LT Tires & Trailer Sway

[Menendez]

Originally Posted by TDI-Minnie

Tire shops will routinely pump serious psi into tires to get the bead to seat, and then let air back out to spec. If sudden wheel explosions were really an issue, they would not do this.

People follow stupid and hazardous work practices every day, and most get away with it. And many people, both employers and employees, <knowingly> disregard safe procedures.

[Bamaman]

Most 1/2 ton trucks have suspensions like that of an old Crown Victoria--for a soft ride, not carrying heavy loads.

If you happen to have a F150 with the $1795 maximum tow package, only then will a set of LT/E tires help you. But you do need to make sure the wheels are good for handling 80 lbs. pressure.

[marcham]

I think you meant heavy duty payload package for the f150, which comes with different springs, axles, wheels and LT tires.

[TDI-Minnie]

The tires are one part of a system. All parts help the system.

You can have a one-ton suspension, but if the tires are soft and roll the sidewall in a turn or during trailer sway, you still have a flaw in the system.

[timetogo]

Carlisle Tire Company:

"Max air capacities are typically a function of the tire, not the wheel. Unlike tires, the load rating of a wheel is not generally dependent on the operating pressure. The wheels themselves are manufactured and tested to a load rating (without consideration of pressure) and can safely support that load. As long as the load is within the limits of our wheel's load rating in pounds, our product will perform as expected."

"Is it true a LT tire helps reduce trailer sway ??" The answer is yes.........

[Menendez]

What does a LT tire,<as a type>, do better than a trailer tire to prevent or damp lateral oscillations? I'm under the impression that towing tires have stiffer sidewalls, thus less flexing, thus better lateral stability. Do LT tires have other characteristics that trump stiffer sidewalls? Do trailer tires, in fact, not have stiffer sidewalls?

I understand that people want LT tires for other reasons, such as better perceived reliability or the ability to handle higher speeds but why would they prevent sway better? Is this notion possibly the result of going to a better tire rather than a better <type> of tire? Know what I mean?

[timetogo]

An E rated LT tire will be stiffer than most P rated tires on the tow vehicle.

Originally Posted by rideandslide

I'm consider replacing my P rated rear tires to 10 ply E rated LT tires on my Ram 1500. Is it true a LT tire helps reduce trailer sway ??
Jim

[Menendez]

Originally Posted by timetogo

An E rated LT tire will be stiffer than most P rated tires on the tow vehicle.

Ah, (slapping head) the tow vehicle. Thanks, I understand.

[JIMNLIN]

One of the first rules we learn when towing for a living is never over load or over inflate a tire or the rim.
Both have maximum load capacities and both will have a maximum PSI rating. If they don't then find out what they are.

I've seen split steel wheels and cracked aluminum wheels because a newby .and others, ignored the dealers and manufacturers advice to follow the rim makers ratings.
I didn't listen to those with more experience than I and learned the expensive way the folly of over pressuring a wheel.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by rideandslide

I'm consider replacing my P rated rear tires to 10 ply E rated LT tires on my Ram 1500. Is it true a LT tire helps reduce trailer sway ??
Jim

IMO the heavier tires on the truck will not reduce trailer sway but possibly minimize the effect on the truck.

Generally trailer sway could be caused by several factors. 1) not enough weight on the hitch, 2) tires underinflated on the trailer, 3) trailer in nose up position 4) trailer too heavy for truck.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by Menendez

What does a LT tire,<as a type>, do better than a trailer tire to prevent or damp lateral oscillations? I'm under the impression that towing tires have stiffer sidewalls, thus less flexing, thus better lateral stability. Do LT tires have other characteristics that trump stiffer sidewalls? Do trailer tires, in fact, not have stiffer sidewalls?

I understand that people want LT tires for other reasons, such as better perceived reliability or the ability to handle higher speeds but why would they prevent sway better? Is this notion possibly the result of going to a better tire rather than a better <type> of tire? Know what I mean?

You can put LT tires on a trailer if they are rated for all positions.

[joshuajim]

Not related to sway, but LT tires will take a small hit in gas mileage.