[A/S] Re:[AS]Re: New Tires

["drerskine2003" <drerskine@xxxxxxx>]

Gang, 
  I am in the process of having to buy new tires for my 25', 6800 lb.
gross weight rated Airstream and have been following this topic.  The
present tires have a load range equivalent to C.  But the only tires
stocked in the correct size [ST225/75R15] seems to be the D load
rating.  I don't need the additional load capacity and I am also
concerned that using a D range tire, at C range pressure [50 psi] would
adversely effect the stability and ride quality. Is this a legitimate
concern?

As to the effect on wheel failure as a result of substituting D load range
tires for C range:  I would think there would not be any greater failure
rate if the maximum pressure were kept at that called out for the
original C range tire [i.e. 50 psi.].  As I see it, the only problem would
be that the D range tire sidewall would show that the tire could be
inflated to 65 psi. And as if to emphasis this, the Carlisle tire web site
recommends that the maximum rated pressure be used.  If the tire
pressure were increased to 65 psi then the stresses imposed on the
wheel would increase and failure could result more readily.  I would
not increase the tire pressure above that called out in the owner's
manual; and I would even put a weatherproof plaque on the trailer just
above the tires so stating.

cheers,   David