trailer tires vs LT tires

[alley oop]

i was wondering how many of you are towing small trailer with you FSJ I am currently working on a small 3x5 2000lb GVWR trailer to pull behind my 77 Cherokee the trailer originally had ST 6.00 x 12 tires, I what to put taller tires for more ground clearance and less bearings speed. i know the experts say ST trailer tire are for trail and Lt tire are for truck, trailer tire are built to haul more weight, but still I am limited to 2000 lb axle rating, just wondering if any of you are running LT tire in your small trailer and how do they holding up
Thank

[SJTD]

If I ever get around to building a trailer it'll have the same tires and wheels as the tow vehicle so one spare fits all.

[alley oop]

would have to change to a 3500 lb trailer axle to get the same bolt pattern as the Cherokee 6x5.5

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

If I ever get around to building a trailer it'll have the same tires and wheels as the tow vehicle so one spare fits all.

Same here. I'm planning on building a matching camp/offroad trailer from an 8ft J-truck bed. So, I am also curious on this question.

[PaulD]

The key difference between ST and LT tires is the sidewall. If you look at some of the RV sites, this is a hotly contested subject and you will see supporters for both types. The ST tires have a stiffer sidewall which allows them the higher weight capacity as well as reduced side to side sway. The penalty is reduced speed because the stiffer sidewall builds up heat more easily at higher speeds. Most ST tires have a 65 (or lower) speed rating but there are a few than are rated higher. Almost all ST tires are made overseas and poor quality is typically their downfall.
Meanwhile the LT tires have thinner sidewalls and offer a higher speed rating. If you plan to travel side trails, the thinner sidewalls are more susceptible to damage. Almost any will provide enough load capacity for your 2000 lb limit.
Personally, I use LT tires because I want to drive interstate speeds. The few times I am off the pavement, I am very careful about tire placement to avoid sidewall damage.

[SJTD]

I'd think stiffer sidewalls and less flex would cause less heat generation.

[PaulD]

I'd think stiffer sidewalls and less flex would cause less heat generation.

Both types will flex. At higher speeds, there is a higher frequency of flexing. The stiffer sidewalls (more ply's) have more resistance to flex. More resistance = more heat.

[SJTD]

Still doesn't make sense to me. Stiffer means less flex, less flex means less heat.

Like more pressure in your tires means less flex and cooler running.

[jsinajeep]

I have used both on my Camper and Car hauler and the ST tire did nothing but give me problem. Wear pattern on tread was unreal, blow out and if you let them set with 65# of air [like it call for] for a length of time in the AZ heat they will blow out just setting there. I will not use the ST tire again.

[PaulD]

Still doesn't make sense to me. Stiffer means less flex, less flex means less heat.

Like more pressure in your tires means less flex and cooler running.

Don't try to compare the flex of a ST to the LT. All tire including the ST flex. The issue is how much they flex in a specific period of time. A ST (or LT) tire flexes 16% less times per minute at 60 MPH vs 70 MPH due to the speed differences. That translates to added heat in both size tires but the stiffer sidewall of the ST build up heat faster. Added heat coupled with lower quality construction in ST tires translates to more tire failures.

[TexasJ10]

I've always used bias ply st tires on my 10,000 lb trailer and have always had very good luck with them. They seem much better at resisting issues when you run over things you shouldn't. I've had bad luck with radials however. They just don't hold up to my bad trailer handling.

For a 2,000 lb trailer I can't imagine it would matter whether you put LT tires on it or went for ST tires. You should have plenty of capacity for anything you are towing.

[Pillow]

Agreed, 2000lb probably not a big deal either way.

But just to add from my experience from small to heavy trailers:

1. IF you want ST get the bias ply. They perform better than radials in the long run even thought they are "old tech". the radials also crack sooner and will not give a sufficient shelf life assuming a limited use/mileage trailer.

2. I strongly encourage using LT load "E" tires. It works. You can run whatever speed you like. Adjust the air pressure to your load # needs. Change to 16" wheels and the world is your oyster! Although expensive, the Michelin M/S2 LT load E tires work very well and last without cracking (renamed Defender M/S for gen 3).

For a tow vehicle side I have gone from E LT load to XL (109T) load, which technically is not a LT tire, but has a better capacity than C load. especially with a weight distribution hitch it works and delivers a decent ride when under normal unloaded conditions. (Es will beat you to death unloaded in a TV).

Good Luck!

[440sixpack]

ST tires are cheap crap tires made for a trailer where they don't have the liability of a car or pickup. they are inferior in every way.


Since I was a kid we've run the pickup tires down on the ranch pickups and then put them on the trailers . everyone did it. now days with 17,`18 and 20 " tires it doesn't work so good but I would if they'd fit.


If you have an LT tire that fits it will work. just check the load rating on the tire that's what the state allows for weight on your trailer. in Oregon anyway.

[alley oop]

my plan after all the input from you gents and other local yoke-cal is to run a set of 30/9.50-15 LT that where on my 77 Cherokee when i bought it, would like to run the same wheel bolt pattern as on the jeep, seeing how i got a spare set of rims but
#1 would need to change axle on trailer or lots of mods to the axle
#2 use wheel adapters from 5 on 4.5 to 6 on 5.5
never ran adapters and not sure of the safety side of adapter, anyone run adapters and what's the thought there
thanks

[jsinajeep]

With a 2000# axle you should not have a problem with adapters.
As long as you keep the lugs tight.