Re: [A/S] Thoughts about tires

[Jack Canavera <jackcanavera@xxxxxxxxx>]

> I once had a 5th wheel trailer that had axel weight
> of 10,000 lbs.  
> It had 15 inch wheels and at the time, Goodyear load
> range D tires 
> were the strongest I could get.  They were rated at
> 2,500 lbs max 
> each.  

Lew, understand that the weight rating for a tire,
other than construction, is tied to 2 factors.  One is
the air pressure and second is the speed.  Those
ratings are computed for max pressure cold and top
speed (the the tire is rated for).

When you slow down you actually increase the load
capacity of the tire.  That's why on a tandem wheeled
Airstream, the manual tells you not to exceed 45 mph. 
In that mode the tire flexes less, builds up less heat
and can handle the additional load requirements placed
upon it.

That's also why towing at excessive speed also is a
problem because the weight carrying capacity of a tire
decreases once you exceed design speed specs for the
tire.

Jack Canavera
STL. Mo.
'04 Classic S.O. 30' 
WBCCI 5024