AT Tires R Pod 171

We were traveling over the coastal mountains from Eureka to Red Bluff in early May and ran into some heavy, slushy snow. I have AT tires on my 2WD tow vehicle and was sure glad to in that situation. The Rpod, with the Wild peak AT3 tires pulled nicely behind with no sway or sliding on the twisty road.  I am by no means a tire expert, but I can't help but think that if I had highway tread the Rpod, I would have experienced much more sway and sliding in those conditions.

Nearly 2 years ago I purchased my third set of tires for a 177.  First time going to a "D" rated tire and it has made a big difference on tracking in high wind conditions.  Purchased Carlisle Radial HD ST 205/75/14 - a great tire IMHO.

Lost Again, the biggest advantage for me switching to LT tires was availability and choices in the particular size the Pod uses. Here in Albuquerque, there are two large tire shops that service most of the RV dealerships and all of them recommended going the LT route rather than ST. Airstream has been using highway tread LT tires on their trailer for several years now. Forest River now uses LT tires on the Wolf Pup series.

I don't get it.  It seems like more trailer manufactures are using LT (light truck) tires on trailers that are of an all terrain design instead of ST (trailer tires) on their new trailers.  They sure look gnarly, but it appears more like a marketing strategy than something to truly enhance performance.  Ideally, a trailer tire should offer low rolling resistance with a relatively non-aggressive tread, and stiff sidewall construction to help stabilize the tendency of a trailer to fishtail or sway.  LT tires have flexible sidewalls, though somewhat stiffer than a passenger (P) tire to enhance cornering and directional control and the aggressive tread pattern helps the drive wheels with traction in soft dirt, snow, or mud.  Since a trailer tire only follows the TV, that sort of traction doesn't seem offer a benefit.  

I agree with gpokluda and how they increased the pressure with the heavier load tires, but not excessively.

Your original tires needed to be at max pressure to support the trailer all up weight. With the new 10 ply tires I run at about 70 psi, not the 85 (I think) psi it is rated for.

Pressure should only be checked and adjusted when the tires are cold, I prefer early in the am when sun isn't shining on them...it makes a difference.

If you get a TPMS, you probably will be amazed at how warm they get when you are travelling on a hot day. This is normal, from the rolling resistance, braking hard etc. The pressure in them rises as well and that is normal. Just do your adjustments when they are cold except in an emergency...and then correct once they cool down.

I don't max out the tire pressures (as stated on the side of every tire) as I am not running at the new tires max weight,and no need to have too much air, as that can give a jarring/harsh ride to the trailer.

Hope this helps, ask away if needed!

Andy