Community Forums

EMD_Driver · 03-31-2012, 02:28 PM

I have a new set of LT tires for our fifth wheel, but the rear four tires on our dually need replacing also. The fifth wheel has 4 year old Marathons on it, that aren't showing any signs of cracking (Yet)

I know it's not the best idea, but I was wondering the general consensus on possibly putting the ST's on the rear of the dually, until I can budget a new set of LT's for it. I just picked up the dually yesterday, after having the entire rear axle overhauled. The $1,600 I had to pay for that, was supposed to be tire money.

Anyway.... Opinions on temporarily using the ST's on the dually? I know they wouldn't be subjected to nearly the forces, that they would on the fifth wheel.

Just asking... Thanks for the opinions! (I know better, than to even try asking this on the "Other" forum!)

CD · 03-31-2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

I have a new set of LT tires for our fifth wheel, but the rear four tires on our dually need replacing also. The fifth wheel has 4 year old Marathons on it, that aren't showing any signs of cracking (Yet)

I know it's not the best idea, but I was wondering the general consensus on possibly putting the ST's on the rear of the dually, until I can budget a new set of LT's for it. I just picked up the dually yesterday, after having the entire rear axle overhauled. The $1,600 I had to pay for that, was supposed to be tire money.

Anyway.... Opinions on temporarily using the ST's on the dually? I know they wouldn't be subjected to nearly the forces, that they would on the fifth wheel.

Just asking... Thanks for the opinions! (I know better, than to even try asking this on the "Other" forum!)

Assuming we are talking about the same size and load range tires, I think I would do it. I think ST tires have a 65MPH speed limit on them and I don't think I would load them too much and just use them for local driving.

jwomack · 03-31-2012, 04:29 PM

I wouldn't put Marathons on anything after my experience with them. I'd question the use of ST tires on a truck except maybe to relocate it from point "A" to point "B" unloaded and slowly.

**JohnRR** · 03-31-2012, 04:31 PM

If I'm remember correctly ST tires were designed to be used with trailers only and the LT for trucks, where do you finally draw the line with what's safe for a stop gap measure?

If you brought them to my shop to be mounted and I knew what you were going to do with them I would not do the job and accept all the liabilities that would come with it.

Cat320 · 03-31-2012, 05:34 PM

ST tires should not be put on anything but trailers:

ST Trailer Tire Applications:

- Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only. They are not built to handle the loads applied to, or the traction required by, drive or steering axles.

EMD_Driver · 03-31-2012, 05:37 PM

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys... I might just have to find the money for another set of LT tires and get them on the dually.

JIMNLIN · 03-31-2012, 08:36 PM

Wise choice. Look on the ST tires sidewall. It should say "for trailer use only".

I would sell the Marathons. Their popular for a beater flat bed trailer that doesn't see much long distande hiway traveling.

mhs4771 · 04-02-2012, 07:09 PM

You don't say what type of camping you do or distances you travel. Although maybe not the best solution, but if the LTs are the correct size what about putting them on the TV and try and get by with the Marathons just a little longer. I'm not a Marathon fan either (changed ours out shortly after purchase), but if they've gotten you this far or are you planning a major long distance trip? Oh, BTW STs on the TV are a No-No

EMD_Driver · 04-02-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

You don't say what type of camping you do or distances you travel. Although maybe not the best solution, but if the LTs are the correct size what about putting them on the TV and try and get by with the Marathons just a little longer. I'm not a Marathon fan either (changed ours out shortly after purchase), but if they've gotten you this far or are you planning a major long distance trip? Oh, BTW STs on the TV are a No-No

I got a set of LT's for the dually and priced a set of Firestone Transforce HT LT tires for the fiver. We just bought the fiver in February and it was towed 429 miles home on the ST's. It's next trip will be to the tire shop, for new LT's. The Marathons are four years old and I simply do not trust them. When we bought the fiver, I asked the dealer what pressure was in the tires. I was assured that they were at full sidewall pressure(80PSI) The day after we got it home, I decided to check for myself(Something I should have done AT the dealer.) They were at 65PSI...

That was the only problem I had with that dealer.. Everything else went great.

hooverbill · 04-11-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

Wise choice. Look on the ST tires sidewall. It should say "for trailer use only".

I would sell the Marathons. Their popular for a beater flat bed trailer that doesn't see much long distande hiway traveling.

True...just read the ST sidewall.

GA Camper · 04-12-2012, 03:16 PM

So can I hi-jack this thread for a moment - Are you saying that it is better to put LT spec tires on a 5th wheel than ST tires? I am just asking for my education.

hooverbill · 04-12-2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Camper

So can I hi-jack this thread for a moment - Are you saying that it is better to put LT spec tires on a 5th wheel than ST tires? I am just asking for my education.

It all depends. I had Chinese Missions on a 14k 5th wheel. One tire shreded itself...it was not overloaded and TP was correct. I replaced all four with US made LTs. Although the LTs had lower carrying capacities than the STs, they were more than enough to remain in specs for my rig.

GA Camper · 04-12-2012, 05:58 PM

I agree with you on that 100% - I do not like Chineese tires nor do I buy them - it is getting harder to find US tires but I insist on them.

Mr_D · 04-12-2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRR

If I'm remember correctly ST tires were designed to be used with trailers only and the LT for trucks, where do you finally draw the line with what's safe for a stop gap measure?

If you brought them to my shop to be mounted and I knew what you were going to do with them I would not do the job and accept all the liabilities that would come with it.

Exactly what shuold happen at any good tire shop. LT is for light trucks and ST are for trailers. They are constructed differently for the different uses and shouldn't be used for others.