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  #18  
Old July 24th 08, 05:02 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Eric Greenwell
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Posts: 1,096
Default Cobra Trailer Tires (US)

jcarlyle wrote:
Hi, Eric,

You've got some pretty good arguments there for using LT tires on
trailers. For me they're moot, though - you can't find LT tires to
fit 13" wheels (I explained previously why I'm not changing wheel
size).


There's not much choice in the 14" size I have, either.

And even though I have a heavy foot when driving, I hold it at 65 mph
maximum when pulling my Cobra. This board is full of too many horror
stories that happened to people pulling trailers, so I decided not
to compound my problems with speed. Thus I don't need a higher speed
rating than ST tires give me.


Slower is always more stable towing. You can reduce the tire heating
(and chances of tread separation) by using a higher pressure than
required for the load, as long as the wheel is rated for it.


At least we agree that using P rated tires on a trailer isn't a good
idea!


I think it can be done safely in some cases. For example, choosing a
tire with plenty of load margin (say, more than 20%) and running it at
the maximum rated pressure, and towing at 60-65 mph.

Going to a larger rim diameter and lower aspect ratio tire (to maintain
the same outside diameter) with a high speed rating has also been
successful. The lower aspect ratio improves the stability and the high
speed rating (say, at least 20 mph over the towing speed) keeps the tire
cool.

The above might be suitable for your situation, if you can find 14" or
15" rims that fit your axle.


--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
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