|
|
Member
Posts: 13
| I'm interested in getting some recommendations for a good set of tires for my horse trailer. I need 235/85/R16's. Currently I have Toto HT Open Country. They are LT235/85/R16's with a load rating of 3042#. It also says 120/116S 10 PR on the tires, and I can't figure out what that means. I did figure out that LT probably means Light Truck, which is NOT what I am using them for. I would like to find something in the size that I need that is rating for more weight, and with a good temperature rating. If possible I would like to have them rated for 70-75 MPH, but I know most are rated for no more than 65 MPH. I just followed a trailer on an 1100 mile trip, that had FOUR blowouts, and it's sure got me thinking rather than taking my tires for granted. I did notice on one fuel stop, that my tires had gotten hot to the touch, not so hot you could not touch them, but uncomfortably warm to hold your hand on them. The bearings were freshly packed for this trip, and we removed the hubcab to verify that the grease is still clean and red, and checked that lugnuts were not too tight. I suspect the hot tires were due to the hot weather and running 70-75 with a trailer that may have more than the weight rating on those back tires. I figure if I got 1100 miles here, I can probaby get 1100 miles back but then on the other hand, am worried that those tires got so hot and wonder if that heating up deteriorates them any? It's not like I have $500 burning a hole in my pocket to buy new tires for the trip home, but once I started researching realized when I do replace these tires, I need something different. Any recommendations? |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
    
Location: Vermont | Originally written by ejv on 2007-10-04 12:49 PM I'm interested in getting some recommendations for a good set of tires for my horse trailer. I need 235/85/R16's. Currently I have Toto HT Open Country. They are LT235/85/R16's with a load rating of 3042#. It also says 120/116S 10 PR on the tires, and I can't figure out what that means. I did figure out that LT probably means Light Truck, which is NOT what I am using them for. I would like to find something in the size that I need that is rating for more weight, and with a good temperature rating. If possible I would like to have them rated for 70-75 MPH, but I know most are rated for no more than 65 MPH. I just followed a trailer on an 1100 mile trip, that had FOUR blowouts, and it's sure got me thinking rather than taking my tires for granted. I did notice on one fuel stop, that my tires had gotten hot to the touch, not so hot you could not touch them, but uncomfortably warm to hold your hand on them. The bearings were freshly packed for this trip, and we removed the hubcab to verify that the grease is still clean and red, and checked that lugnuts were not too tight. I suspect the hot tires were due to the hot weather and running 70-75 with a trailer that may have more than the weight rating on those back tires. I figure if I got 1100 miles here, I can probaby get 1100 miles back but then on the other hand, am worried that those tires got so hot and wonder if that heating up deteriorates them any? It's not like I have $500 burning a hole in my pocket to buy new tires for the trip home, but once I started researching realized when I do replace these tires, I need something different. Any recommendations? 120/116S is the Service Desc. and 10 PR is Ply Rating What you didn't state was the ACTUAL weight of your trailer and contents...THIS is what will tell you what sort of tires to be looking at... Also, what air pressure were your trailer tires operating at? Also, are these the original tires that came with the trailer? That is, assuming you purchased ithe trailer new... Finally, did you check your trailer brakes for unusual wear? |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 13
| 120/116S is the Service Desc. and 10 PR is Ply Rating What you didn't state was the ACTUAL weight of your trailer and contents...THIS is what will tell you what sort of tires to be looking at... Estimated weigt of trailer and contents is 18000#. It's a gooseneck, so probably 25% or 4500# is on the truck, leaving about 13500# for the trailer? Also, what air pressure were your trailer tires operating at? 80#, which is what it says on the side of the tire Also, are these the original tires that came with the trailer? That is, assuming you purchased ithe trailer new... These are not original tires, they are a year old. But they are the correct size according to the sticker on the side of the trailer. Finally, did you check your trailer brakes for unusual wear? No, I did not. They are working fine. I don't know how to check them, but bet I can find someone here at the show who does know how. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by ejv on 2007-10-04 2:11 PM 120/116S is the Service Desc. and 10 PR is Ply Rating What you didn't state was the ACTUAL weight of your trailer and contents...THIS is what will tell you what sort of tires to be looking at... Estimated weigt of trailer and contents is 18000#. It's a gooseneck, so probably 25% or 4500# is on the truck, leaving about 13500# for the trailer? Also, what air pressure were your trailer tires operating at? 80#, which is what it says on the side of the tire Also, are these the original tires that came with the trailer? That is, assuming you purchased ithe trailer new... These are not original tires, they are a year old. But they are the correct size according to the sticker on the side of the trailer. Finally, did you check your trailer brakes for unusual wear? No, I did not. They are working fine. I don't know how to check them, but bet I can find someone here at the show who does know how. They are LT235/85/R16's with a load rating of 3042#. Well there is your problem...13500# / 4 = 3375# which EXCEEDS 3042# And that is ASSUMING a perfect weight distribution, which is never true... Sorry to say...you need to INCREASE the LOAD RATING of the next set of tires you buy... I think you ought to contact the trailer dealer and ask him to explain how these are the recommended tires... Next question...was the Living Quarters added later? If that's the case, your sticker needs updating, because it was probably based on a trailer w/o LQ Another thing you need to investigate is your AXLEs....what are their rating? |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 196
Location: WI | Look into Goodyear Marathon Radial TRAILER tires. Those Toyo's you have would be great on, say, a Light Truck. There are reasons they make ST tires, and there are reasons they make LT tires. One caveat, however, is the GY's are rated at 65 mph. Which, in my small opinion, is derned fast enough pulling a trailer. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2614
| Yeah,especially since it's not the speed you can pull one at,but,what happens at 75mph when you have to stop!!! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 13
| Well there is your problem...13500# / 4 = 3375# which EXCEEDS 3042# Yes, it does. And that is ASSUMING a perfect weight distribution, which is never true... Sorry to say...you need to INCREASE the LOAD RATING of the next set of tires you buy... That's what I figured, the trouble is that by searching websites of big tire companies (like Discount Tire) I'm not finding many that are rated for that load. So I was checking for recommendations. I think you ought to contact the trailer dealer and ask him to explain how these are the recommended tires... These were replacing Yokohama's that were put on the last time, and the guy just looked for equivalent. I had them put on at my local shop. Next question...was the Living Quarters added later? No, this was a LQ trailer from day one. Well, obviously they built the trailer first, but it was built as a LQ rather than converted after it was sold. If that's the case, your sticker needs updating, because it was probably based on a trailer w/o LQ Another thing you need to investigate is your AXLEs....what are their rating? I'd have to go look at the sticker.... but have no reason to suspect anything is wrong with the axles. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 13
| Thanks Hank. I have heard good things about Goodyears for trailers, will check out my options on those Marathon Radials. Thanks for your help! I do know that the Toyo's say LT, for light truck. But when I took the trailer in for new tires, we knew the size we needed, and I insisted on at least 10 ply. The guy thought it was the best option. Possibly only the best option out of what he had to offer.... but the best option. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 13
| Just got off the phone with a very helpful guy at Discount Tire. The Goodyear Marathon Radial is in fact a great tire, but unfortunately they no longer make it in the size I need (235/85/R16). He did find another Goodyear, the G614 that sounds awesome-- a 14 ply tire, rated for 3150# at $274 per tire OUCH. I can't see spending more than double per tire to get another 100# of load rating, so I asked him to check for "next best" in a more sane price range, and he came back with the Yokohama 10 ply tire I had last time, rated at 3042# per tire. He advised that the best defense against tires succombing to overload is to have them properly inflated, and to check at least monthly as they are designed to handle heat by releasing some air. Also to inspect sidewalls-- if you are getting into trouble, there will be a groove visible on the sidewall. He offered that I can come by and check air, and they'll check the sidewalls for me, which I thought was very nice... but it's more practical for me to check the air right here with my own guage. If I need air, however, I might swing by. I suppose the best answer in the case of a heavy trailer is to have more than 4 tires, since most are going to handle about 3000#.
Edited by ejv 2007-10-04 7:39 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 736
Location: Western WA | The Unisteel Goodyear tire is definitely the tire you need. Per Goodyear's website, it has a max load rating of 3750 lbs which would take care of you: http://www.goodyear.com/rv/products/g614rst.html I don't think you will find a decent trailer tire in the load range you need for under $200. I found this load/speed rating/air pressure guide on Goodyear trailer and RV tires: http://www.goodyear.com/rv/pdf/rv_inflation.pdf It doesn't cover the bigger, heavier duty 235/85R16 that most of us have on our LQ trailers, but I am pretty sure the Goodyear trailer tires were speed rated for 70-75 mph. I'll keep looking to see if I can find that data again.
Edited by headhunter 2007-10-04 7:57 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | The Goodyear G614 14 ply "G" rated tires are rated 3750 @ 110psi not 3150lbs. So yes they are double the price, but you can get 600-700lbs per tire over an "E" rated tire in that size. If they are not good enough, then you probably need to step up to a 17.5 or 19" inch rim to get some serious truck/trailer tires. http://www.goodyear.com/rv/products/g614rst.html On edit I see headhunter beat me to the answer. Make sure if you get the "G" rated tires that your rims are rated for 110 PSI. Don't try and run 110 psi tires on rims rated for 80 psi.
Edited by Painted Horse 2007-10-04 7:56 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 31
Location: nevada | I have a 4 horse lq sooner last sumer I lost 3 goodyear ht e rated tires on long hauls at 70 to 75mph goodyear switch me into a set of g rated g614 tires
I paid the price differance.BEST MONEY EVER SPENT.This sumer did not have any tire problems!Put a set on your trailer . |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by Painted Horse on 2007-10-04 8:53 PM The Goodyear G614 14 ply "G" rated tires are rated 3750 @ 110psi not 3150lbs. So yes they are double the price, but you can get 600-700lbs per tire over an "E" rated tire in that size. If they are not good enough, then you probably need to step up to a 17.5 or 19" inch rim to get some serious truck/trailer tires. http://www.goodyear.com/rv/products/g614rst.html On edit I see headhunter beat me to the answer. Make sure if you get the "G" rated tires that your rims are rated for 110 PSI. Don't try and run 110 psi tires on rims rated for 80 psi. Painted Horse and Headhunter gave you the right skinny... A re-emphasis on the rim issue...make sure that your rims are rated for these tires... I too have these on my trailer...will never go back to lower quality... Oh...and in terms of cost...you get what you pay for...
Edited by PaulChristenson 2007-10-04 9:33 PM
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by ejv on 2007-10-04 7:52 PM Well there is your problem...13500# / 4 = 3375# which EXCEEDS 3042# Yes, it does. And that is ASSUMING a perfect weight distribution, which is never true... Sorry to say...you need to INCREASE the LOAD RATING of the next set of tires you buy... That's what I figured, the trouble is that by searching websites of big tire companies (like Discount Tire) I'm not finding many that are rated for that load. So I was checking for recommendations. I think you ought to contact the trailer dealer and ask him to explain how these are the recommended tires... These were replacing Yokohama's that were put on the last time, and the guy just looked for equivalent. I had them put on at my local shop. Next question...was the Living Quarters added later? No, this was a LQ trailer from day one. Well, obviously they built the trailer first, but it was built as a LQ rather than converted after it was sold. If that's the case, your sticker needs updating, because it was probably based on a trailer w/o LQ Another thing you need to investigate is your AXLEs....what are their rating? I'd have to go look at the sticker.... but have no reason to suspect anything is wrong with the axles. The reason I'm concerned about your axles...is because of the tires they put on this trailer are clearly not up to the job...which now makes me suspect that your axles might be under capacity as well... |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas | How do you know what the rims are rated for? Thanks,!! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | These are the ones that I use... http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/products/product.asp?prod_id=1188 http://www.southwestwheel.com/wheels/alcoa/167041.htm
Edited by PaulChristenson 2007-10-05 12:14 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 13
| The reason I'm concerned about your axles...is because of the tires they put on this trailer are clearly not up to the job...which now makes me suspect that your axles might be under capacity as well... Ah, I see. Well, according to the sticker on the side of the trailer, both axles are 7400#. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by ejv on 2007-10-06 2:23 AM Ah, I see. Well, according to the sticker on the side of the trailer, both axles are 7400#. Well that means your absolute max is 14800...so if your horses get any bigger, you're going to have to leave some stuff at home... |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2614
| I checked those wheels out. At almost $1000 plus installation,you're talking some SERIOUS BUCKS for a set of wheels! Might have done that when I was younger on my car (Cragers,ect) but have more things I need the $$ for now. Course,I'd love to have a set of them! Around 2G for wheels and tires I figure. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by crowleysridgegirl on 2007-10-06 9:43 PM I checked those wheels out. At almost $1000 plus installation,you're talking some SERIOUS BUCKS for a set of wheels! Might have done that when I was younger on my car (Cragers,ect) but have more things I need the $$ for now. Course,I'd love to have a set of them! Around 2G for wheels and tires I figure. Well since I transport Dressage Horses...think $75,000 plus per horse...$1000 isn't much... My Drafts on the other hand...are CHEAP... |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2614
| A little too rich for us to haul our foxtrotters to trail rides,tho. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2614
| Originally written by crowleysridgegirl on 2007-10-07 8:19 AM A little too rich for us to haul our foxtrotters to trail rides,tho. BTW,we have "E" load tires on our LQ trailer.I'm just now finding out about all this tire "stuff." If we got bigger tires,we could probably find wheels for them just not something that expensive,you thinK? Hate to run those on all these gravel roads we have to drive on. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Here is an alternative for you...
Edited by PaulChristenson 2007-10-07 12:39 PM
|
|
| |
|
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Wisconsin | Just got a call from my daughter, a tire had tread seperation and they are putting on the spare. So far so good. I will be putting on 4 new Michelin XPS when they get back. Forutnately, there wasn't a noticiebable change when it seperated. Probably underinflated and it's 90+ today. Anyway I was wondering could she use the truck spare, I know it's the wrong size LT245/70R16/E vesus LT245/75R16/E but if she were to lose another tire or if the spare was bad (don't ask why one would have a bad spare trailer tire) would it work as a spare? Thanks |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2953
Location: North Carolina | Originally written by EventingDad on 2007-10-07 12:23 PM Just got a call from my daughter, a tire had tread seperation and they are putting on the spare. So far so good. I will be putting on 4 new Michelin XPS when they get back. Forutnately, there wasn't a noticiebable change when it seperated. Probably underinflated and it's 90+ today. Anyway I was wondering could she use the truck spare, I know it's the wrong size LT245/70R16/E vesus LT245/75R16/E but if she were to lose another tire or if the spare was bad (don't ask why one would have a bad spare trailer tire) would it work as a spare?/QUOTE] The USrider recommendation is to carry two trailer spares. I had the devil of the time trying to purchase another trailer tire whiile on vacation. As to your question ... If it would fit it would be an option... But fit means several things. Bolt holes, hub diameter AND offset. The depth of the wheel hub... If it's too deep it could rub and you'll destroy another tire or worse. If it's too shallow, you damage the axle spindle. (maybe, depending on the load) |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | Your steel rim will be stamped with the air press ure number. Especially if it's rated for 110 psi, Wheels rated for lower pressure may not have a pressure stamp. |
|
| |
Recommend good tires for horse trailer?
