Tire replacement choices and LT tires

[mkdprice]

The stock Goodyear Endurance 235/80 R16 tires that came on my ORV are due to be replaced.

I'm thinking of switching to LT tires, where for the same price as the Goodyear ST (or even much less), you can get a very high-quality US-made tire like the Michelin Agilis. Since I have 16" wheels, there is a huge range of good LT tire options (vs just one or two decent ST options).

However most LT tires don't come in 235/80, so I'd have to size up to 235/85 or down to 225/75.

I've read a few threads here on ST vs LT and the bottom line seems to be, as long as you are getting high quality tires and the load index exceeds GAWR by some margin, either will work. The LT tires have a slightly lower load index than the ST tires, but still well above combined GAWR. (E.g. LT tires would have a ~3000 lb rating per tire on my 5100 lb axles vs ST having a ~3400lb rating per tire; my trailer loaded for camping is around 8200 lbs, so even with four LT tires at their slightly lower load index I'd still be way above that).

For those that run LT tires, what size did you go with? Any performance changes you noticed or suggestions?

Thanks -
Mark

Since

[Keodie]

I have a decent write up/ thread about lt tires that I put on my trailer. 235/85 lt 16 E. Toyo at3. Thread is lt tires on 16's.

I personally won't go back to st's on this trailer. I raised the trailer 1 in to give me back suspension clearance as well.

Page 3 16 in all terrain lt tires

[mkdprice]

Thanks Keodie - I hadn't come across that thread in my searching. Appreciate the info. Looking at my setup now I think there should be plenty of clearance for slightly larger tires without using the lift blocks.

[Lantley]

Go with Sailun S637 235/80 R16 you will not be disappointed.

[Russ Olin]

Make the switch over to LT tires. And you will never go back. No blow outs tearing up your RV, they last longer, deeper tread, better stopping ability on wet & muddy roads. I run Falken AT4's on my 2020 26 KVS. I was stuck with 15" rims. As you said with 16's the choices are endless. Good luck
Cheers,
Russ

[spock12]

Originally Posted by mkdprice

The stock Goodyear Endurance 235/80 R16 tires that came on my ORV are due to be replaced.

I'm thinking of switching to LT tires, where for the same price as the Goodyear ST (or even much less), you can get a very high-quality US-made tire like the Michelin Agilis. Since I have 16" wheels, there is a huge range of good LT tire options (vs just one or two decent ST options).

However most LT tires don't come in 235/80, so I'd have to size up to 235/85 or down to 225/75.

I've read a few threads here on ST vs LT and the bottom line seems to be, as long as you are getting high quality tires and the load index exceeds GAWR by some margin, either will work. The LT tires have a slightly lower load index than the ST tires, but still well above combined GAWR. (E.g. LT tires would have a ~3000 lb rating per tire on my 5100 lb axles vs ST having a ~3400lb rating per tire; my trailer loaded for camping is around 8200 lbs, so even with four LT tires at their slightly lower load index I'd still be way above that).

For those that run LT tires, what size did you go with? Any performance changes you noticed or suggestions?

Thanks -
Mark

Since

I would weigh my camper loaded just like I was going camping then add 10% of the total and that tire that could handle the weight is the tires I would look for. The Cedar Creek fifth wheel came with LT Goodyear G614 that I bought. DOT later put a lower weight rating on the tire. There were great tires and I never had a problem with the tires. The tires looked brand new when I replaced them and the tires had at least a 100,000 miles and they looked great. When I got new tires I went with Sailun as they could handle the weight. The G614 were great but I try to be safe, the G614 were rated at 3750lb and the Sailun were rated at 4400lb. My camper weighs 15,700lb. What ever tires you buy be sure to check out the reviews

[Keodie]

Originally Posted by mkdprice

Thanks Keodie - I hadn't come across that thread in my searching. Appreciate the info. Looking at my setup now I think there should be plenty of clearance for slightly larger tires without using the lift blocks.

You're welcome. I used the blocks because I do a lot of off road camping and didn't want the tires to contact the wheel well.
Just depends on the type of camping you do.

Good luck with your search and choice and happy camping!

[Stormpeakco]

Only trying to comprehend the discussion better,
ST v. LT tires.



"ST tires feature firmer sidewalls, contrasting with the flexibility of LT tires.
LT tires prioritize traction, unlike ST tires, which prioritize load endurance. LT tire sets offer elevated driving comfort levels, whereas ST tires prioritize load capacity over comfort."

[spock12]

Originally Posted by Stormpeakco

Only trying to comprehend the discussion better,
ST v. LT tires.



"ST tires feature firmer sidewalls, contrasting with the flexibility of LT tires.
LT tires prioritize traction, unlike ST tires, which prioritize load endurance. LT tire sets offer elevated driving comfort levels, whereas ST tires prioritize load capacity over comfort."

Trailer tires are really just flowing along
What I mean is we aren’t riding in the camper, all the tires are doing is carrying weight. I think the LT tires have a higher speed rating where st tires normally have a max speed rating of 75. Buy the tires you like

[Stormpeakco]

Yes, passive trailer ride (sans passengers) vs. (coming from a Class C- LTV) an active powered ride w/ seated passengers..a harsh ride could be partially mitigated in the summer heat w/ lower tire air pressure...pretty sure, I won't be "trailering" near 75mph.

[kubotamiketx]

This is interesting, I have always thought buying the Goodyear Endurance was top of the line for all of my various trailers. Not just RV type, but utility, gooseneck, etc.

My 2022 ORV isn't quite ready, but I am starting to think about it and was just going to go with the exact same tire as stock which is already the Goodyear Endurance.

Now I have yet another decision process to undertake.

[fisher99]

Originally Posted by Russ Olin

Make the switch over to LT tires. And you will never go back. No blow outs tearing up your RV, they last longer, deeper tread, better stopping ability on wet & muddy roads. I run Falken AT4's on my 2020 26 KVS. I was stuck with 15" rims. As you said with 16's the choices are endless. Good luck
Cheers,
Russ

Help me understand how LT tires eliminate the risk of a blowout tearing up the body work. Thanks.

[Stormpeakco]

A solid TPMS with temperature monitor (like EEZRV) is a valuable tool to help mitigate a sudden and catastrophic, tire failure.
(Had a previous small trailer that we purchased new and our EEZRV kit, alerted us early to the Dexter axle-trailer brake failure... EEZRV monitor showed the rising and marked tire temperature elevation (brake pad hangup and bearing failure...tire was too hot to touch) coupled with excessive brake dust and elevated tire pressure the first hundred miles).

[Russ Olin]

Originally Posted by fisher99

Help me understand how LT tires eliminate the risk of a blowout tearing up the body work. Thanks.

Actually as I said, more rubber, better traction, thicker side walls better tire carcass all around over a ST tire. If you can, go to a local tire store compare a ST tire to a LT tire in the same size & see the difference for yourself. Feel how much thicker the side wall is on a LT tire. Feel how much thicker the rubber is on the inside of the tire is carcass to where the tread meets the asphalt. If LT tires blew like ST tires we would have dead people on the hwys everywhere. Plus check out new RV's several are coming out now with LT tires. Ask yourself why would they do this? Because its a better tire. That in the long run has less problems.