread started I saw several folks that raved about the Sailun 'G' rated ties. I started to do a little research as to where they come from - oops, TBC who own Sumitomo, Towmax and a bunch of other junk tire brands (TBC Brands | TBC Brands) Guess they are off my very short list of replacement trailer tires

 

Bad logic. The same company can make a quality product and low end product. Goodyear makes G614's that are top notch and Marathon that is bottom of the barrel.

 

I guess we can agree to disagree. Why not use something like GM ignition switches on Chevy Cruze econoboxes and also on the top line Caddy as your point of reference.

I also didn't mention Goodyear tires(of which I will not own on anything). I have China Bomb Towmax on the Montana and while they are performing well today with about 2500 miles, will be on the scrap heap before any 2015 trip

 

You're not making much sense Dave, but ok. Agree to disagree.