Re: [SilverStreak] Trailer tires

[<thetansedan@xxxxxxx>]

I was also not impressed by ST tires. B After a few tries with other tires I'm
on YOKOHAMA RY-215's, a commercial service LT tire. Ordered them through Tire
Rack, Discount Tire mounted and I installed. B They all balanced very well,
and on-road temperature checks (handheld IR thermometer) indicates consistent
temperatures. B Rating is just over 2,000# each (per Silver Streak manual
guidelines). B With Centramatic balancers I expect them to have to be replaced
due solely to age (fingers crossed).

As to cleaners, etc, Michelin now makes and recommends their own.


-----Original Message-----
From: waymark1@juno.com <waymark1@juno.com>
To: sslist@tompatterson.com
Sent: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 5:15 am
Subject: RE: [SilverStreak] Trailer tires

Goodyear's. chart on http://www.goodyear.com/rv/pdf/rvbrochure.pdf lists tires
for trailer service as "LT" 235/85R16, "G" rated at 3750# @ 110 psi. Speed
rating 75 mph.
Their Marathon. tire is "ST" 13", 14", 15" and 16" sizes and "C" (50 psi) and
"D" (65 psi) load rating.
IMPORTANT OPERATING INFORMATION [Under the Goodyear. "ST" listing.]
Industry standards dictate that tires with the ST (Special Trailer)
designation
are speed restricted to 65 mph under normal inflation and load conditions,
unless a different speed restriction is indicated on the sidewall of the
tire.
Based on industry standards, if tires with the ST designation are used at
speeds
between 66 and 75 mph, it is necessary to increase the cold inflation
pressures
by 10 psi above the recommended pressure for the load.
 Do not exceed the maximum pressure for the wheel.
 If the maximum pressure for the wheel prohibits the increase of air
pressure,
then the maximum speed must be restricted to 65 mph.
 The cold inflation pressure must not exceed 10 psi beyond the inflation
specified for the maximum load of the tire.

Effects of Higher Speeds
 When traveling at 65 mph vs. 55 mph, tires will experience a 15% tread life
penalty (30% at 75 mph)
 Trucking fleets report fuel economy losses of about one mpg for every ten
mph
over 55 mph [This is for heavy trucks which are not as affected by aerodynamic
drag for their size and weight as light vehicles.]
 Longer braking distances (SAFETY ISSUE!)
 Reduced handling ability (SAFETY ISSUE!)
 More fuel stops due to reduced fuel economy
 Tire load-carrying capability decreases as speed increases
[ Advantage: Can have fewer overnight stops on long trips.
[ Increased noise and vibration fatigues travelers faster.]

[All tires on a set of axles (both tires on a single axle trailer; all 4 tires
on a 2 axle trailer; all 6 tires on a 3 axle trailer) should be inflated to
the
recommended pressure for the most heavily loaded tire in the set.]

Storing Your Vehicle:
Proper Tire Maintenance
 A vehicle in storage should be placed on blocks to remove weight from the
tires
 If the vehicle cannot be put on blocks, follow these steps for tire
protection:
- Unload the vehicle so that minimum weight will be placed on the tires
- Inflate tires to recommended operation pressure plus 25%
- Ensure that the rim manufacturers inflation capacity is not exceeded
- Make sure storage surface is firm, clean, well-drained and reasonably level
- Avoid moving the vehicle during extremely cold weather
- Move the vehicle at least every three months to prevent ozone cracking in
the
tire bulge area, as well as flat-spotting from prolonged strain of sidewall
and tread deflection
- Adjust inflation before putting the vehicle back into service
[Tires should be covered to prevent exposure to sun or other ultraviolet light
(such as mercury vapor lamps).
[Electrical machinery, in particular brush-type motors, should not be near
stored tires as electrical sparks and fields produce ozone (O3) which is
highly
damaging to tires and other rubberlike materials.]

Tire Appearance and Cleaning
 Tires contain additives to protect them from cracking. As the tire rolls and
flexes, these additives rise to the surface of the rubber to
protect it.
 Goodyear tires do not require dressings, appearance products or covers to
protect them
[Some commercial appearance products contain ingredients that are damaging to
tires and other rubberlike materials.
 Occasional washing of tires with mild soap and water is recommended
 Excessive cleaning or use of products that contain alcohol or petroleum
products may accelerate the aging process

------------------------------------------------------------

-- "Ralph Cooke" <rcooke@bak.rr.com> wrote:

.....................

I no longer run "Trailer" tires on any of my trailers, work trailers,
Race Car trailer, or Silver Streak.  I ALWAYS PUT ON LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES.  Preferably load range E, but load range D is OK for most
trailers under 8,000 lbs. gross weight.  Unfortunately MOST of the
current crop of "Trailer" rated tires have VERY POOR PERFORMANCE AT
ANY SPEED ABOVE 50-55 MPH.  Separated treads and tires blown out
through the sidewall are common, even on tires less than 2 years old,
that were always properly inflated, and well within the load range
listed on the sidewall.  I have switched to using Light Truck tires
with a speed rating of 85+ MPH, even if I never intend to tow above 55
MPH.  That one move stopped all of my tire failure problems on the
various Tank, Equipment, Race Car, and Travel Trailers over the past
three years.

Ralph