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Nickel n Pepper
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#1 Posted: Tue Mar 9th, 2010 03:38 |
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ST tires & LT tires are built to meet very different certification tests.
The gist of it is that ST tires must survive 4 relatively short testing cycles as follows:
FMVSS § 571.119 Standard No. 119; New pneumatic tires for vehicles other than passenger cars. wrote:
All testing at maximum load tire pressure.
2-hour test: 88% of tire maximum load rating at 50 MPH
30-minute test: 88% of tire maximum load rating at 75 MPH
30-minute test: 88% of tire maximum load rating at 80 MPH
30-minute test: 88% of tire maximum load rating at 85 MPH
OTOH, LT tires must meet far more severe certification tests:
NHTSA "LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURE FOR FMVSS No. 139" wrote:
Category B Endurance Test:
(LT "E" tire at 50 PSI)
4-hour test: 85% of tire maximum load rating at 75 MPH
6-hour test: 90% of tire maximum load rating at 75 MPH
24-hour test: 100% of tire maximum load rating at 75 MPH
Low Inflation Endurance Test:
(LT "E" tire at 37.7 PSI)
90-minute test: 100% of maximum load rating at 75 MPH
High Speed Performance Test
(LT "E" tire at 60 PSI at 75 MPH)
30 minute test: 85% of maximum load rating at 87 MPH,
30 minute test: 85% of maximum load rating at 93 MPH,
30 minute test: 85% of maximum load rating at 99 MPH
Note how the LT tire not only must endure far higher speeds during its certification test than the ST, they must survive these speeds while carrying its maximum rated load at less than normal tire pressure. In fact, the LT tire must survive carrying its max rated load at only 50% rated tire pressure at 75 MPH. It is only in the high speed test reaching speeds of 99 MPH that the LT is given the break of only having to carry 85% of its max load, although still at only 75% of its full air pressure.
As a result of the far more challenging conditions the LT tire is submitted to during its certification procedure, it is much more capable of enduring the heat developed at its rated load, especially at highway speeds.
This information plagiarized from another forum. Information assembled by Steve & C. J. Olympic Peninsula in Washington State A 2009 Arctic Fox 24-5N owner.
Woods
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Chipster
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#2 Posted: Tue Mar 9th, 2010 13:47 |
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| That is really interesting...now the first question that popped in my head is this. Is the same set of ST tires subjected to all four tests, or is each test performed on a separate set of tires??
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Nickel n Pepper
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#3 Posted: Wed Mar 10th, 2010 00:24 |
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Chipster wrote: Is the same set of ST tires subjected to all four tests, or is each test performed on a separate set of tires??
I don’t know the answer to that question. If one tire is used for the full series of tests the LT tires gotta be tough.
Woods
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07Fox 31WRB,Aria,PowerTwin,Heatpumps,Maxxfans,Sureflow5.7,Power Awing,50amp,thermopane,Reese nocam trunnion,more.
04 6.0L4X4Excursion.AirLifts,Vair onboard air,ARC,XCal3,EGRfix,4Cobalts in A-pillar,AFE,MBRP,Hadley,Bilsteins,Brakesmart,Avatar-Monarch Pass
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Joe Diesel
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#4 Posted: Wed Mar 10th, 2010 00:53 |
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| Thanks for the information. I have been greatly contemplating the benefits of the LT over the ST types for some time now. Even though the ST is actually designed specifically for trailer use, I always wondered if the side wall stiffness could be achieved with an LT tire. The benefit of ST tires are supposed to be greater side wall stiffness, a unique composition with UV inhibitors and reduced rolling resistance. After reading so many posts of the Chinese made, ST tire failures, I began searching for the best LT equivalent. I have concluded that, IMHO, the Michelin XPS Rib tire has all the benefits of the LT tire with the added bonus of load carrying capability and stiffer yet more forgiving side walls. I have also heard that the BF Goodrich Commercial radials are a less costly alternative. My next set WILL be the XPS Rib on a set of HD forged aluminum rims. Joe.
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BigFoot
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#5 Posted: Mon Mar 15th, 2010 22:22 |
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Maybe Goodyear Marathons don't suck after all. You all have most of the following information memorized by now but there are a few new wrinkles to ponder and newbies might find all of this valuable. Here's the other side of the argument:
Q When I did a web search on "Goodyear Trailer Tires" one thing that struck me was the number of reports which people had made complaining of poor performance for the Marathon design which is typical of the company's trailer tires.
A Before I go on, I think it's important to disclose that I became a Goodyear dealer many years ago and was certified as a Warranty Claims Adjuster for the company. That being said, I also wish to note that I go to great lengths to report fairly and objectively on all aspects of tires, no matter who makes them.
A bum rap
In over 10 years of making adjustments for Goodyear tires, I never once had to deal with any complaints for faulty performance of trailer tires, but I have some ideas of how many of the problems I read about on the Internet might have been prevented.
You see, these Goodyear trailer tires are used primarily on utility trailers, boat trailers and fifth-wheel vehicles, all of which are not used as regularly as the family car or even the vehicle which is used for towing them. This means, that they might not get the same degree of care and attention as the vehicle and, even more importantly possibly the owner isn't aware of the special needs of a tire when used in these kinds of applications.
What I'm saying is that any brand of trailer tire is likely to give disappointing performance unless certain basic steps are taken ... and that is what I plan to show you now.
Tire Service Life
First let's look at the amount of service life you get from your tires. This, is directly related to how your tires are used and stored. Things such as how evenly you load your trailer, the weight of your cargo, tire inflation pressure, how fast or slow you drive, whether you’re driving in the mountains or not and the types of terrain you drive on all have an effect on your tires.
Because these conditions vary widely, it’s impossible to predict how long your tires will last. But, if you take care of your tires and try to control the service conditions as much as possible, you efforts will pay off in longer tire life.
Importance Of Proper Tire Inflation
Keeping your trailer tires properly inflated is the single most important thing you can do to enhance performance and help extend the life of your tires.
Improper inflation can cause issues and stress for the tire:
Under-inflation can cause poor handling, pre-mature and/or irregular wear, decreased fuel economy or even tire failure.
Over-inflation can reduce traction, braking ability and handling, as well as result in uneven wear and a harsh ride.
When To Check Your Trailer Tire Pressure
Now that you understand how important it is to maintain proper inflation pressure in your trailer's tires, you need to know when and how often to check it. Here are some recommendations:
Before each trip
Every morning during long trips
Before you leave and when you return home on short trips
Before and after storing your vehicle
At least once per month while the vehicle is in storage.
Always check your tires when they are cold and haven’t been driven more than one mile.
The load capacity for a given cold inflation pressure is based on surrounding outside temperatures. The pressure in a hot tire may be as much as 10 to 15 psi higher than the cold tire pressure, so you will only get an accurate reading when you check your tires when they’re cold.
To help make sure your tire pressure readings are accurate, it is a good idea use a quality truck tire gauge with a dual-angled head. This way, you can check inner and outer dual wheels at the same time, if you have them.
With or without Load
Here's something you'll not hear about very widely, even among professional drivers. All tires which are designed to carry a load have a working radius, which you can discover in a table of tire specifications which your dealer can likely provide, if you ask for it. It will look something like the following one which I adapted from the Goodyear Trailer Tires specifications guide.
See the number I've circled in red on the first line? This tells you that if you have this tire fully loaded with the correct amount of air in it for the weight being carried, it will measure 11.2 inches from the center of the axle to the road.
That's if the trailer is fully loaded and the tire has the correct pressure. If you find that the distance is greater, you need to let out some air, if the distance is less, you need to add air.
Now, the practical way to use this is to load up your trailer and then adjust the pressure so that you have this distance. Take a stick, or a piece of 1/2" plastic PVC pipe and mark it with exactly this length. Then, each time you change your load, pull out the stick and compare the height of the wheel's axle to the mark you've made.
Normally, you'd let air out when your load is less, so that you won't be over-inflated, and add air when you increase the load, so that you won't be under-inflated. Under ideal conditions you want to keep this distance always the same.
Loading precautions
If you're a professional driver you likely know about load balancing and distribution. If you use a trailer only occasionally, it's something you may have never even thought about, but can make a big difference both in the way a trailer handles and the way it's tires wear.
The trick in load distribution is to do everything you can to make sure that each tire carries the same amount of weight. If you have a load which is much heavier on the left side, that tire is going to work a lot harder and be subject to a lot more stress than the one on the other side.
Also turning and lane changing, especially a higher speeds is another way in which tire can be subjected to increased stress.
Wrapping it up
One final note is that almost all ST or Specialty Trailer tires are designed to be driven at --or below-- a certain speed. In the case of the Marathon tires in the chart above it is 65mph. None of these tires are designed to be operated at the speed which passenger car tires are designed and exceeding the design speed can have a seriously detrimental effect on their performance and life.
None of what I've told you is rocket-science, but if you follow these tips and ideas I'm sure your Goodyear trailer tires, or any other brand will give you a much more satisfactory service than you'd get otherwise. There's also some additional useful information in Trailer Tires and Trailer Wheels.
(end of article)
Since we all follow the above advice to the letter, why so much trouble with ST tires? Or is that even true; after all, of all the ST tires Northwood installs on our TTs, only a very small percentage of them fail. So what's going on?
All the "experts" point out that the most likely cause of tire failure is being over-loaded. But ours aren't, right? I would suggest that "phantom" weight is putting some of the tires over the edge.
Above it is said that side to side weight distribution can add invisible pounds to one or more tires. Equalizer states that about 1/3 of the tongue weight is distributed to each of the front TV, the rear TV, and the TT axles. A TT with 1200 pounds of tongue weight would add approximately 400 pounds to the TT axles, or an extra 100 pounds per tire. An extra 400 pounds here, an extra 100 pounds there, and pretty soon that poor tire is hurting and the only way to know is to weigh each tire with the TT and TV hooked up for the road.
I am mystified with this ST "tire failure problem" and would like to get a handle on it for my own peace of mind. If you search the Internet you will retrieve the above information in bits and pieces but its just not available in one place. Also waiting in the wings is the next government investigation into over-loaded tires as installed on TTs by the factory.
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Shane
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#6 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 00:21 |
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"Since we all follow the above advice to the letter, why so much trouble with ST tires? Or is that even true; after all, of all the ST tires Northwood installs on our TTs, only a very small percentage of them fail. So what's going on?"
I was not aware that Northwood put ST tires on trailers. Our 27-5L came with Goodyear Wrangler, 10 plys. We have since replaced them with Michelin Rib 10 plys (steel tread and sidewall). A friend, meticulous engineer type who never traveled interstate, ran the Marathons on his Airstream. Blew out two of them and badly damaged the trailer — Goodyear paid for the repairs and replaced the tires. In my entirely personal view, I would never consider ST tires. According to Goodyear:
"Industry standards dictate that tires with the ST designation are speed restricted to 65 MPH under normal inflation and load conditions unless a different speed restriction is indicated on the sidewall of the tire."
That is an unrealistic limitation in view of today's interstate highways and speed limits.
Last edited on Tue Mar 16th, 2010 00:41 by Shane
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BILLT
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#7 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 00:41 |
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| My 2003 25S came from Northwood with Marathons. After seven years of service I had no issues with them. Replaced them with Marathon 225's. Time will tell.
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Joe Diesel
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#8 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 00:42 |
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| Bigfoot: Very informative post. It appears that you like "Marathon" tires made by Goodyear. I agree that there has been a lot of "discussions" on the serviceability of the ST tires. Some folks have not have had any problems, but many have. People usually don't take the time to post on the Internet, "Gee, my ST trailer tires are gerrrrrrrate!" You only hear about the horror stories. I am no expert nor have I ever claimed to be. I do believe, as you stated, that many ST failures are caused by a number of factors such as excessive speed, under inflation, over loading or a combination of these. Even though I drive 55 MPH when towing, I do like the extra safety margin afforded by the LT tires. I will admit that I don't want the "squirm" that often accompanies the LT tires, even if it is just a little. I read all the information and make my own learned choice. I want the "best" choice for my application and I appreciate all member's input. I alway like to have a safety margin when it comes to important items such as tires or hitches ect.... Thanks again. Joe.
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BigFoot
Member
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#9 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 03:58 |
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Joe Diesel wrote: Bigfoot: Very informative post...
I will be buying new TT tires in about 2 months so I am revisiting the "tire question." Carliste has weighed-in on tires for travel trailers and here's what they say:
CLICK
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gyropilot
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#10 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 14:37 |
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Our 2007 FR 25R came from the factory with Chinese "Super Trail" load range D ST225/75R15 trailer tires. I never exceeded 65 mph (usually tow at only 55 to 60 mph even if the speed limit is higher) and I always kept them properly inflated. We used them for ~15,000 miles without any problems whatsoever.
Despite still having a 1/4" of tread depth, I decided to replace them this spring just to be safe. Based on the mostly positive reviews on places like rv.net, I settled on Maxxis M8008 load range E trailer tires made in Thailand. I went with load range E for an even higher safety margin. I also bought new aluminum wheels to replace the rust-prone chrome plated originals.
Goodyear Marathon trailer tires are once again being made in the USA (after previously being made in China and Canada). I would have liked to purchase those, but they aren't available in load range E in the size I need.
I sold the old Super Trail tires / steel wheel assemblies on Craigslist about an hour after posting them... the buyer wanted them for a car trailer.
John L.
Last edited on Tue Mar 16th, 2010 17:50 by gyropilot
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Nickel n Pepper
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#11 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 17:41 |
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Joe Diesel wrote: I will admit that I don't want the "squirm" that often accompanies the LT tires, even if it is just a little.
When I replaced my ST tires with the BFG LT tires I was half way thru an 11000 mile trip. I noticed no increase in squirm. I assure you if the handling had diminished I would have been aware. In my experience there are no negatives in upgrading from St to LT tires.
My only regret is not making the change sooner. I paid a disposal fee in Moab. If I had made the switch at the earliest opportunity I probably could have gotten some money out of the maypops and avoided the damage to my RV.
Woods
____________________
07Fox 31WRB,Aria,PowerTwin,Heatpumps,Maxxfans,Sureflow5.7,Power Awing,50amp,thermopane,Reese nocam trunnion,more.
04 6.0L4X4Excursion.AirLifts,Vair onboard air,ARC,XCal3,EGRfix,4Cobalts in A-pillar,AFE,MBRP,Hadley,Bilsteins,Brakesmart,Avatar-Monarch Pass
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Joe Diesel
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#12 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 20:26 |
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| Woods: I understand what you are saying but I can only comment on my own personal "observations". Let me see if I can clear things up a bit. My first travel trailer was a Hi-Lo with ST tires. Absolutely no "squirm" at all. I know, I know, it is not a fair comparison. A 4,000-lbs, low profile trailer being pulled by a 3/4 ton diesel. It's like towing a "port-a-john" with a Peterbult, it does not even know it's there until you need to use it... One thing I did notice is that it "tracked" well and I could not get it to sway on purpose. Now fast forward to day-one with the "chateau on wheels" Fox, weighing in at a respectable 10,000-lbs plus. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Cummins, can handle the job, but he knows it's back there! Especially on those long 6% er's. I seem to notice some, what I like to call, "squirming" when I purposely jerk the wheel a bit to see how stable things are. It could be the articulation of the the Hensley, doing it job, improper tongue weight or those pesky U-ne-Royal LT tires I paid extra for or a combination of all the above... I DON'T KNOW! So I am learning as I go, trying to make informed decisions all while not trying to offend anyone and hopefully entertaining some friends along the way. I TOTALLY agree that ST tires are "supposed" to be the quintessential gold standard for trailer towing, as stated in the article, no problem. I just like hearing about members who have "up-graded" or "evolved" into the LT tires and there seemingly endless POSITIVE experiences. If Michelin made a "trailer specific" ST tire as good as the (XPS Rib), from what I have read, I would lay down my plastic so fast it would make your head spin. But, until then, I am remanded to absorb as much information as I can for the next time I need tires. Once again, when it comes to safety, I will not compromise. Thanks Joe.
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07 AF-27/F w/Sky Blue custom interior. Thermal Panes wind., 16" tires w/ Dexter HD susp. Free standing dinette. Power jack and x-tra breeze fans. 03 Dodge Ram Q-cab 4X4 6-Spd, S/B w/Cummins diesel. Putnum XDR, Hellwig, Hensley Arrow & Honda EU-3K
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Nickel n Pepper
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#13 Posted: Wed Mar 17th, 2010 00:36 |
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I just wish I had made the switch much earlier. I guess I’m on a soap box now. I’ve always been very observant when it comes to tire maintence. First trip was 10K miles with my 31W the second trip was interrupted at near 6K miles by the tire failure. The tires were never low and never abused. We spent a several days in Moab, during that time I inspected the tires for problems. No problems were observed. Ten miles out of Moab, cool day, about 50 MPH tire explodes, taking out three propane lines. I stopped discovered the massive propane leak, shut the gas off, and limped about ¼ mile to a safe place for a tire change, we were on a busy 2 lane road no shoulder.
We were extraordinary fortunate, what could have happened didn’t. Back in Moab I was able to get tires and propane lines for repairs. That evening I repaired the damage and got the water heater, stove and furnace working once more. Tires the next morning and we were on our way.
So many things could have gone much more seriously wrong due to this unwarranted, unexplainable, and unpredictable failure. It was my intention to replace the ST’s in La Grande. I knew better than trust the ST’s and failed to replace them prior to leaving home.
The main intent of my previous post was to share my experience in switching from ST’s to LT’s while on the road. Under the circumstances the switch was made I would definitely noticed the slightest difference in handling.
OK I’ll get off the box and let it rest.
Woods
____________________
07Fox 31WRB,Aria,PowerTwin,Heatpumps,Maxxfans,Sureflow5.7,Power Awing,50amp,thermopane,Reese nocam trunnion,more.
04 6.0L4X4Excursion.AirLifts,Vair onboard air,ARC,XCal3,EGRfix,4Cobalts in A-pillar,AFE,MBRP,Hadley,Bilsteins,Brakesmart,Avatar-Monarch Pass
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BigFoot
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#14 Posted: Wed Mar 17th, 2010 02:28 |
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Here's a guy that is blowing out his LT tires. Guess you just can't win. CLICK
And finally, one for the road. CLICK
You know Joe, if you spend enough time on the computer, you can research this ST vs LT tire thing until you know way more about tires than you want to know. Suffice it to say that 95% of the articles will tell you that ST tires are best for TTs. Period! And the other 5% say LT tires are usable. That's usable, not better. ST tires also scored major points for their strong sidewalls which offset the stiff suspension that is common to TTs. The constant weight transfer of the TT reacting to the road can give a real beat-down to TT tires.
And if you dig deep enough, you will find that ST tires have to pass Government tests in order to get the coveted DOT stamped on their sidewall, just like all the other tires. And, the brand names swear that ALL their tires meet their high standards, no matter where they are made.
But there is still that nagging feeling of mistrust. Do ST tires, especially the dreaded Chinese tires, come with IEDs hidden inside? Or do we have to grit our teeth and accept the prevailing wisdom that its over-loading, low air pressure, going to fast, bad maintenance, over-heating, etc.
You would think that the NHSTA would have had so many complaints by now that they would be all over Chinese ST tires or just ST tires in general. But no, nothing has caught their attention yet. So either the threat isn't out there or too many people are sitting on their hands. And that isn't the American way, is it?
So I think, as of now, I am going to follow Shotgun's lead because I believe that he has figured it out.
His 22H Fox came with ST205/75R 15C tires that hold 1820 pounds @ 50 psi. He has upgraded to ST225/75R 15C which hold 1880 pounds @ 40 psi. If he were to increase his air to 50 psi, he could, if he wanted to, increase his speed from 65 mph to 75 mph because 10 more pounds allow that. I bet he just runs 50 pounds and doesn't sweat the small stuff anymore.
So assuming that a person really knows how much weight his most loaded tire is carrying, he could, hopefully, buy an ST tire big enough to allow for safe weight control and that occasional burst of speed. Then he would have the best of all worlds.
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Nickel n Pepper
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#15 Posted: Wed Mar 17th, 2010 21:40 |
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Tim Fry, senior development engineer with Goodyear Tire & Rubber said;
"If you trailer nonstop from Phoenix, Arizona, to Las Vegas, in 100-degree temperatures at 65 mph, you use up much of the resources of that tire, and you don't realize it." Fry is not talking about wearing out the tread. It is the tire's construction that is breaking down. As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken. Over the course of several trips, this load-carrying capacity gradually decreases, according to Fry. Incidentally, all ST tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
That’s less than 300 miles, it was 2300 miles home from San Diego my tires were used up on the first trip. Heck I used up my ST’s before I got out of California, and still had 2000 miles to go.
Woods
Last edited on Wed Mar 17th, 2010 21:42 by Nickel n Pepper
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Joe Diesel
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#16 Posted: Wed Mar 17th, 2010 22:10 |
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WOODS: Your signature says that you have a 2007. Is the tire that blew your original set that came with the trailer? Sorry to here about the damages. Mine came with 16" Uniroyal's LT. Your last post says that the "tire guy" describes that ST tire losing some of its properties on a hot day. Is this a normal condition of ST tires or all tires in general. I really don't understand what he means. Does the compound in the rubber go back to normal after it cools off??? Or is it more like it just wears out a bit at every use, which is common sense.
Someone said that Goodyear NOW makes the "Marathon" trailer tire here in the USA. If this is true, I think that this is a good thing. I have had such good experiences with Micheline tires that I can't seem to shake the XPS ribs out of my head. However, Bigfoot has some very compelling information on the use of ST tires. After I verify that Marathons are made in America, I will take a little field trip to go look at them first hand. Joe.
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07 AF-27/F w/Sky Blue custom interior. Thermal Panes wind., 16" tires w/ Dexter HD susp. Free standing dinette. Power jack and x-tra breeze fans. 03 Dodge Ram Q-cab 4X4 6-Spd, S/B w/Cummins diesel. Putnum XDR, Hellwig, Hensley Arrow & Honda EU-3K
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BigFoot
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#17 Posted: Wed Mar 17th, 2010 23:18 |
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| Here you go Joe. How about that number 3 reason!
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Chipster
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#18 Posted: Thu Mar 18th, 2010 01:28 |
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Thats a great list. I expect the overspeed or underinflation or unseen damage that happens today may be the cause of a failure a week from now. I bought a set of Carlisles last summer and last fall I picked up a nail that was long enough to cause a sidewall bulge. The factory replaced the tire immediately. If I had ignored the bulge it possibly would have failed at some later date.
I bought a TPMs from HawksHead and I can't wait to see how the temps and pressures are affected while the trailer is being towed. I have the TPMS on the pickup now..great fun. You can tell which tire has been in the sun.... the fronts heat up more than the rears..more load and flex.
Randy
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2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7L, Equal-i-zer, Prodigy, TRD rear sway bar
2008 Arctic Fox 22H
Chip the Shiba Inu
Honda EU2000ia & EU2000i Companion
HawksHead HD TPMS
Avatar: On the banks of the Salmon River
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Nickel n Pepper
Member
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#19 Posted: Thu Mar 18th, 2010 02:22 |
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Yes the tires in question were the original ST tires installed by Northwood. Date codes were on the November 2006 vicinity. We picked up the 31W in La Grande the first of March. Went over to the Oregon coast via Bend and then over the next couple of months took the coastal highways down to San Diego. California Highway 1 was an outstanding drive. When we left San Diego and headed east the day time temps ranged between 100 and 106. After reading the Goodyear senior development engineer comments, I suppose the first of the 2300 miles back home used up my tires. I presume from the Goodyear managers comments the extra miles I got from the tires was beyond their expectations.
See the full text I quoted here. CLICK
The thing that bothers me the most are the circumstances in which the tire failed. This tire literally ripped it self apart, a total casing failure, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Little to nothing remaining but shreds. There were zero signs of impending problems when I inspected the tires thoroughly the day before. The pressures were at 80 it was cool I was running about 50 and hadn’t gone far enough to even start to build any heat. Maybe this is not so strange, If I remember correctly one of the members here has a ST blow up on the spare tire mount.
Woods
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07Fox 31WRB,Aria,PowerTwin,Heatpumps,Maxxfans,Sureflow5.7,Power Awing,50amp,thermopane,Reese nocam trunnion,more.
04 6.0L4X4Excursion.AirLifts,Vair onboard air,ARC,XCal3,EGRfix,4Cobalts in A-pillar,AFE,MBRP,Hadley,Bilsteins,Brakesmart,Avatar-Monarch Pass
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Shane
Member
| Joined: | Sun Dec 12th, 2004 |
| Location: | Near Spokane |
| Posts: | 805 |
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#20 Posted: Thu Mar 18th, 2010 02:43 |
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| As is obvious from my various posts in the forum on this topic, I am strongly "biased" against ST tires — especially Marathon (which, like BigFoot, I spent a lot of time researching). My experience with LT tires (Michelin and Goodyear) has been entirely positive. As we "ply" this topic, however, I would like to learn why the ST tires are max rated at 65 and my LT tires are not subject to that limit. BTW, my Michelin Ribs are rated at 3042 pounds @80# each and I have run long hours in 100 degree weather. I am now going into my third season on them — are they shot? BTW, I have never experienced squirm. A short box may contribute to that. While any tire can be defective or improperly maintained (in addition to road hazards), and there is not a brand out there without a blowout, the reputation of the Marathons is very bad (and that's not on boat or utility trailers). Perhaps that was their Chinese phase. IMHO, however, any modern trailer tire should be designed to handle the real world — interstate speeds at advertised load and in temps over 100 degrees. Here in the West, that may be 70 mph or better. Of course, even a "bad" tire will perform well under much reduced circumstances —perhaps. Last edited on Mon Mar 22nd, 2010 05:04 by Shane
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Shane and Patty
Babe the Brittany (1/96 – 7/10)
2003, 27-5L AF
Chevy '07 3500 Dooley 4X4 LT3, Crew Cab, D/A
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