5th wheel tire replacement

[carverbob]

Hi,

I am looking to replace the LT 235/85R16 load range E tires on my 29' Alpenlite. I am looking for input on tire brands to consider and to stay away from. So far I have looked at Cooper and BF Goodrich.

Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[glennwest]

I would buy the Michelin XPS Rib tires. 235/85-16 E. They are virtually bullet proof. They weigh twice what the Chinese made tires do. Cost with taxes just under 300 each, but well worth it.

[Rvmagoo]

I just read an article on trailer tires and they never to use LT rated tires. You should always use ST rated tire because of wall construction. Something about side roll.

[glennwest]

there is not a ST tire now made that isn't a Chinese bomb. Same size Goodyear Marathon (Chinese Bomb) vs a Michelin XPS rib. GY 20ish pounds. XPS 50ish pounds. Which one would you want your home riding on? Manufacturers are putting on LT tires on upscale 5thers now also.

[oldbeek]

Alpenlite came with 235/85R16 lt load range E MichelinXPS are the top of the line I have run Bf Goodrich and Costco brands with good service but my 27sl axles only carry 8900# of the load. That includes 100gallons of water. 77,000 miles and the only tire problem was with the original Goodyears. Take your rig to a scale and see what kind of a load you are dealing with.

[wingedone]

When I was researching to replace my ST's, I received positive recommendations in the E range for:
Duravis 250
Michelin XPS Rib
Bridgestone R250

I ended up with Goodyear G614 because of my 7k axles would allow it, but you may not need to spend all that money if you have 6k axles.

[TexasTwoStep]

Michelins are pricey, but the best.

[glennwest]

Op would have to buy rims for G614's. They are rated for 110 psi. Their rims are rated for 85 psi. People who run ST tires have problems. Those who run LT don't. Barring road hazards.

[jimcumminsw]

I agree with the Michelin tires as replacement tires for your trailer. I would also have them balance when purchasing them.

As to the need for ST VS LT tires I see this debate all the time and my question has been; if the trailer was equipped with LT tires from the manufacture than why would I install an inferior tire on the trailer? My other question to the proponents of ST tires is why the top of the line trailers manufactures offer LT tires instead of ST tires on the trailers.

The only reason for ST tires is to provided a low cost tire for trailer manufacture use and the standards where written to provide some means of testing this tire.

Jim W.

[glennwest]

Dirty little fact often overlooked is standards for st vs Lt. "Special Trailer" are for trailers. People don't ride on them. They do not meet the safety standards of LT, Light Truck. People ride on LT tires and their lives depend on them. this is why ST tires are so light. The side wall flexing debate don't hold water. People just don't have issues with LT tires.

[caissiel]

Amen.

[JIMNLIN]

Originally Posted by carverbob

Hi,

I am looking to replace the LT 235/85R16 load range E tires on my 29' Alpenlite. I am looking for input on tire brands to consider and to stay away from. So far I have looked at Cooper and BF Goodrich.

Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

Brands are important but also a particular line of LT tires the tire makers recommends.
These are LT E tire lines I've seen recommendations for using on heavy trailers from the tire maker;

Tops are the Michelin XPS Ribs and the Bridgestone R250 and the M895. These tires are a commercial grade all steel ply carcass.

..Cooper SRM II
.. Firestone Transport HT
.. BFG Commercial HT
.. Goodyear Wrangler HT
.. Uniroyal HD-H

I sure wouldn't use any brand of ST tire with those flexy sidewalls on a trailer that size.

[cpaulsen]

I had 235/80/R16 tires and went to Firestone Transforce LT245/75/R16 as a replacement. Has worked out very well.

[sk734]

Check these out. I am running them and they are excellent.http://simpletire.com/jetzon-235-85r16-8244393-tires