Tires: TIRES, michelin tires, michelin xps rib

Question
I HAVE A TRAILER WITH GOODYEAR MARATHON ST235/80R16, LOAD RANGE D.
CAN I PUT MICHELIN XPS RIB LT245/75R16, LOAD 3,042 @ 80 PSI COLD ON
THIS TRAILER.
TRAILER WT. 4,O5O LB. EMPTY/ 12,000 LB. MAX. LOAD


Answer
James,

The answer is "maybe".

An LT245/75R16 has lower load carrying characteristics compared to a ST235/80R16 and this results in the need to use more pressure - in this case 15 psi.

There are 4 problem areas:

1)  The rim - an ST235/80R16 can use as small as a 6" rim, where an LT245/75R16 requires a minimum of a 6.5"

2)  The rim should be rated to carry 80 psi.

3)  The LT245/75R16 is a bit wider and might rub.  This rubbing will occur under cornering and you won't be able to tell until you try it.

4)  Michelin tires are noted for a very soft spot in their sidewall and some folks report swaying problems when these tires are used on trailers.

Hope this helps.