The difference between trailer tires and light truck tires

[genehorn]

It's my understanding that the trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls which help reduce trailer sway. However I might consider light truck tires if the right characteristics can be had.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by genehorn

It's my understanding that the trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls which help reduce trailer sway. However I might consider light truck tires if the right characteristics can be had.

Before my FL snowbird trip I'll be changing to Carlisle ST235/85R16 LR E weight rating 3640# at 80 PSI. A dealer told me speed rating P or 93 MPH but I need that confirmed as I believe the speed rating is 75 MPH. I rarely hit 70 and usually keep it at 65 anyway.
The 110 PSI could be a problem for my wheels so Sailun is out,,, I think they are China made. SOME Carlisle are made in USA but no idea which or what sizes.

[GOTTOYS]

Originally Posted by genehorn

It's my understanding that the trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls which help reduce trailer sway. However I might consider light truck tires if the right characteristics can be had.

Compare the two (ST and LT) side by side. The ST tire sidewalls will feel like a bicycle tire compared to and LT tire. Generally the LT tires will weight 10-15 pounds more. I have had LT tires for several years and they have been trouble free. The only thing you need to watch out for is that they can carry the actual load. My trailer is rated for 14,000 GVW but my tires only carry about 9800 pounds. I did have it weighed at a rally.

[18CrewDually]

This topic is beat to death. There's so much info out there already. Most high dollar 5ers come with LT's and so do Cedar Creeks from the factory.

CJ5thwheel, a 235/85-r16 is only 5% of 235mm higher sidewall than your original. I run the Transforce LT's on my Wildcat and will never run another ST tire again for obvious well known reasons.
Best of luck in your decision.

I did some math and the 85's will be approximately 15/16" diameter difference compared to the original size. Of course manufacturers actual true measurements vary so it may be less. So in a nutshell, if you're worried about them rubbing, measure the space you have now and subtract 15/16" and that will be your new gap.

[Jordyn]

I'm no expert but it is my understanding that light truck tires are not nearly as heavy as ST or special trailer tires. LT's do not have the sidewall strength because they are built more for cornering flex. I bought the Sailun S637 (G rated) and am totally impressed with them at less than half the price of the Goodyear. Go to Simpletire.com

[GOTTOYS]

Originally Posted by Jordyn

I'm no expert but it is my understanding that light truck tires are not nearly as heavy as ST or special trailer tires. LT's do not have the sidewall strength because they are built more for cornering flex. I bought the Sailun S637 (G rated) and am totally impressed with them at less than half the price of the Goodyear. Go to Simpletire.com

Sailuns are a good choice but if you compare an ST tire and an LT tire you will find just the opposite of what you are saying. LT tires are 10-15 pounds heavier and the sidewalsl are probably twice as thick. I have run LTs for several year with zero problems.

[BandJCarm]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

This topic is beat to death. There's so much info out there already. Most high dollar 5ers come with LT's and so do Cedar Creeks from the factory.

CJ5thwheel, a 235/85-r16 is only 5% of 235mm higher sidewall than your original. I run the Transforce LT's on my Wildcat and will never run another ST tire again for obvious well known reasons.
Best of luck in your decision.

I did some math and the 85's will be approximately 15/16" diameter difference compared to the original size. Of course manufacturers actual true measurements vary so it may be less. So in a nutshell, if you're worried about them rubbing, measure the space you have now and subtract 15/16" and that will be your new gap.

FTR, I have a new Cedar Creek and it did not come with LT tires from the factory, nor were any available. If you get the 8,000 lb axles that come on the Champagne edition, or the Rockwood, they do. But not on Silverback or Hathaway editions. They are now Westlake ST 235/85-16's.

[OKI Marine]

I've considered the same for my 5th wheel and went with a better higher pressure aluminum rim and "F" load rated Hercules tires. Seems good so far

[325BH]

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

If you get the 8,000 lb axles that come on the Champagne edition, or the Rockwood, they do.

That right there should clue everyone in on the merit of LT tires.



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[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by OKI Marine

I've considered the same for my 5th wheel and went with a better higher pressure aluminum rim and "F" load rated Hercules tires. Seems good so far

While my tires were being changed I looked all over the rims for a weight rating without success. I put Carlisle 235/80/R16 LR E on yesterday. Sidewall says 85#. Next time I'll get the Carlisle LR F and keep them at the suggested 95.

[OKI Marine]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

While my tires were being changed I looked all over the rims for a weight rating without success.

Should be stamped on the inside of the rim.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by OKI Marine

Should be stamped on the inside of the rim.

Sometimes it is. Most times it is not.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by OKI Marine

Should be stamped on the inside of the rim.

Checked inside, outside and on the hub. Made in China and js30 was all I could find. Put Carlisle 235/80/R16 LR E on. Max tire PSI of 95 was added. That was marked on the tire, read where it was max PSI 80. Next tires will be Carlisle 235/85/R16 LR F as they call for the same 95#.

[Rufinit]

Mine was stamped on the backside of the spokes of the wheel. I couldn't ever find it when they were on the trailer.

[cfisher523]

So, based on my experience with these trailers and dozens of different tires (wife wife swears we buy tires every year) I would recommend the following:

E Loads - Bridgestone Duravis R250 235/85/16
G Loads - Sailun S637 235/80/16

Again, just my opinion, but consider cost, quality, and durability those are the only tires I would consider at this point. The big Goodyear G's are great tires, but with the Sailun's hovering around half the cost per tire the Goodyears are hard to justify.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by cfisher523

So, based on my experience with these trailers and dozens of different tires (wife wife swears we buy tires every year) I would recommend the following:

E Loads - Bridgestone Duravis R250 235/85/16
G Loads - Sailun S637 235/80/16

Again, just my opinion, but consider cost, quality, and durability those are the only tires I would consider at this point. The big Goodyear G's are great tires, but with the Sailun's hovering around half the cost per tire the Goodyears are hard to justify.

Carlisle 235/85/r16 LR F T $104 installed seemed even better to me. Hard to find a lot of complaints with those either. Also, handled by more dealers.

[Airdale]

Originally Posted by cfisher523

So, based on my experience with these trailers and dozens of different tires (wife wife swears we buy tires every year) I would recommend the following:

E Loads - Bridgestone Duravis R250 235/85/16
G Loads - Sailun S637 235/80/16

Again, just my opinion, but consider cost, quality, and durability those are the only tires I would consider at this point. The big Goodyear G's are great tires, but with the Sailun's hovering around half the cost per tire the Goodyears are hard to justify.

The R250 does not qualify for replacing the OPs tires because of their lower load capacity.

[cfisher523]

Originally Posted by Airdale

The R250 does not qualify for replacing the OPs tires because of their lower load capacity.

Didn't see the OP list a weight, just saw some assumptions made. My 365SAQ came with 6k axles from the factory, not 6750, 6000. Besides, I'd trust a Bridgestone that is rated 100# light to a generously rated Tow Master any day. I put 5000 miles on a set of Duravis tires under my 365SAQ with 0 issues before we found a bent axle and swapped for 7k axles. After the swap the West Lakes came out and Sailuns went in.... life is good.

[Airdale]

Originally Posted by cfisher523

Didn't see the OP list a weight, just saw some assumptions made. My 365SAQ came with 6k axles from the factory, not 6750, 6000. Besides, I'd trust a Bridgestone that is rated 100# light to a generously rated Tow Master any day. I put 5000 miles on a set of Duravis tires under my 365SAQ with 0 issues before we found a bent axle and swapped for 7k axles. After the swap the West Lakes came out and Sailuns went in.... life is good.

It's a tire industry standard safety standard. For you to do is OK because it's your safety. To persuade others to do it infringes on their safety standards, knowingly or unknowingly.

There are other options that that will keep the vehicle inside of the ring of safety.

[cfisher523]

Listen.... I prefaced with "in my experience" and "just my opinion".... futhermore OP never did specify a weight, some folks made assumptions.

The LT/ST debate has gone on forever. No one is pursuading anyone to do anything.... just sharing my experiences and opinions like everyone else on here so relax.

The point of a public forum is for folks to share opinions and experiences so that others may form their own opinions and have their own experiences to share.

In my experience (there's that disclaimer again), The train wreck of a trailer and average QC standards at FR have done more to jeopardize the OPs safety than my sharing of tire experiences ever will, sirs.