On my "new" 1975 dual axle TT, the PO put P205/75/15 M+S steel belted radials on all four. Each tire is rated for a maximun load of 1598 lbs and the TT is 4000lbs dry. They look like 1 poly ply sidewalls, 3 ply for the tread. I want to put at least some LT tires on, but was curious how long these would last (would short weekend trips be alright for the time being) and if I should keep them for spares. TIA
I would replace them before first trip. Passenger tires could be used with care on a single axle, but on dual axle the sideloads when turning sharply may be enough to actually remove tire from the wheel!
Also load rating may not be enough. My HTTTH is 3620# dry, and can be 7000# wet!!!! Those car tires you have will only handle 6392#. So what is your ACTUAL MEASURED FULLY LOADED WEIGHT? Dry weight is just a sales tool. Usually does not include options, obviously no propane or water, or none of your stuff. Usually TT is at least 1000# over dry weight.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded) Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories. I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
Ditto on the new tires. Also look at the DOT code...you will see a 4 number code, the first two digits are the week of the year and last two are the year the tires were manufactured. Tires older then 5-6 years should be pitched. Trailers sit more than they roll (mostly) so age is more of a killer than treadwear.
Lots of good choices in ST tires for 15" wheels, LT tires very rare in 15", most are 16". Consensus here is that Maxxis makes the best ST (special trailer) tire.
Well I definitely don't claim to be an expert, but if it was mine, I'd use the tires that's on it, so long as they weren't dry rotted. I'd be willing to bet that more older tt's are on p tires than st or lt. My 26' tt had p tires on it when I bought it and I used them for 3 seasons until they started cracking and I could see the tread starting to seperate on one. I replaced them with p tires.
I'd be more concerned on the condition of the tires than the rating. JMHO and I'm sure many will disagree.
I had a similar weight trailer and installed 4 Michelin passenger tires on it and put over 10K miles with no problem. I ran them at 37 PSI. I was still well with in the weight capacity of the tires. I probably would not try this with cheap passenger tires but would rather have high quality passenger tires than ST tires. My friend towed his big boat and only used passenger tires with never a problem.
The age of the tires is the most critical factor, IMO. Because of the damage that a blown tire can do to a trailer, especially if not noticed, most RV seminars recommend changing them in 6-8 years irregardless of tread wear.
The ST (Special Trailer) tires are formulated with more anti-UV chemicals to better protect them because they often don't move for long periods of time. Movement flexes the rubber which releases their built-in protective chemicals. At least that's my understanding.
2004 Yukon XL K1500 w/ 5.3L & 3.73 diff.
1989 22ft. Wilderness TT @ 5500# loaded
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