RE: [SilverStreak] Trailer tires

[<waymark1@xxxxxxxx>]

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

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-- "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