Comparing Benefits of LT Light Truck vs. ST Special Trailer Tires

Updated 05/24/2018 | Published 05/22/2018

Question:

if st are supposed to be better, why are so many people going from ST to LT because of blowouts with the STs.

asked by: Rodger

Expert Reply:

In some applications a light truck tire, the LT type, will be preferable to the special trailer ST type tire. If driving off-road the stiffer sidewall of a bias ply LT tire may hold up better while the greater flex of a radial ST tire will work better for highway driving, especially at higher interstate driving speeds.

The main reason any trailer tire fails is excess heat. Excess heat builds up in a tire for three main reasons: incorrect pressure, overloading and driving faster than the tire's rated maximum.

LT and ST tires should ALWAYS be inflated to the maximum COLD tire pressure noted on the sidewall; it is never appropriate to under- or over-inflate a trailer tire for any reason. Tires have varying weight load ranges (a letter code system) and overloading a tire beyond its weight capacity also causes heat to build up. Driving faster than the tire's speed rating (also a letter code) will also drive up the tire temperature.

expert reply by: Adam R