Why "Trailer Tires"???

[Phred52]

For the tire pros. What precisely is the reason to replace trailer tires WITH "Trailer Tires"? Is a trailer tire any better (or worse) than a regular car or light truck tire or is this just a ploy to price these tires higher? If the trailer tire is a lower quality tire than a car tire, WHY would I pay more and put it on a trailer that I'll be pulling down the highway with cargo. Conversely, If "Trailer tires" are a higher quality tire, then what are we putting on our passenger vehicles? "Sidewalls", you say??? If my truck can hug a curve @ 60mph on the highway with LT (6,8 or 10 ply)tires, Then a trailer being towed by the same truck should be able to do the same with a 'P'or 'LT' rated tire, Sidewall is still gonna flex. If somebody has a logical answer, I'd sure appreciate it. Phred52

[norma]

Passenger (P) and light truck(LT) are DOT certified to carry people. Trailer tires are not, conversly, trailer tires are certified to carry much more weight at higher inflation pressures than similarly sized P or LT tires.

[LightningBG]

Here is the best explanation I found. Truck Tires are OK. Car tires aren't.

Special Trailer Tires Vs Passenger Tires

There are distinct differences in the way passenger tires and trailer tires are

designed, engineered, and constructed. There are also differences in the service

requirements between the tires on your car or truck and those on your trailer.

Traction, or grip, is a key element in the design of passenger tires. Traction

moves your car or truck down the road. Traction allows you to stop, turn and

swerve, and traction also gives you the ability to tow your trailer. Another

important consideration in passenger tire design is “ride”. Ride, traction, and

handling are all achieved in passenger tire designs by adding flex in the sidewall.

By making the sidewall more flexible, tire engineers maximize tread contact with

the road, thus increasing traction and allowing the driver to maintain better

control over the vehicle.

Traction is only a factor on trailers equipped with brakes, during braking

operations, because trailers are followers. In fact, sidewall flexing in a trailer

application is a negative. Sidewall flexing on trailers carrying heavy loads;

trailers with high vertical side loads (enclosed/travel trailers); or trailers with light

tongue weights, is a primary cause of trailer sway. Automotive radial tires with

their flexible sidewalls notably accentuate trailer sway problems. The stiffer

sidewalls and higher operating pressures common with Special Trailer (ST) tires

helps control and reduce the occurrence of trailer sway. Bottom line, trailers are

more stable and pull better on tires designed specifically for trailer use.

Also consider that all Light Truck (LT) and Special Trailer (ST) tires are fully rated

for trailer applications. This means the tires can carry their full sidewall weight

rating when used on a trailer. When passenger tires are used on a trailer, the

load capacity of tire must be de-rated by 10%. If the tire has a maximum load

rating of 1900 lb., it may only be used in a trailer application up to 1710 lb. This

means the GAWR rating on the trailer Certification Label must not exceed 3420

lbs. On a single axle trailer, or 2 times 1710 lbs.

For trailer use, it is important to match the tires to the application and payload.

Since Special Trailer (ST) tires are constructed with more and heavier materials,

they are tougher and more bruise resistant than typical passenger tires. This is a

plus because trailer suspension systems are generally stiffer and less

sophisticated than automotive suspension systems. A tire designed to operate in

the more demanding trailer environment will provide end users a longer service

life and withstand the added abuse tires on a trailer experience.

Bias ply Special Trailer tire technology has been moving trailers around America

for nearly 30 years, and more recently, the ST Radial arrived on the scene

providing the same durability and dependability in a radial trailer tire. For many

trailer buyers, tire decisions are purely price based. The allure of an equal price

and the word “radial” for that price draws some customers to the passenger tire.

Taskmaster hopes this explanation of the differences will help you make a more

informed decision on your next trailer tire purchase.

[traveler]

great info...I wouldn't have guessed there was that much to it.

[Phred52]

Thank-You, Those explainations make sense. Phred52