Looking for advice on replacing trailer tires please...
I have a 2H aluminum BP that has 2 3500# axles, 2600# empty/7000#gvwr, and takes 225 or 235/75R15 tires according to the manufacturer. I have been recommended Towmax Radial STR and Carlise Trailer LRD by tire stores, however it currently has 235 LT tires on it. I only haul one horse (1000#) plus tack and feed (another few 100#s) and don't typically go more than 100 miles or so (mostly flat area).
I've done lots of reading and I'm still not sure what is best... I see other threads that say LT tires are better due to the higher speed rating however they do not have the additional sidewall stiffness to help reduce sway that ST tires have. So what is better: higher speed rating or additional sidewall strength?
Does one pull better/get better gas mileage than the other? Is one safer or more reliable?
Posted 2011-05-03 10:25 PM (#133800 - in reply to #133795) Subject: RE: trailer tire questions
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Ask yourself this; When I have a LT tire on my truck, how much sidewall sway do I encounter? Do the tires on the trailer have to support it and steer as they do on the front of the truck? Do the tires on a trailer typically carry as much weight as the rear axle on a truck?
I have yet to encounter any unwanted swaying caused by LT tires on a trailer. In fact when I was jackknifing, it was the trailer's stability and brakes that pulled my truck straight again, using LT tires.
If you want to experience extreme instability, purchase the Carlise tires or their other Chinese equivalents.
Posted 2011-05-04 4:33 AM (#133802 - in reply to #133795) Subject: RE: trailer tire questions
Veteran
Posts: 165 Location: Western Ar
Lol I would not put Carlisle tires on my manure spreader; However I have had good service out of Hankook tires on my equipment trailers. Even with light loads Carlise would not hold up to speeds above 50 mph and would wear out a whole lot faster than a name brand tire.
Posted 2011-05-04 6:58 AM (#133803 - in reply to #133800) Subject: RE: trailer tire questions
Member
Posts: 7
Location: OH
Good point, I think I will be going with another set of LT tires! Any brand recommendations (other than made in the US)? Getting to the show should not be an additional concern, there's already enough stress in a weekend!
trailer tire questions
