2 Bad Towmax Tires - switching to LTs - suggestions?

[ccd001]

Originally Posted by ROC-REQS

The tread is starting to separate in 2 of my Towmax Tires resulting in some serious bulging at the center of the tread. The date stamp on each tire is 1114, so they're only 1.5 years old with only about 5,200 miles on them.

Plan to purchase 5 new LT tires for our trailer.
Looking to go with LT235/85R16 Load Range E (Towmax are ST235/80R16 LR-E).

I know from reading the forums, that many of you have switched to LT tires.

I'm interested in hearing from those of you that have switched to LT tires, what tires you went with and how you like them.

Thanks in advance for the information.
Tom

Had same problem with my 2015 Pinnacle 3 tires went bad on same trip changed to 4 General Grabber HTS LT tires made in USA!!! no problem since they seem like a really good tire

[LAKnox]

Originally Posted by ROC-REQS

Ok - after doing some on-line research on max load rating of various LT & ST tires, here's what I've come up with.

For LT Tires - LT235/85R16 Load Range E:
Michelin XPS - 3,042# @ 80PSI
Firestone Transforce - 3,042# @ 80PSI
BF Goodrich Commerce AT - 3,042# @ 80PSI
General Graber HTS - 3,085# @ 80PSI
Goodyear SilentArmor - 3024# @ 80PSI
&
Goodyear G614s - 3,042# @ 80PSI; 3,300# @ 90PSI; 3,415# @ 95PSI; 3,550# @ 100PSI; 3,750# @ 110PSI

For ST Tirs - ST235/80R16 Load Range E:
Goodyear Marathons - 3,420# @ 80PSI
Maxxis M8008 - 3,420# @ 80PSI

My rims are stamped for a maximum weight rating of 3,580# put no maximum PSI rating. I've asked Jayco if they can provide me with a maximum PSI rating for my rims, still waiting for a reply.

I have not gotten individual tire weights, but have weighted the trailer on multiple occasions. And taking an average tire weight from those total trailer axle weights give me ~2,950# / tire weight loading.

Guesstimating that the actual weight loading on each tire would be +/-200# of the average weight, which my estimated maximum individual tire loaded weight may be in the range of 3,150#.

I've read that it's preferred to have a tire with a maximum load rating ~20% above your tire's loaded weight.
At a tire load weight of 2,950#, that would be a max load rating of 3,540#
At a tire load weight of 3,150#, that would be a max load rating of 3,780#

So, the results of my analysis is:

The typical LT tires will not give me the maximum load capacity needed.

The only LT tire that will give me the need load capacity is the Goodyear G614s. But I may need to purchase new rims.

The Goodyear Marathon & Maxxis M8008 will give me close to the needed maximum load capacity on my current rims. They both provide a maximum load capacity ~10% above my estimated maximum tire loading.

So, my choices are:
> Goodyear G614s (may need to buy new rims to get to the desired load rating)
> Goodyear Marathons
Or
> Maxxis M8008

Decisions, Decisions.

If anyone has experience with the Goodyear Marathons or Maxxis M8008 specifically the ST235/80R16 Load Range E, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks

Don't leave out the Bridgestone Duravis R250; less than the Michelin Ribs and every bit as good. Personally, I'd have no problems running those LTs. At 3,042 lbs per tire, you're at 12,168 lbs max tire capacity, and that should put you well above the capacity needed to support the FW at GVW. The only issue you're likely to run into is that a lot of tire shops won't put install them as they're, technically, under the placard rating. You end up having to the wheels off and take them into the shop yourself.

Lyle

[Edd505]

Don't overlook Yokohama Geolander; US made and check the great manufacture Warranty. Hit a BIG pot hole a couple years back tire developed a bulge. Took it to a tire shop where they looked at Manufacture date, measured tread depth and gave me a new tire, no hassle, mounted on my truck and spare put back under, no cost.

[chas111]

I recently had a blowout of Towmax tire(s) on my 31.5 RLTS. Luckily it was right at the change of 2 lane to 4 lane road. When I got home I had my local dealer take a look and a tire on the other side was about ready to blow too.

Replaced with Summit trailer radial 10ply. Rig pulls much better than it did before with the towmax tires. A much solid ride. Didn't realize the towmax were that spongy.

[cb1000rider]

Whatever you do, make sure your wheels are good for the PSI @ load rating on your tires. Personally, in a 16" wheel, we went to Saulin tires. Literally, they weighed more than twice what the factory tires did... They're built like the Michellins for Class-As. Check w/ IRV2, you'll see that they generally get great reviews, but you may have to mail-order them.