If you're interested; I pull my 1947 Airstream with a 1960 Chevrolet
Suburban. About 15 years ago I changed all six tires to standard light truck
radials. I can't remember the brand, think they were Good Year. I keep them
inflated to maximum pressure. The trailer pulls siginificantly better and
the gas mileage improved from 8mpg to 12mpg.
Joe
>From: Rick Davis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>To: Multiple recipients of VACList <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: [VAC] Re: Radial vs. Bias Ply Comparison
>Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 06:10:26 -0600
>
>I have stayed pretty much with Bias tires over the years. I have had poor
>luck in years past with the 700-15 trailer type tires from Good year and
>changed to 8 ply rated truck tires from the local farmers coop.
>
>I was "forced to change to Radial tires in september when i lost the tread
>off both of my tires within about 20 miles of each other in West Va. I was
>returning from Alaska and was only 400 miles from home. ( no, they weren't
>firestones).
>
>The tires were about half worn out and had about 20,000 miles on them.
>They had been run at max load and had been purposely under inflated at
>times to cushion the ride on some of the dirt roads in Alaska so no real
>complaints.
>
>My observations are limited at this point however The radial tires have a
>more flexible side wall. I was also told by a trailer dealer that the
>side walls on "trailer" tires are more flexible than passenger tires.
>
>I can see the trailer rock slightly in the mirrors after I stop. Have also
>observerd this following others. Due to the softer sidewalls my lantern
>mantle survival rate appears to be better so presumably the trailer is
>cushioned better..
>
>It appears that the tread depth of trailer tires runs about 10/32 while
>the tread depth on a new truck tire is about 13/32nd. This is probably
>not important as these tires usually die of old age rather than tread wear
>out any way.
>
>I notice little if any difference in feel while driving.
>
>As mentioned before the ST 225/75 R 15 is dimensionally similiar to the
>700-15 and rated to carry 600 lbs more per tire in load range D.
>
>I Willbe turning off the list temporarily and heading for Florida tomorrw
>afternoon. Hope to se some of you in Sarasota.
>
>May have a stronger opinion on the tire change after the trip
>
>
>Rick Davis 1602
>Jamestown, Tn
>54 safari
>69 Ambassador
>70 Globetrotter
>
>
>
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>
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