|
|
 Member
Posts: 14
| What tires have you purchased for your LQ, that have really worked out for you?
I've read about the LT tires, but doesnt help with weight. I've heard of the trailers tires, and having to make sure you keep them aired correctly. Any brand you prefer, thats still working for you today?
I went ahead and ordered the SS greenball towmasters, F rated at 3858 per tire from costco. I figured, if I've made a mistake, I can just cancel before they arrive.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 88
   Location: Washington | If you want to do a LOT of reading about trailer tires, check this fifth wheel camper forum out. They run a lot of miles and have poor results with ST tires.http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/24 The general consensus there is LT tires hands down. I think the rub on most ST(trailer) tires is that they are mostly made in China regardless of the company that is selling them. Based on my reading only, I wouldn't have a set of ST tires. When I buy a trailer, the first thing I do is get a properly load rated LT tire. My 2 cents worth. My Trails West trailer came with LT tires from the dealer.
Edited by Dbarnes72 2016-02-24 6:23 AM
|
|
|
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 658
    Location: Rayne, LA | I would NOT own a Chinese tire PERIOD |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 56
  Location: Belchertown MA | Our trailer came with Chinese ST tires on it (Towmax) after 1 year one of them the center tread started egging out. Talked to tire guy and was told ALL ST tires are made in China regardless of manufacturer. So I replaced them all with Firestone Transforce HT LT tires that I have had good luck with on previous trailers. I had tried some cheaper Chinese LT tires on another trailer but didn't have good luck with them.
Trip to KY, trip to VA, trip to PA, and lots of shorter trips with no issues at all. I know alot of people say not to run LT's on trailers, but every ST or Chinese tire I've used never get past 1 1/2 to 2 years without problems. The Firestones I had on my old trailer were 5 yr's when we traded in in and still in great shape, so I'll take my chances with LT's over Chinese ST's
I also always check tires before and during trips and keep them inflated between 75 & 80 psi |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 5870
       Location: western PA | There are many postings concerning the ST and LT trailer tire usage. If you do a "SEARCH" for the past year, you will find many threads on the topic. Almost universally, people have had poor results with Chinese branded tires and UPGRADE to LT's whenever possible. |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 88
   Location: Washington | Originally written by spaniard on 2016-02-23 11:50 PM
I went ahead and ordered the SS greenball towmasters, F rated at 3858 per tire from costco. I figured, if I've made a mistake, I can just cancel before they arrive.Thanks What rating tire do you need? What is your trailer weight? I ran BF Goodrich Commercial T/As on my fifth wheel with good success and now have them on my flatbed hay hauler. Uniroyals on my horse trailer have done well. Should be lots of options. |
|
|
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402
    Location: Valentine, NE | Not a dealer nor a "endorsee", but I will never put another tire on a trailer unless it is a 19.5" "Boar Wheel System".
They have designed a 19.5" rim to replace the 8 bolt, 16" rim. This allows a 19.5 semi truck type tire instead of a consumer trailer/truck tire used on 16" rims. I have friends that have over 100k on these tires on big LQ trailers with very few issues.
Rim and tire costs the same as the Goodyear G614 14 plys that most LQ have.
I see, in Bloomer's latest ad, the 19.5s are now an option for their trailers.
I been told they weigh a little more, as you use a steel rim. Most LQ's use an aluminum rim and with the Goodyears, are about 40 lbs lighter than the Boar system. Tire is also noticeably thicker and 120 mph speed rated. Try that with any 16" tire.
Good luck. |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 14
| Trailer empty is just about 8K, but the gross vehicle combined weight is just under 16K.
The F rating on the tow masters put me right at the legal limit for my weight. Each tire is rated at 3900 pounds per tire. Costco warranties them for two years.
It also sounds like everyone must be overloading their LT tires? Often times I can see throwing some extra weight on top of that gvwr, making things worse for an LT tire. |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 14
| On another note, I was also told, and read a few other experiences, that the manufacturer will deny any warranty claim on LT tires , if mounted on a trailer. I received the, you are endangering your life and the public by running LT tires. This will also cause liability issues , for you. Which makes complete sense, running something not designed to handle the weights. |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 56
  Location: Belchertown MA | I'm pretty sure all of us that all of us have been running LT's for years with no problems (opposed to ST's that blow out) are endangering the public less than you are pulling huge trailers around with a 8" lifted, single wheel truck with fancy wheels and tires that probably aren't rated for the weight you're putting on them but that is just my opinion. |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 14
| Originally written by TS351 on 2016-02-25 5:11 AM
I'm pretty sure all of us that all of us have been running LT's for years with no problems (opposed to ST's that blow out) are endangering the public less than you are pulling huge trailers around with a 8" lifted, single wheel truck with fancy wheels and tires that probably aren't rated for the weight you're putting on them but that is just my opinion.
Funny you should mention that, I do have fancy wheels and rims, but mine are rated for my Rig's and under warranty for its specified weight rating. You must Really like my wheels, look them up, I would recommend them, toyo open country, E rated 37's |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 14
| So far I've found everyone prefers the LT tire over the ST. But, if I go with the ST, and have a blowout within a two year period, I get it replaced free of charge. With the ST tires, I will also be DOT legal. Liability, warranty, and being legal, for me I'm going to have to try out these new SS tow masters, and keep everyone updated. |
|
|
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
     Location: Penrose, Colorado | are you saying lt tires are not dot legal on a trailer?? blowouts equal trailer fender damage and maybe more.. |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 1989
         Location: South Central OK | Troll, the last two threads have started like a question but really weren't. Then turned argumentative after opinions were offered and backed by your own research in opposition. My question is, why are you here if you don't want the advice you've clearly asked for? These forums are full of some of the most experienced, well educated haulers I've come across and you proposed to come here asking for help yet haven't taken ANY OF IT. You'll need to site a court ruling that LT tires have been ruled unsafe on horse trailers as my forensic mechanic is the one that asked me to upgrade on my newest trailer to them...yes, I said UPGRADE. |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 14
| Thanks for everyone's responses, RV net was overwhelming with opinions but also has tons of good stuff, thanks again. |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 3802
      Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | Originally written by spaniard on 2016-02-26 9:14 AM
Thanks for everyone's responses, RV net was overwhelming with opinions but also has tons of good stuff, thanks again. Remember, those ST tires are rated for 65 mph max. We use Michelin XPS rib, Goodyear G614RST, and Sailun brand 16" lrG and 17.5" lrH. . |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 3802
      Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | Originally written by retento on 2016-02-26 12:15 PM Originally written by spaniard on 2016-02-26 9:14 AM
Thanks for everyone's responses, RV net was overwhelming with opinions but also has tons of good stuff, thanks again. Remember, those ST tires are rated for 65 mph max. We use Michelin XPS rib, Goodyear G614RST, and Sailun brand 16" lrG and 17.5" lrH. . The Sailun tires are built in China, all steel casing with a 75 mph speed rating. Trying a set oF 215/75-17.5 lrH on a 23000# GVWR LQ trailer, so far so good, smooth ride, even wear, no bumps or bulges, maintaining 125 psi.  |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
        Location: Vermont | http://www.harriger.com/tires.htm |
|
|
|
 Expert
Posts: 1881
        Location: NY | the company will replace the tire if it is the tire's fault. I had this happen on my truck and the tire dealer said that the tire went bad because I ran over glass this was after two weeks on the truck
Edited by loveduffy 2016-02-27 10:35 PM
|
|
|
|
Veteran
Posts: 233
   Location: Pataskala, Ohio | You mentioned Gross Combined Weight (GCW) that is truck, trailer and everything in each of them. Your trailer is not carrying all of that weight, your truck gets a big chunk of it. |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 65
  Location: league city texas | I am looking at the Goodyear Wranger HT.. Would that be a good tire for a 3 horse, 8 ft living quarter... ? Thanks! |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 88
   Location: Washington | Originally written by paintcrazytexan on 2016-07-22 11:45 AM
I am looking at the Goodyear Wranger HT.. Would that be a good tire for a 3 horse, 8 ft living quarter... ? Thanks! That tire has a load rating of 3042# in a 235/85R16 size. Depends on what your trailer weighs. More accurately, what your trailer axles are carrying. I scaled mine last week with 3 horses and a 7' LQ trailer and had 8600# on the trailer axles. What is the load rating on your current tires? Looks like a nice tire for the application, |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 65
  Location: league city texas | Thanks for your reply... I only haul one horse, and thats just maybe once a month.. I am just a recreational rider and rarely go more that 2-3 hours from home. The trailer badge says 8900 empty... And I dont load up alot when I go horse camping... I hook up to water and electricity, so dont haul water. |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 65
  Location: league city texas | Oh, current tires are the same as what I am looking to buy, but they were some cheap chinese stuff... I had one shred on me so just gonna replace all of them. they came on the trailer when I bought it a year ago used.. |
|
|
|
Regular
Posts: 65
  Location: league city texas | Ugh... cant type... weight on trailer empty is not 8900. Its 5700.... |
|
|
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322
   Location: Fort Madison, Iowa | Spaniard feel your pain looking for tires. Made several calls the last two weeks to different tire people getting opinions. Had similar comments about not using LT by all but one of them. Same thing about liabilities and one about insurance and about all St made in China. One call that was most helpful was to the Goodyear corporation. I gave them my weights from the plate off my trailer on axles info. From weight stations and I'm on the border of my weight limits for an Lt 10 ply when fully loaded. Thinking I'll be going 12 or 14 ply and just wonder how a St higher ply tire performed and if people still had problems. Might be looking at ST 14 ply steel, might be more than I need but I'll be covered. Looking at different ratings now. Decisions decisions... |
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 45

| The best explanation I have found between ST and LT tires is at http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f219/st-vs-lt-tire-problems... (It's the 3rd post shown on that forum). When I bought a new trailer a few months ago I was concerned about the ST tires on it. I talked to engineers at both the manufacturer and tire company before buying. Trailer mfg (which also makes high-end RVs) have QC at Chinese factory. They randomly test tires they receive here. As the guy said, our trailers sell for tens of thousands of dollars so it wouldn't make financial sense to use substandard tires because of the cost of warranty issues and liability. Tire guy said that not maintaining ST tires is the single largest cause of blowouts. They need to be kept at their recommended PSI all the time. Even if you're only going 5 miles down the road, check the tire pressure first. |
|
|
|
 Regular
Posts: 51
 
| I bought a new flatbed goose neck trailer and loaded my 8,500 lb skid loader on it. Checked all the tires on my dually and the trailer and headed out to my daughters place 100 miles away. Lost the tread on 3 of the tires on the trailer. Tread just pealed right off of the carcass. I will never own another ST tire again. My Firestone 235/85-16 LT have been on my horse trailer for 5 years and have made many trips from Iowa to Wyoming loaded to 10,000 lbs on the 4 trailer tires. Can you imagine the law suits if LT tires had the failure rate of ST tires. |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
        Location: Vermont | Originally written by BS Hauler on 2016-07-29 12:41 AM
I bought a new flatbed goose neck trailer and loaded my 8,500 lb skid loader on it. Checked all the tires on my dually and the trailer and headed out to my daughters place 100 miles away. Lost the tread on 3 of the tires on the trailer. Tread just pealed right off of the carcass. I will never own another ST tire again. My Firestone 235/85-16 LT have been on my horse trailer for 5 years and have made many trips from Iowa to Wyoming loaded to 10,000 lbs on the 4 trailer tires. Can you imagine the law suits if LT tires had the failure rate of ST tires. How fast were you traveling?...What temperature was it?...What was the date code on these tires? |
|
|
|
Veteran
Posts: 233
   Location: Pataskala, Ohio | Originally written by BS Hauler on 2016-07-29 10:41 PM
I bought a new flatbed goose neck trailer and loaded my 8,500 lb skid loader on it. Checked all the tires on my dually and the trailer and headed out to my daughters place 100 miles away. Lost the tread on 3 of the tires on the trailer. Tread just pealed right off of the carcass. I will never own another ST tire again. My Firestone 235/85-16 LT have been on my horse trailer for 5 years and have made many trips from Iowa to Wyoming loaded to 10,000 lbs on the 4 trailer tires. Can you imagine the law suits if LT tires had the failure rate of ST tires. I had nearly the same experience with 4 GoodYear Marathon Trailer Tires 235-75-15ST. I had my Jeep CJ 5 on my flat bed trailer driving through Kansas in early August on fresh blacktop with temps 105-107. Needless to say the tires got hot. Towing speed about 70mph, I know it exceeds max by 5mph. I looked back and could see tread separation starting. As luck would have it there was a GoodYear store within 1 mile. They could tell by the date code on the tires they were all new (only a month on the trailer) and upon inspection they said all 4 had failed. So with an hour of time invested I got 4 new tires at no cost except disposal fee so I was happy. Those 4 Marathon ST's made it home to Ohio and all became spare tires for several trailer and GoodYear Wrangler HT tires went on. Not sure if they were LT or just not P in that size.My Lakota 4 horse 10'LQ came with Chineese ST tires. I bought the trailer at Quarter Horse Congress and had no plans to use it over the winter but the next spring it got Firestone HT 235-85-16 LT tires. They have lots of miles on the rocky washed out paths that Ohio calls Interstate Highways our grandparents called them goat trails, yet no signs of trouble with the tires, the interstates that is a different story.With the money, time and blood I have invested in my Jeep there is no way it will go on a trailer with ST's again and the horses are family they will never go in a trailer with ST's. I have ZERO confidence that an ST tire is safe. |
|
|
|
New User
Posts: 2
Location: So Cal | I went with Costco tow masters, the newer SS models(summer solution) per towmaster rep, they're a combination ST and LT rubber compound. We've had triple digit temps here , but only have maybe 1200 miles on them.
Since we have a flat bed, (we think) we have to go through scales, so we would be in violation(I think) if the tires are not ST and rated for our trailer(14,000 GVWR), so we went ST tires to be compliant and have been meticulous about keeping the air pressure correct for every trip. We've also been using the aero space protectant to keep them from having the sidewalls crack. Will post updates and see how they hold up
|
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 5870
       Location: western PA | May I ask what "aerospace protectant" you are using for side wall protection? |
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 45

| I don't know what Biofumes uses, but the 303 aerospace protectant is the same as their 303 auto protectant, which for some reason costs more. Both can be used to protect tires, among other things It's good stuff. |
|
|
|
| flummoxed - 2016-08-01 3:37 PM
I don't know what Biofumes uses, but the 303 aerospace protectant is the same as their 303 auto protectant, which for some reason costs more. Both can be used to protect tires, among other things It's good stuff.
Yes, it's the 303 brand |
|
|
|
New User
Posts: 2
Location: So Cal | gard - 2016-08-01 4:10 AM
May I ask what "aerospace protectant" you are using for side wall protection?
It's the 303 protectant, most swear by it, I just began using it this year. |
|
|
|
 Regular
Posts: 71
  Location: Everton, Arkansas | I put a set of Michelin XPS Rib on my trailer. Love them.... |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 24
| rhooton - 2016-08-03 4:36 PM
I put a set of Michelin XPS Rib on my trailer. Love them....
Just curious, what's the weight of your trailer? GVWR
How many miles? |
|
|
|
 Regular
Posts: 71
  Location: Everton, Arkansas | Trailer is a 4 horse, 7 wide, 10 foot short wall all aluminum trailer. GVWR is right at 16,000 lbs. Tires are Michelin XPS Rib, size 245/75/16 rated at 3042 lbs @ 80 psi. We live in east Texas and just got back from a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota, about 2400 miles. Tires preformed great. I carry a temp gun to check bearings and trip temps when travelling. Tire temp never got over 105 on any tire, and that was at 70 mph on good interstate. We have also made a couple of trips to Cedar Lake Oklahoma and Ebenezer Park Texas on the tries with no issues. I did alot of research before buying the Michelins....I love them. Private messages welcome. |
|
|
|
| I second the Michelin XPS! Very pricey, but I did a lot of research after repeated blowouts & the RV'ers swear by them. I'm a believer! I also don't drive any faster than 70 mph. That's helped too. |
|
|
|
| What would be the difference between those Michelins & a 235/85R 16.
I ended up years ago, as per advice here, putting that size (BF Goodrich Commercial AT) |
|
|
|
 Regular
Posts: 71
  Location: Everton, Arkansas | Very litte difference in the tires. The 245/75 measures 9.6 wide on a 7 inch wheel, while the 235/85 measures 9.6 on a 6 in wheel. The diameter of the 245/75 on a 7 in wheel is 30.6 while the 235/85 on a 6 in wheel is 30.7. I went with the 245/75 on HiSpec aluminum wheels and steel valve stems running 80 psi. |
|
|
|
 Member
Posts: 24
| I just posted on another thread about greenball trailer tires, speed rating "M" 81 mph for ST trailer tires, made of a combination truck and trailer rubber compound, I guess I'll be the ginie pig, not so sure I want to be above 65mph though |
|
|