Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis and Julie
How do you get a tire shop to put LT tires on a trailer, we don't have a single one that will do it, from Wal-Mart to the Goodyear dealer.
|
I’ve tried to explain that on numerous forums. It’s complicated and requires a lot of reading about DOT regulations and tire industry standards.
Most users do not see the “bite” in the regulations and standards. Most that scoff at them are never going to suffer any reprisals for doing it their way. However, the “bite” is very real for vehicle and tire manufacturers. Many say they are just covering their six. Rightfully so. They will lose millions of dollars if found violating DOT or tire industry tire standards.
There is always the bottom line after all is said and done. It’s simple. Somewhere in the manufacturing standards there is a statement that tells the vehicle manufacturer to use Original Equipment (OE) tires that are appropriate for service on that vehicle. Once the vehicle manufacturer selects the OE tires and sets their recommended inflation pressures they MUST put that information on the vehicle’s federal certification label, tire placard and in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. It’s not just something they put on the vehicle. It’s a binding contract between them and the DOT and they have signed documents to make that selection golden.
You’re going to see words like this every where you look.
From the vehicle manufacturer; To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle’s original tires or another size recommended by the manufacturer.
From the tire retailer; Never choose a tire that is smaller in size or has less load-carrying capacity than the tire that came with the vehicle. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation — or approved options — as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer……. Or; Always refer to and follow the vehicle manufacturer's replacement tire recommendations.
Sure, you can find the same size in both designs. Here is an example why that wont work. ST235/85R16E provides 3640# of load capacity at 80 PSI…… LT235/85R16E provides 3042# of load capacity at 80 PSI.
There are no ifs, ands or buts. What the tire manufacturer has molded on the tire sidewall is official and not a topic that can be overruled because so and so says otherwise.
Tire brands are not mentioned in FMVSS vehicle builder standards. Those are options the vehicle manufacturer uses.
A simple statement of fact. Not much room to take something out of context. Where are the teeth? We see them when the big dog snarls.
"Industry standards generally form the basis for demonstrating product safety and quality before courts, regulators, retailers, consumers and others."
Dennis and Julie 
Linear Mode
