bluehog
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2010
- Messages
- 89
- Tractor
- New Holland TC35D 2001
Hey everyone... looking for input from those who have used the Mich XPS LT235/85R16E for your trailers.
My situation... October '10 I was recommended and purchased Greenball transmaster ST235/80R16E rated at 3500lbs. for my 22' tandem 7K axle flatdeck tilt trailer. Once when I was fully loaded I went to the scales, the trailer axle was just over 13K. After (3) 600 mile roundtrips (10/10, 5/11, 9/11) to my NewMexico property I lost two tires (left front, right rear) within 50 miles to tread seperation. Luckily I had 2 spares... but very frustrating and a tiring ordeal. Upon removal and inspection of the remaining 2 tires I found cracking down in the undertread and a couple places I could see the steel belts. Dates on the tires showed 0310, so they were a 1.5 years old from manufacturing. I maintained the tire pressures @80psi, drive at 55-60mph, Always use the Equalizer weight distribution hitch, axles are placed on jacks when not in use along with tire pressures dropped down @50psi, no sun gets on them due to the full deck.
I took my loose tires to my dealer, who agreed that it was probably a bad batch and would give me full tire credit (minus labor charges). When he went to recommend tires there were little to no choices @3500lbs. We came to sam conclusion that many of you have as well... the China stuff is unreliable and the ST grade is as well. They stated they have never seen a quality LT come apart on a trailer. So it was determined that was the best route to go. So I asked what the best was... which was how I ended up with the Michilen XPS Rib. I have not mounted them on the trailer yet as I now notice the load rating @3042lbs x4= 12168lbs. making me short 1832lbs for gross max for trailer.
So the question.... what to do? Have any of you knowingly used this tire overloaded? I know that I was surprised at my weight the first time I went to scales... and I'm sure I have been overloaded at some time unknowingly! Any advice... especially those who have this tire would be most appreciated.
My situation... October '10 I was recommended and purchased Greenball transmaster ST235/80R16E rated at 3500lbs. for my 22' tandem 7K axle flatdeck tilt trailer. Once when I was fully loaded I went to the scales, the trailer axle was just over 13K. After (3) 600 mile roundtrips (10/10, 5/11, 9/11) to my NewMexico property I lost two tires (left front, right rear) within 50 miles to tread seperation. Luckily I had 2 spares... but very frustrating and a tiring ordeal. Upon removal and inspection of the remaining 2 tires I found cracking down in the undertread and a couple places I could see the steel belts. Dates on the tires showed 0310, so they were a 1.5 years old from manufacturing. I maintained the tire pressures @80psi, drive at 55-60mph, Always use the Equalizer weight distribution hitch, axles are placed on jacks when not in use along with tire pressures dropped down @50psi, no sun gets on them due to the full deck.
I took my loose tires to my dealer, who agreed that it was probably a bad batch and would give me full tire credit (minus labor charges). When he went to recommend tires there were little to no choices @3500lbs. We came to sam conclusion that many of you have as well... the China stuff is unreliable and the ST grade is as well. They stated they have never seen a quality LT come apart on a trailer. So it was determined that was the best route to go. So I asked what the best was... which was how I ended up with the Michilen XPS Rib. I have not mounted them on the trailer yet as I now notice the load rating @3042lbs x4= 12168lbs. making me short 1832lbs for gross max for trailer.
So the question.... what to do? Have any of you knowingly used this tire overloaded? I know that I was surprised at my weight the first time I went to scales... and I'm sure I have been overloaded at some time unknowingly! Any advice... especially those who have this tire would be most appreciated.