QuestionQUESTION: My new 2010 5th trailer tires ST 235/85R16 LR E are rated to 3640# @80#. The trailer has two 7000# axles. Thus tires appear to be adequate but just barely (4% excess). I recently saw Internet reported two exact trailers just recently purchased that had several "blowouts" reported and thus my concern. I've held a very constructive talk with the builder regarding this issue and am awaiting some further info from him Monday. I contacted the tire manufacturer as well and they stated in writing back to me "We agree that often times trailer MFG do not put enough tire on these
types of trailers" (I gave him the same data as noted here plus GVWR 16,150 Hitch 2150 (unloaded)=14,000) I read his statement, in light of having numbers in front of him, that he didn't think the application of these tires were appropriate. What do you think ??
ANSWER: Ecker,
I think tires in trailer application ought to have a 15% reserve (unused) capacity. This is one of the lessons from the Ford / Firestone thing a few years back.
I also think it is time the trailer manufacturers recognized this.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Very Much for answer. I'd like to followup with a questions as follows.
Two possible solutions, being discussed, to the problem above is to upgrade to a LR G in an LT rated 3750# @ 110psi or to an ST LR F rated 3960# @ 95 psi. Is there an objective way to calculate an answer or is it a subjective call based upon experience and if so what would you recommend. Both will require new wheels but I assume the LR G @110 will be more expensive.
AnswerEcker,
Rather than go through the discussion again, here is my response to an inquiry of a similar nature.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Tires-2359/2010/3/Special-Trailer-tires.htm
If you take this to mean that I would favor the LT - especially in the higher Load Range - that would be a correct observation.
