My Take on ST Tires

[jeffnick]

I had a request on another thread asking which tire I was going to use to replace the brand new 14" ST tires on my Wolf Pup.

The current tires are: ST 205/75R14/C These tires typically have a load range around 1750 lbs each or 3,500 lbs trailer gross.


I've found ST tires to be unreliable, unpredictable and they have an extremely poor service life so even though my tires have only about 1,000 miles, they'll be replaced by non-ST tires. My choice in this case is:
Hankook Optimo H724 All-Season Tire - 215/75R14 98S

The 98S indicates the load range which is 1,653 lbs or about 100 lbs less than the ST tire and 200 lbs less for the gross weight of the trailer. In addition, DOT says if one uses non-ST tires on a trailer the rating must be reduced by 10% so now we're looking at a load capacity of a little less than 1,500 lbs each which means my loaded trailer max should be a hair under 3,000 lbs. instead of the 3,500 lbs the ST tires would allow.

So what does this mean to me? Well, nothing really. It's a much bigger gamble to use ST tires than it is to run a few hundred pounds over rating with non-ST tires (if in fact I do load the trailer to 3,500 lbs).

Here's some background on my ST tire experiences:

http://72land-n-sea.blogspot.com/201...passenger.html

http://72land-n-sea.blogspot.com/201...es-brakes.html

http://72land-n-sea.blogspot.com/201...-st-tires.html

[ependydad]

The lowered ratings is exactly why I typically won't consider LT tires.

[Oaklevel]

Sorry I disagree with you on the reliability of ST tires. No problem with reliability and not unpredictable.

Brands maybe but not on ST tires in general........ I have been running ST tires since they came out and have never had an issue, / blowout, no odd tread wear.

[jeffnick]

Originally Posted by ependydad

The lowered ratings is exactly why I typically won't consider LT tires.

According to:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...jsp?techid=219
You don't have to degrade the rating of an LT tire when used on a trailer...

[doc73]

I have towed 15,000 miles on my China bombs. I check the pressure every day I am on the road, have tpms and inspect before I leave for each trip. Never had an issue. I also set my cruise to 63 and do not hail the whole house with me.

We live in a set and forget it world. Someone is expected to do all the work for us. Besides those who are anal about this.. Think about it when is the last time most people ever checked the tire pressure in their let alone the trailer that sat all winter long. How many just abuse the heck out of the tires dues to a lazyness or being g in a rush until they explode, litterly.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by jeffnick

According to:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...jsp?techid=219
You don't have to degrade the rating of an LT tire when used on a trailer...

I meant your line about the lower rating vs ST tires.

The 98S indicates the load range which is 1,653 lbs or about 100 lbs less than the ST tire and 200 lbs less for the gross weight of the trailer.

The OEM ST tires are already on a razor thin margin. I personally wouldn't do anything to lessen that whatsoever.

[BMullins46]

Those who say they have never had an issue with ST tires are either extreemly lucky or have poor memories of having issues. I've always been anal about checking my tire pressures before starting out for the day and have had several blowouts on ST tires, a couple of time on practically new tires. One trip I didn't get 20 miles from the campground before a passing motorist waved me over with the report that I had blown a tire. Putting passenger tires on a RV is just about as bad as an ST, however, if a properly rated LT tire can be found I would jump on that in a heart beat, trouble is finding LT tires in the 14" size, and 15" tires are not much easier. If we had not traded trailers I would have been looking at replacing the 15" tires on my last TT with 16" Michelin RPS rib tires. After having 3 failures on new 16" ST tires I did change to the Michelins on our current trailer and have put about 30,000 miles on them over 4 years and have had ZERO problems even though the Michelins are rated 300+ pounds less than the ST tires they replaced, so my issue with the STs was not overloading (I've had the trailer weighed and none of the wheel positions are overloaded).
IMHO ST tires in the E range and below are not worth putting on any vehicle, I will be putting the Goodyear G614 LR G on the toy hauler we just purchased as they do have a good service reputation.

[Oaklevel]

I have currently have 16 ST tires on the ground and have been using ST tires for over 10 years with NO flats, no blowouts, no leaks no uneven tread wear....... AND NO I DO NOT HAVE A BAD MEMORY !!!!!!!!!

Only tires I have had issues with are Michelin car tires, would never use that brand again.....

[lbrjet]

My memory is quite good, thank you. I have had two blowouts in my life, one in 1986 and one in 2002, both on 'P' tires. No blowouts on ST trailer tires, although I have only used three sets for around 35K miles so maybe not a fair comparison.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by BMullins46

Those who say they have never had an issue with ST tires are either extreemly lucky or have poor memories of having issues. I've always been anal about checking my tire pressures before starting out for the day and have had several blowouts on ST tires, a couple of time on practically new tires. One trip I didn't get 20 miles from the campground before a passing motorist waved me over with the report that I had blown a tire. Putting passenger tires on a RV is just about as bad as an ST, however, if a properly rated LT tire can be found I would jump on that in a heart beat, trouble is finding LT tires in the 14" size, and 15" tires are not much easier. If we had not traded trailers I would have been looking at replacing the 15" tires on my last TT with 16" Michelin RPS rib tires. After having 3 failures on new 16" ST tires I did change to the Michelins on our current trailer and have put about 30,000 miles on them over 4 years and have had ZERO problems even though the Michelins are rated 300+ pounds less than the ST tires they replaced, so my issue with the STs was not overloading (I've had the trailer weighed and none of the wheel positions are overloaded).
IMHO ST tires in the E range and below are not worth putting on any vehicle, I will be putting the Goodyear G614 LR G on the toy hauler we just purchased as they do have a good service reputation.

You must have very limited and bias knowledge of tires. Prior to ST tires campers under 8000 lbs came with "P" tires from the factories. Never had issues back then either.

[WilliamG]

Doc73. Love the term China Bombs.

[mailman6]

ST tires may be OK on light campers, but when get to over 12,000 lbs they are blowouts waiting to happen. Most 5th wheels over 22,000 lbs now come with lt tires. In 2,000 miles had 2 blowouts and the other 2 separated. Put on BF Goodrich Commercial lt 235/85/16 and 20,000 miles later still look like new, no separations or uneven wear. Compare the 2 side by side and the decision is easy.

[mailman6]

On

[itat]

Originally Posted by mailman6

ST tires may be OK on light campers, but when get to over 12,000 lbs they are blowouts waiting to happen. Most 5th wheels over 22,000 lbs now come with lt tires. In 2,000 miles had 2 blowouts and the other 2 separated. Put on BF Goodrich Commercial lt 235/85/16 and 20,000 miles later still look like new, no separations or uneven wear. Compare the 2 side by side and the decision is easy.

OP has 14" tires in load range C so he has a light trailer. You won't find 14" LT tires and 15" LTs are rare.

OP should buy good quality ST tires like Maxxis M8008 or Carlisles. I've also had good luck with Duro.

[ofishlbusiness]

If you listen to very horror story out there about tires whether they be (P) passenger, (LT) light truck, or (St) trailer use only. Ya, trailer only, illegal for vehicle use, there is nothing left to buy. As for using a passenger tire with a lower manufactures weight rating then recommended by the trailer manufacture, if you want to do it, have at it, but I don't recommended at all. At our shop we have had great success using the Michelin XPS Rib 10 ply light truck tire in trailer applications that can fit that size. Some customer have even reported to us increased mileage pulling as a result of using that tire.

[CaptnJohn]

My memory is not bad yet. I have had 1 blow out and that was on a GY LT tire in 2008. Only been driving 53 years, maybe with more experience?? I've been pulling something for 42 years. Not an LT built I'd trade for the Carlisle tires on my 5er... and yes this is my 2nd 5er, not lite models either. If y'all want LTs on your trailer, go for it and I'm happy for you.

[muddyrode]

I have been running ST tire on several differant trailers for over the last 20 years
and i ha e never had a blow out or any tire problems, tire maintance is the key i believe
as i have seen several people try to use auto tires on trailers that are matched up to the load and fail

[beechjet16mf]

We have our original ST Westlake tires on our 2014 27'RLWS, with about 20,000 miles on them. I am going to change them this year, as the build date is 2013, but they still have half the tread left. No complaints here.

[SeaDog]

I have had one blowout on my class A which was my fault tire was under inflated. On the TT I have 14" STs keep at max pressure and run a TPM I may upgrade to "D" STs when needed can't got to 15" wheels and "E" tires there is no room between axles.

[CedarCreekWoody]

What is seldom pointed out in these discussions is that we are most likely talking about many different size trailers and loads, as well as speed driven, maintenence, etc. People make firm statements, which may be true for their situation, but just remember your situation may be completely different. Readers, be sure you are looking at good comparable before making buying something based on our comments. Your needs may be different.