RV Trailer Tires vs. Light Truck Tires - Need To Know Info Before Buying

Are ST trailer tires or LT light truck tires superior for travel trailers and fifth wheels? Here's all the RV tire info you need to know before buying!

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A healthy debate exists online on whether ST "special trailer" or LT "light truck" tires are superior for a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Many people swear typical trailer tires or "china bombs" are trash and have switched to mounting light truck tires on their RV - but is this the right decision? Which tire type is truly better for use on trailers? Here's all the tire information you need to know before making the decision.

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[koslund]

You hit it right on the head. I did so much research before my trip to Alaska last summer. Every thing that I learned about tires after visiting so many different web sites, you put it all into an 8:51 min video.  Removed my fith wheel ST,  D rated, max 65 mph,  and installed Goodyear Endurance ST, E rated. Max 85 mph. Had the truck and trailer weighed, purchased the eezRV TPMS, replaced the truck tires and spare. Monitored the tire temp/pres info thought out the entire trip. Inspected tires on truck and trailer daily. Some of the roads in Alaska were really bad. Had zero issues there and back. 11750 miles. Tires look good and if worn,  it wasn't enough to notice. It feels good that we think the same way about tires or your thinking like an old guy.

[ryanjohnson]

I own a rv repair shop just north of Elkhart and my customers that run 30k+ miles a year with large full time fifth wheels all use LT Firestone HTs because of blowout damages caused by ST tires. I can't speak to whats better or worse but in 40yrs and lots and lots of blow out repairs not one had LTs on it. Alot of higher end trailer manufacturers now offer LT tires as a option

[roydavis]

Very good video. I retired from the tire manufacturing and our primary product was specialty tires. You are spot on. I have needed to explain the difference may times while on vacation throughout the years. Something you may not know is that the compound for trailer tires has ingredients that help resist uv rays but till cover them when parked. Know your axle rating and match the tires.

[tufelhunden]

I also use a laser thermometer to measure the hub and tires to see if a tire is getting hot for some reason, such as a bearing going out, low air pressure or a bent axle. Just another way to extend tire life and be safe.

[jasonlessard]

Great job. I’ve been in the tire business for 20yrs and couldn’t have said it better.

[johnr]

David great job on the tire video. You have a much better understanding on tires than you give yourself credit for. You are correct excessive heat is one of the major reasons for tire failure due to over weight and low PSI. Retired now after 33 years in the tire business the number one reason for tire blow out and failure is road hazard. Ugh... those pesky nails. Love the channel!

[dougtexas]

Very well thought out presentation. A small factor some are not aware of also: One rating up is good for temp, speed, and ply. However, up-rating too much will cause trailer bounce which leads to excessive torques to the axles and hitch. It can also contribute to over-flex'g the framing of the trailer.

[MrAlbarry]

I think you did a great job providing the FACTS about choosing tires for your rig. Quoting a recent broadcast I heard on The RV Show USA, from a retired tire engineer. He said exactly what you pointed out. “The main reasons you will have a blowout (other than a road hazard) are under inflated tires, load is too heavy, driving speed is too high and tires are too old (older than 5 years). All tires are manufactured to DOT standards and just because they are ST rated or manufactured in China doesn’t make them a bad tire”. I’ve put over 10, 000 miles on my 2014, 32 foot, coachmen apex travel trailer with original factory tires and I have not had a blowout. I will be replacing my tires this year because they are 5 years old.

[FloridaBoyBushcraftSurvival]

I had a blow out last month on I95 in Florida on the way to Key West. Well over 100 degrees, not fun, I was lucky. No damage other than it dislodged the fender which I was able to repair when I got to Key West. My tires are 5 yrs old and I feel like I am on borrowed time. I am going to look into LT tires. Thanks!

[christopherrice]

My 2018 Heartland North Trail 22FBS came with 205/75/14 C rated (50 psi max /65 mph max) china bombs. I immediately replaced them with 205/75/14 D rated (65 psi max / 87 mph max) Goodyear Endurance and we have not had any problems in the 1-1/2 years we have owned the trailer. I highly recommend the Goodyear Endurance tires.

[DocRevo]

The load range / axle ratings is the bigger consideration to me. Every tire problem I have witnessed, or heard of directly from the affected user, have always been situations where the trailer axles / tires where running at full load. Many low-end tow behind RV's have running gear barely capable handling the load and not much cargo carrying capacity in the unit.

[bmc]

Great comments. I have two friends that have a 42' and 43' fifth wheel trailer with toy hauler garages. They have both switch to a load range G w/ST tire and the pressure in them is recommended at 110 PSI however the tire dealer said the pressure should be at 100 PSI. He sells 80 to 90 sets a week of these bigger tires. These fifths are both triple axle due to the weight. One of my friends does not like to keep his speed down which we have told him if he has a blow out he will have a very hard time getting his 43' fifth under control to stop. He has already had one blow out that almost took the whole bottom of his fifth out. Maybe he will keep the speed down now.

[tonywpiche]

WOW, WOW WOW, Just found you guys on the weekend and as I am healing from a minor operation, I binge watched your journeys... I'm 62, and just wanted to say what an inspiration you youngsters are. Your honesty, zest for life, and frank asessments to stuff, and locations, as well as caring for each other and your pet baby's. Just wanted to reach out and say thanks again, I'm a fan. Oh, I love the Rottie, and the Cats. Not so much the wabbits. Long may your journey be.

[bobripley]

Good job explaining a very misunderstood subject. Just want to throw in something we experienced with our 1st trailer which goes against one of the things you recommended. When we got our Aliner it was used and the tires on it were completely bald in the center but had original tread depth on the sides. I figured they'd just been overinflated. I inflated the new set of tires to the pressure stated on the sidewall, checked it regularly, and found that the exact same thing was happening. Had to replace those tires prematurely. The next set I reduced the pressure by 10% and had much more even tread wear. The moral of this story is that you need to inspect your tires for even wear and take action if it's uneven ( in any way). A TPMS system is a wonderful tool but visual inspections are still necessary. Thanks again for a lot of really enjoyable videos!

[warrenhoke]

hit the nail on the head .
short, accurate, and solid advise very few people use till they have a tile failure.

[erichill]

Nice video. I believe that filling tires to the max pressure listed on the sidewall will cause them to flex less when hitting a pothole or other road hazard making them more likely to blowout. My trailer lists recommended pressure. I also will emphasize the stronger bead on the ST tires. On my gooseneck horse trailer the tandem axles are near the rear of the trailer and the tires will really flex outward when backing into a spot at very low speed to the point they look like they may pop off but never have.

[guywood]

Hi David, one thing to clarify. ST tire speed ratings are not the same for all ST tires. Our tires have a speed rating of 81 mph. Suggest users look up their specific tires based upon the codes on the tires. Great video, loved it.

[neilrankin]

Of all the YouTube channels I watch I am so grateful you have decided to share your experiences on YouTube. I have learned so much about tires, solar systems and so much more. As a rv newbie i consider your channel must read/ view tv. Looking for to your next episode!

[jerrybarger]

Yes you did a great job. I would add that the PSI in tires should be checked when cold. Also if you go up on your load range you also make sure your wheels (rims) will carry the load and take the higher PSI. NEVER add air to a tire that is run flat. When airing up tires you need a 3 foot leader hose so you can stand off to the side just incase it explodes. Stay safe and safe travels.

[almoody]

a fourth reason for blowouts, and perhaps less common is not towing a level trailer. I have seen rigs going down the road too high in the front or rear and this overloads one of the axles and overheats the tires