What tires should I get?

[jsaylor]

2017 Jayco Jayflight Baja version 195rb. GVWR 3700 lbs. The tires on the trailer are Lt 235/75 15c I assumed they should be an ST tire, however looking at my tag on the trailer it does say LT235 75 15c. I've always thought it was wrong to use anything but a ST tire, Should I go with a LT or ST, it seems if Jayco put them on as factory it must be OK?
Any opinions.

 

[CAG-JAY]

2017 Jayco Jayflight Baja version 195rb. GVWR 3700 lbs. The tires on the trailer are Lt 235/75 15c I assumed they should be an ST tire, however looking at my tag on the trailer it does say LT235 75 15c. I've always thought it was wrong to use anything but a ST tire, Should I go with a LT or ST, it seems if Jayco put them on as factory it must be OK?
Any opinions.

Why are you asking a bunch of people who buy maybe five sets of tires in their entire life time? Not trying to be snarky but consider how many tires we put on a RV in the 5-10 years we own it? two sets? Not an expert opinion in my estimation. I have owned four RVs and put perhaps two to three sets on each. In every case I went with the recommendation of experts at a tire company (Discount in my case). I would never depend upon the opinion of a bunch of people on a Web site. Just saying.


LT tires work fine but you need to match them to your trailer. They have been used by many but go to your local tires shop and get and opinion from those who deal with hundreds/thousands of tires a year (Discount Tire). This is not the place to get "expert advice on tires".

 

[jsaylor]

Tires

I would disagree with your opinion in regards to (this is not the place to ask a question in regards to what tires) I'm thinking folks that own the same trailer as mine may have experience with a firmer ST as opposed to a softer LT.

 

[craigav]

The main difference between an ST and LT tire is the construction in particular with the ST having a stiffer (stronger) sidewall. This is most important when having a multiple axle trailer as in a turn, the RV will pivot on the front or rear axle and the tires on axle that doesn't pivot are forced to scoot (skid) sideways (same concept for 3+ axles). You can see the black marks from the tires skidding when you turn sharply, especially when on concrete. Also it is common that ST tires have harder rubber that is stronger in this scooting action.

Many RV'rs use LT tires and there is always a debate of which is better. However, the advantage of ST tires is greatly reduced when the trailer is a single axle trailer (as I believe the OP has). LT tires often have a better lateral grip and rides a bit smoother and while I recommend ST tires for most trailers due to the stronger sidewalls, I don't recommend ST tires for a single axle trailer and would prefer LT tires over ST. ~CA

 

[Jagiven]

I have run LTs, worked great! They have a stiff sidewall. A few years back when I was looking for new tires I considered LTs. I found on Discount Tire's web site, the load rating needs to be derated by 10% for trailer applications. I've looked for the info since than and could find that information.

You will get a 100 answers to what tires to run. I'm running Carlisle ST on all my trailers and really like them. I've never had a failure (knock on wood).

 

[jsaylor]

Tire

Thanks so much for your input, very helpful, never thought how tough it was on a tandem axle. I spoke with tire rack, Les Schwab and neither had explained as you did. Thanks

 

[jsaylor]

Tire

What do you mean by derated by 10% for trailer applications

 

[Jagiven]

What do you mean by derated by 10% for trailer applications

So if the tire is rated for say 1000 lbs. 10% derated for trailer use would mean the tire load rating is 900 lbs.

 

[Paul B-FRF]

My $.02.....
I always had problems with st, switched to lt and all was well.
40+ years of on the road experience changed my mind after many failures with st.
My research and discount tires recommendations switched me.
JMHO....
Paulb12

 

[dolbsss]

I own a landscape company. We run Goodyear endurance on every trailer, and I run them on my TT as well. First tire I've owned that we don't have to continuously replace. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

If I recall correctly your TT is an off road model, which can change the tire requirement or preferred choice. I have had good luck to date with the Goodyear Endurance, but would probably not use the ST on your model. The additional stiffness does have some advantage for your setup if you do a fair amount of off roading. But for sure you will get a wide range of answers from others that do not have the Baja model.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

I happened to look up a similar camper. Its showing the LT tires.

 

[ttavasc]

Just look at the white GVWR/GAWR sticker on the front drivers side of the trailer. It will list the tire specification as it came from the factory. Replace with same tire specification as listed there and you are good to go. The single-axle Baja models all came with LT tires - on my '15 195RB it was a Milestar LT tire. They did a fine job - had ~30K on them when I traded it in and plenty of life left in them.

 

[Dan1952]

Take an ST tire and an LT of the same size. Put them side by side and compare. The Lt will be heavier and beefier with much stiffer sidewalls no matter what you have heard. I have had both on different fifth wheels and have had nothing but trouble with the ST's and none with the LT's. As an interesting side note one of the best if not the best rv trailer tires is the Sailun S637's. I have had them on two fifth wheels. On my 2015 and now on my 2018. The ones on the 2015 were labelled as LT. On the 2018 they are labeled as ST. The interesting fact is that they are the exact same tire. Sailun changed the designation to ST as LT's are taxed much more to enter the North American market. Stick with LT's in my humble opinion. That's what the manufacturer says to use right from the factory as well.