08Kingston 33SK

[jaallen1]

We are going to purchase new tires, the question I have, are you buying the ST or the LT tires?

If you purchased the LT, could you tell any effect on the unit(Roughness in trailer or ride in truck, Wheels, etc.)?

[Hunter11]

I put BFG Commercial LT load range E on our PP and notice no difference in ride at all over the ST that came on it. I plan on using LT from now on.

[jeb]

Replaced the Mission Go-Pops with Michelin LT tires and haven't looked back.

They are a tad more bouncy but not so much as to be objectionable and they "roll over" more when backing up at a high turn angle but nothing bad.

The peace of mind is well worth the cost.

Frankly, I don't know of a trailer tire worth a warm bucket of spit nowadays.



Edited by: jeb

[jaallen1]

Thanks for the replies. I have another question do you think we could get six or seven years out of the LT tires verses 3 to 5 years?

I wounder why the rv company's ask that we place the ST tires on 5ers?

[geondebi]

Everything I have read on this says the ST has stronger sidewalls over the LT. The reason given is the stress on duel or triple axles and the tires stress in turns. With that said I noticed number of high trailers in the magazine trailer life that came with the the LT tires. I also read in other forums that many have switched to LT's. So I did take Hunters advice and put the BFG's on mine and they are great!!! Now as far as the years I really think you need to look carefully at the tires. IF you keep them covered and out of the weather as well as using a protective spray they may no crack and come apart. just my guess

[mbinohio]

I also went from ST to an LT tire, I have not noticed anything any different, if you look at the higher end 5th wheels you will see they all have LT's, we are looking at a Carriage and a mobile suite and both only come with LT's...and I sure agree with Jeb,all the ST tires I have had went bad real quick, just to risky, the price of the tire sure out weighs the worry about having a blow out on the road, I will sy that if I ever bought another unit with ST tires, and I wouldn't care where they were built they would repalce them or I would walk.......

[BipeFlier]

John, give Gary Hood a call over at McKnight Tire in Columbia. He is a smart guy when it comes to tires. He can explain all the differences and will recommend tires that will fit your needs. Last ST tires I bought from him were made in the USA and are holding up very well. The new 30SK has larger tires due to the weight.

[jaallen1]

I will give Gary Hood a call. Thanks for all the information. I have had several flats with ST tires over the years and it didn't seem to matter what brand of RV I had. I maynot see theST verses LT correctly, but it seems that asthe RVs get heavier or weighs more, that requires larger axles, larger tires and theyput LT tires on the units, also move from the E to maybe a G rated tire, and I expect heavier wheels. Gary Hood hopefully will be able to clear this up for me.

[jaallen1]

I looked at ST and LT tires E rated and the cost is similar. Big O Tires has also been selling and installing LT235/85R16 Solid Trac Radial A/S G rated Tire @ the cost of $116.19 each. I told him that might beto stiff and cause some problem. They said if you only use 80psi when lightly loaded and 100psi fully load he said he does not see a problem and their experience has not showed any difference over the LT if used in theway stated. Looking for some input.The Tire spec. Dia. 31.73" verses 30.80", Cirumference 99.68" verse 96.77", with same.

[Hunter11]

I run our E rated LT tires at 80psi which is max and do not notice any ride difference over the ST tires the trailer came with. I think G is over kill for your trailer but if you went with them and you aired them up to 100psi I would bet you are going to get a lot of bounce. You would also need to know what the max psi your wheels are rated for.

[jaallen1]

HunterII did you purchase the BFG Commercial ASTA tires?

[Hunter11]

Yes

[jaallen1]

Hunter thanks, I felt the same way you did about the G rated tiresandthe price was good.And I was hoping someone had tried using the G tire at lower air psi.

[Hunter11]

John, one other thing I went from ST235/80/16 that came on the trailer to LT235/85/16 on the new tires. I measured and had plenty of room for the extra 1/2" per tire in height but by going up in size it opened up a lot more tire options. I had plenty of room around the tires and my BAL chocks still work just fine.

[jaallen1]

HunterII, it looks like if I moved from ST235/80/16Eandgo to LT235/85/16E (85would be the best fit ) I also would have the height clearance and I have about 5" between the tires so I would have approx. 3"space between the tires. I would think that would be enough space? When you removed your tires from the rims, did you notice what psi the rims would take? By options, did you mean brands?

[Hunter11]

I did not look at the aluminum wheel psi rating because I was staying with load range E tires. We have about 3" to 4" between our tires and no problems. Yes by options I meant brands.

[jaallen1]

HunterII, thanks.

John

[ClassicHammond]

My rims were stamped 80 psi backside of rims----I just crawled under the trailer with a flashlight.

[jaallen1]

Tom, thanks I wasn't sure but thought that may be the case.



Another question about the LT tires, because of larger dia. and we camp in some area that have some steep terrain has anyone had the tires rub on the top of the wheel wells.