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Old 07-13-2016, 08:41 AM   #1
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ST to LT tire upgrade question

Buying a new 2016 Wildcat Maxx 313RE. I don't know the measurements, but the axles on this model are close together. Only about 2" between the factory 235/80-16 tires. Seems like the most common LT tire sizes that are upgraded to would be 245/75-16 or 235/85-16. I have concerns about both. I'm worried that the 235s would decrease the distance between tires too much, but before buying the 245s I'd like to hear from somebody who says that inside clearance and turning with the wider tires hasn't been a problem for them.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Mike
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Old 07-13-2016, 09:07 AM   #2
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Best thing is to talk to your tire expert, they have usually seen it all. We have always run LTs. Last trailer had about an inch between tires and no problems. I never noticed any difference on the slightly wider tires either. You will hear all kinds of opinions on this but you should talk to your local tire guy and go from there.
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Old 07-13-2016, 09:17 AM   #3
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Thanks, NM. I'll definitely be getting a tire recommendation from my tire guy. But the part of my question he won't be able to answer is about the trailer itself and clearances. Would be great to hear from anybody who has had success with a specific LT tire size on the Wildcats with the narrow axles.
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Old 07-13-2016, 09:38 AM   #4
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I went with Transforce HT in 245-75-16 for my Cedar Creek 34RLSA. Very pleased.
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Old 07-13-2016, 09:48 AM   #5
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Put the LT tires on your TT and don't worry. I have the 235/85-16 on my CC and i can't put my hand between the tires
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Old 07-13-2016, 09:53 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by mgood777 View Post
Buying a new 2016 Wildcat Maxx 313RE. I don't know the measurements, but the axles on this model are close together. Only about 2" between the factory 235/80-16 tires. Seems like the most common LT tire sizes that are upgraded to would be 245/75-16 or 235/85-16. I have concerns about both. I'm worried that the 235s would decrease the distance between tires too much, but before buying the 245s I'd like to hear from somebody who says that inside clearance and turning with the wider tires hasn't been a problem for them.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Mike
You can consult tire company web site on approximate tire dimensions. Actual tires may vary by +/- 1/4".
Next confirm the clearance on the current size tires. Does your dealer have a 313RE on the lot? You need to measure tire to frame, suspension body or spring clearance and 3" side clearance is suggested as trailers have a lot of side to side movement.

In addition to clearance when changing ftom ST to LT be sure the new tires have equal or better load capacity. This info is available on the load tables. Your ST tires are probably rated at the tire max inflation so using that number of pounds load capacity your LT tires MUST be able to support at least the same number of pounds and preferably more otherwise why make a change? The new inflation becomes your MINIMUM cold tire inflation.

Since you are making this change for safety reasons you should also consider a TPMS so the driver gets a warning as soon as a tire looses a few psi and you are not waiting for a passing motorist to wave at you through their window signaling that you have had a failure. Good 4 tire TPMS start at less than $300. Contact the TPM dealer (not just the seller like eBay or Amazon) for advice on distance from tires to the monitor that mounts on the dash.
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Old 07-13-2016, 12:34 PM   #7
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The 245/75-16 is actually shorter overall
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Old 07-13-2016, 12:39 PM   #8
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I had same issue. Did not get much help from any tireman online or brick and mortar. Look at Duravis r500hd. These are same dia as your tires. Measure wheel edge to wheel edge to determine actual clearance (forward to forward edge) and subtract your tire to tire clearance to deternine current tire dia. I actually went to Goodyear G614s and run at 85 psi per the tire load chart. I am limited by wheel load/pressure rating but my actual axle weight was less than 2500 lbs per axle. The hitch to this is that the G614 recommends a 6 1/2 inch wheel and mine are 6 inch as yours probably are. Per my local 25 year experienced tire guy this should be not issue. These tires pull with low rolling resistance and are 14 ply steel belted and not cheap.
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Old 07-13-2016, 12:42 PM   #9
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Get Michelin XPS RIB 236 85 16 and your good to go for 10 years. You will never wear them out.
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Old 07-13-2016, 03:02 PM   #10
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The XP Rib is what I wanted but the diameter is 32" vs 30.8" on my original and the second set of junk GY marathons. With only 2 inches between tires they would not fit. Lippert recommends at least 1 inch between tires.
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Old 07-13-2016, 04:49 PM   #11
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Clicky for Sailun 235/80R16 G rated 75mph @110psi. Requires Hi Pressure wheel. My Wildcat came with HiSpec brand custom wheels stamped 110psi on inner rim also has metal valve stems. See clicky for price and specs.
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Old 07-13-2016, 05:04 PM   #12
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Just be aware some tire dealers will not put LT tires on a trailer. None around here will...........................tried to do it.
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Old 07-13-2016, 05:15 PM   #13
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LT Tires on TT

There are design differences in trailer (ST) tires and light truck tires (LT) that are important for safety and performance. Please read the following from Tire Rack before deciding.

Tire Tech Information - Trailer Tires vs. Passenger Vehicle Tires

Have a great camping season!
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Old 07-13-2016, 05:34 PM   #14
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There are design differences in trailer (ST) tires and light truck tires (LT) that are important for safety and performance. Please read the following from Tire Rack before deciding.

Tire Tech Information - Trailer Tires vs. Passenger Vehicle Tires

Have a great camping season!
Maybe so but....35,000 miles later and my XPS Ribs have been trouble free. I would never pay any attention to anyone that says to use Goodyear Marathon or Tow Max Blow Max tires. Two of the worst you can buy. Anyone that says not to use LT tires has never run a set...100% satisfied.
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Old 07-13-2016, 05:37 PM   #15
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Just be aware some tire dealers will not put LT tires on a trailer. None around here will...........................tried to do it.

Yes many dealers have been told to not do the swap as most who attempt this simply change an ST for an LT of the same size.
i.e. an LT235/75R15 for an ST235/75R15 which is definately not proper. It is better from a company standpoint to have a strict policy than try and educate every employee on what is needed to do a conversion.

I suggest simply finding a different tire store. Of course I am assuming you have done the math and reviewed all the load, inflation and safety considerations before making a change.
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Old 07-13-2016, 05:44 PM   #16
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Yes many dealers have been told to not do the swap as most who attempt this simply change an ST for an LT of the same size.
i.e. an LT235/75R15 for an ST235/75R15 which is definately not proper. It is better from a company standpoint to have a strict policy than try and educate every employee on what is needed to do a conversion.

I suggest simply finding a different tire store. Of course I am assuming you have done the math and reviewed all the load, inflation and safety considerations before making a change.
Assuming that the like-size tire swap LT for ST involved an LT tire that has:
- the same or more plys (tread and wall)
- the same or better load rating at both 80psi and 110psi
- the same or better real world user reviews

What's wrong with that?
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Old 07-13-2016, 08:08 PM   #17
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I've been running lt245 75 16 e rated tires for 3 seasons. No clearance problems. Tows better than with st's (less sway) do notice more resistance when turning tight while backing up on concrete\asphalt but no issues. I didn't even go for the high dollar tires. Bought 4 Mesa AP'S (Cooper) from the local Merchant Tire (parent company is Big O) Gave me piece of mind back after a catastrophic blow out with the crap st tires. Never will look back.
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Old 07-13-2016, 08:29 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by hbillsmith View Post
Assuming that the like-size tire swap LT for ST involved an LT tire that has:
- the same or more plys (tread and wall)
- the same or better load rating at both 80psi and 110psi
- the same or better real world user reviews

What's wrong with that?
Because that is hypothetical. For instance, any LT235/85R16E tire is going to have a maximum load capacity of 3042# @ 80 PSI. Any ST235/85R16E is going to have a maximum load capacity of 3640# @ 80 PSI.

When using a LT235/85R16E as a replacement for any ST235/80R16E tires you are actually plus sizing with a replacement that is inferior in load capacity. Its not what you do that counts. Safety counts, and that safety is on the side of the tire industry standards. so, I strongly recommend using options that fit in the safety circle.

Of course the tire you are describing is probably the LT235/85R16G. Its sort of a hybrid tire built exclusively for trailer service. Its in the safety circle.

Tire industry standards are very consistent in a phrase very similar to this: Replacement tires must provide a load capacity equal to or greater than what the Original Equipment tires provide via recommended inflation.

Info: The LT245/75R16E tires have a minimum rim width of 6.5".
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Old 07-13-2016, 08:38 PM   #19
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I did notice the st had a higher max weight but... even with the lt I have more tire than my 6000lb axle needs. Forgive me for not saving the info but when I researched this year's ago I discovered st tires are not held to same safety standards that vehicle tire are. A maximum tire rating on a st is 100% where a passenger vehicle tire is rated at about 80%.
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Old 07-13-2016, 08:52 PM   #20
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I did notice the st had a higher max weight but... even with the lt I have more tire than my 6000lb axle needs. Forgive me for not saving the info but when I researched this year's ago I discovered st tires are not held to same safety standards that vehicle tire are. A maximum tire rating on a st is 100% where a passenger vehicle tire is rated at about 80%.
Tire retailers would love to be able to say that but it's just not going to happen. All tires have a maximum load capacity molded right into their sidewalls.

The regulation for tire fitments to automotive and RV trailer axles are only intended to be used by those that they apply to, Vehicle Manufacturers, exclusively.

Automotive fitments must provide a percentage of load capacity reserves via recommended inflation pressures. That does not apply to RV trailer tire fitments which must provide the load capacity necessary to support total vehicle GAWR. GAWR on RV trailers is not always the same as the axle manufacturers actual load capacity. The Vehicle manufacturer has the authority to set GAWR as appropriate for each fitment.
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