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Old 09-05-2014, 05:27 PM   #1
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Tire Replacement Dilemma

I posted on 9-3-14 about my "China Bomb" blowout incident and now have a posing situation as to what tire I should use for replacement. I was seriously thinking of going with LT tires (LT235 /85 R16) as suggested but they have a diameter of 31.8". The diameter of the ST235 /80 R16 tires I am replacing is 30.8". I realize that is only 1" larger per tire and would net out to 1" of spacing lost between the two tires. The current spacing with the STs is about 1 3/8" - 1 1/2". Doesn't look like a plan and I'll just have to stay with STs.

I have a 2012 Sabre 32RCTS w/6,000 lb. axles. Has anyone having this idendical trailer been successful in coverting to LTs? If not, what did you do?
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Old 09-05-2014, 06:02 PM   #2
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Try some LT245/75/16's. They're about the same height as you have now and are about .4" wider.
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Old 09-05-2014, 07:30 PM   #3
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I installed Maxxis M8008 ST tires on my Columbus. I compared one next to one of the China bombs I took off. I couldn't believe the difference! The Maxxis is much heavier. The sidewall did not flex any near as much as the Akuret tires I removed, being much thicker. I couldn't afford the Michelin Ribs LT tires. I'm very happy with the Maxxis. Oh, be sure to have your new tires balanced.


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Old 09-05-2014, 07:36 PM   #4
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I second the Maxxis tires. I too am very happy....went up a load range and feel much better about dragging the rv around now. China Bomb tread wore off within 1200 miles.
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Old 09-06-2014, 12:11 AM   #5
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Space between my tires

I have what is labeled as a 2014 32 RCTS-6. I took delivery in July 2013 so I guess they can call it what they like. I have 4 inches between my tires. I wonder if that is because I have the Equa-Flex suspension.

The attached document is put out by Carlisle Tire. I understand they do not manufacture car tires so they probably have some kind of agenda but this is their marketing on ST Vs LT tires. Have no idea if it is correct so please do not shoot the messenger. I had Carlisle's on my last travel trailer and they worked well.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Trailer_Tires__Tips_Best_Practices.pdf (1.13 MB, 125 views)
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Old 09-06-2014, 05:53 AM   #6
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245/75/16 load E lt's is what I replaced my 235/80/16s with. Used Mesa (Cooper) ap 2's from a local Merchant/Big O for $150ea mounted.
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Old 09-06-2014, 06:52 AM   #7
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Used LT245/75/R16 Goodyears on mine to replace the 235/80/16's on mine.
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Old 09-06-2014, 06:55 AM   #8
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X2 on Coopers. I've run SRM II's for the last three years. 10,000+ miles and they look and behave like new.
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Old 09-06-2014, 07:01 AM   #9
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I've had Carlisle for years, no problems at all
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Old 09-06-2014, 07:10 AM   #10
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I will be replacing my " china bombs" with LTs within the 2 year time frame. I have exploded STs all over the south/southwest.

Honestly, I haven't looked at the maxxis. I will do my research then but I am pretty set on dumping any ST from china.

-said the man who's has 12 trailer tires to deal with.

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Old 09-06-2014, 07:21 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by Salt Shaker View Post
I will be replacing my " china bombs" with LTs within the 2 year time frame. I have exploded STs all over the south/southwest.

Honestly, I haven't looked at the maxxis. I will do my research then but I am pretty set on dumping any ST from china.

-said the man who's has 12 trailer tires to deal with.

Salt
I think you will find all ST tires are made on the Asian continent, either China, Korea, Malaysia, etc.
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Old 09-06-2014, 03:29 PM   #12
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I now have 17.5 inch Goodyear LT, H rated tires. Before trading, I had both Carlisle and Maxxis, after blowing out two China bombs. The only ST tires I would own would be Maxxis.
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Old 09-07-2014, 10:42 AM   #13
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Carlisle does make car & truck tires. The problem with their ST tires is that they moved production from USA to China years back. That's why they are now categorized as China bombs. I am very happy with my Maxxis M8008 ST tires.


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Old 09-07-2014, 11:10 AM   #14
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Carlisle does make car & truck tires. The problem with their ST tires is that they moved production from USA to China years back. That's why they are now categorized as China bombs. I am very happy with my Maxxis M8008 ST tires.
As are the vast majority of the GY Marathon owners, myself included.
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Old 09-07-2014, 11:44 AM   #15
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I am in Michigan thinking about replacing my OEM tires on my Windjammer. I just ran a "Dealer Locator" search on the Maxxis website for ST tires and the only dealers are in Virginia and North Carolina? Is that right? That's over 400 miles away from me. I'd need new tires by the time I got them home.
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Old 09-07-2014, 11:49 AM   #16
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Thanks for all the replies so far. I'm really wanting to change over to LT tires but am concerned about their weight capacities. As stated earlier LT 235 /85 R16s would only leave 1/2 inch between the tires so that's not an option. The LT 245 /75 R16s as recommended are about the same diameter as the STs on the trailer now (ST 235 /80 R16s). The STs have a weight capacity of 3,520 lbs. but the LT 245 /75 R16s have a weight capacity of only 3,086 lbs. That's a loss of 1,736 lbs. of total capacity. My axles are 6,000 lbs. which means each tire should be able to carry at least 3,000 lbs. at the max axle rating. I realize the the pin carries a portion of the 13,774 GVWR of the trailer but don't feel comfortable not having a cushion with the tires.

However, assuming my pin weight is 18% of the 13,774 GVWR (2,479 lbs.) that would leave 11,295 lbs. on the axles. Each tire would then support 2,824 lbs. (a cushion of 262 lbs. per tire or 1,048lbs. for all 4 tires).

Here are my questions.

1. Am I thinking this out right or just worrying too much?

2. Does anyone know what 16" LT tires come on some of the newer models?

3. What is the GVWR of those that have installed LT tires?

4. Where is Sabre Sam when you need him? (Just kidding. I know he went with Montana).
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Old 09-07-2014, 11:50 AM   #17
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Hey OC - When you changed the OEM tires on your 5'er to Marathons, did you go up a load range?
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Old 09-07-2014, 12:06 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vern View Post
I am in Michigan thinking about replacing my OEM tires on my Windjammer. I just ran a "Dealer Locator" search on the Maxxis website for ST tires and the only dealers are in Virginia and North Carolina? Is that right? That's over 400 miles away from me. I'd need new tires by the time I got them home.
I would check with your local shops. The website is not all inclusive. The dealer I purchased from is not listed. They are listed as a Carlisle dealer, however the owner recomended Maxxis over Carlisle.
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Old 09-07-2014, 12:10 PM   #19
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My only concern with LT tires is their softer sidewall than a comparable ST's.
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Old 09-07-2014, 03:15 PM   #20
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Hey OC - When you changed the OEM tires on your 5'er to Marathons, did you go up a load range?
Yes, sir, I certainly did, from a LRC to LRD. On the way back from Goshen when we had a valve stem start leaking, I even replaced the spare with a new LRD Marathon and then bought a new alum wheel to match the ones on the trailer. Also went to the all steel (with neoprene gasket)screw in stems (Thanks FT Turbs & Ms. Amy) to accommodate the 507 flow thru sensors.
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