This article contains substantial misstatements.
"Bias ply trailer tires have a shorter tread life, but are built with a different
construction method intended for heavier loads." Wrong: The tire rating tells you how much
load a tire is intended to handle, NOT the construction.
"While LT tires may have thicker sidewalls and seem to make sense as an option, they still
are not designed to respond to trailer specific issues." Wrong: LT tires have a much
higher speed rating than ST tires (20 to 30 mph higher), and can easily handle trailering
side and braking loads.
"The load bearing capacity listed on an LT tire is designed based on the frame of a truck
– not the frame of a trailer. Wrong: the ratings are not based on the frame design, which
is not standardized for trailers or trucks. Trailers and light trucks do often have the
same solid axle design, which seems more relevant than the frame to which the axle springs
are attached. Also, Cobra trailers have an independent axle for each wheel, yet there is
no requirement to use a different tire.
Not mentioned in the article:
- ST tires generally have a 65-70 mph speed limit with the standard inflation pressures,
but can go a bit higher with higher pressures
- Bias ply ST tires have only one advantage over radial ST tires: they are cheaper.
--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications