Tires for LT's that pull trailers?

[Scotty2]

A Bridgestone representative spoke at the National Rally in West Bend WI on tire ratings for bikes pulling trailers. In a nutshell he mentioned most of the tires we use are not rated for the loads we are carrying. He mentioned that Dunlop was developing a tire for the loads consistent with the LT and a trailer.

Does anyone remember what that tire is?

Thanks,

[BecketMa]

He was diplomatically telling you Bstone had problems with the rear tires they sold for LTs.

If I remember correctly, if you go to their international site, look for their Go-Kart and MC heading, you'll find a link to their manager in the USA who will answer your email question about their LT tires, as much as he can safely answer your question.
Bob

[Allred]

I've been thinking about towing a trailer....most manufacturers and many of the posts I have read talk about hitch weights between 25 - 40 lbs. And, that some of that hitch weight could very well be off-set by carrying less gear on the bike itself.

So.....if all-up packed carefully, so that the bike manufacturer's gross weight rating for the bike, including hitch weight, was not exceeded, shouldn't we be within safe tire load limits with tires approved for that bike? :rolleyes:

Its darker than the inside of a cow outside right now, and my flashlight batteries are kaput, or I would go out and inspect the Metzlers on my LT to see if they carry a manufacturer's max load rating. If they do, and the ratings aren't exceeded, I can't see why towing a trailer would make any difference to them either.

The "pull weight" will certainly be more, but that is more a challenge to the bike's drive train, perhaps akin to the same type of extra load when riding the bike up a steep grade. It's what lower gears are for.

Unless I miss something, I can't understand the tire question, as long as its load rating, and that of the bike are not exceeded. :confused:

[motorhead]

I pull a trailer often !!

The BIKES TIRE only gets further loaded by the TONGUE weight of the trailer and NOT the total weight of it.

I have been using the NEWER Bridgestone BT-020 Reinforced Bias tire built specific for the LT. Worn out 1 set already, 4K on the second set.

JMO,
Scott

[rovero]

I pulled a trailer 8000 miles on ME880's most of it in Alaska. The rear tire did wear out and was smooth when I replaced it at Fairbanks Trails End BMW. My trailer had about 150lbs of stuff with tongue weight around 45lbs. I kept rear tire pressure between 48 and 50lbs. So other than quicker than normal tire wear tire held up fine.

Joe

[jwd98056]

I did a 9800 mile trip (Seattle to Atlanta and back, 25 States) pulling a Zenith trailer but riding single up. The rear ME880 lasted for the whole trip but needed replacement when I returned to Seattle. Total trailer weight was was probably 270 pounds and I kept the tongue weight at 30 pounds. I usually get over 12k on the rear.

[ez_rdr55]

The BIKES TIRE only gets further loaded by the TONGUE weight of the trailer and NOT the total weight of it.


Not really correct. The tires have to start and stop the extra weight of the trailer. So the total load that the tires see pulling the trailer IS more. The result is my tires do not get near the mileage, and my MPG is way down when I pull my trailer.

[mljmd7]

The BIKES TIRE only gets further loaded by the TONGUE weight of the trailer and NOT the total weight of it.


Not really correct. The tires have to start and stop the extra weight of the trailer. So the total load that the tires see pulling the trailer IS more. The result is my tires do not get near the mileage, and my MPG is way down when I pull my trailer.

True. Both tongue and total weight count. It's not just stop and start but also continuous pull (total weight) that contributes to increased wear.

[RonKMiller]

The only issues I've ever noticed are dramatically reduced mileage, increased braking distance and tire wear (Metz) reduced by probably 25%. This is with a 300 lb. total weight trailer, 125 lb. woman and 12 lb. poodle. Fully packed sides and top case. I also get punched in the ribs frequently.

I wouldn't think of using a Bridgestone on the rear when pulling a trailer.

[LT_Pilot]

2001 LT w/BUSHTEC QUANTUM Trailer.
12000 miles pulling the trailer.
Always used Metzler ME 880's.
Both have made several excursions through Deal's Gap.
No problem.

[Scotty2]

The BIKES TIRE only gets further loaded by the TONGUE weight of the trailer and NOT the total weight of it.


Not really correct. The tires have to start and stop the extra weight of the trailer. So the total load that the tires see pulling the trailer IS more. The result is my tires do not get near the mileage, and my MPG is way down when I pull my trailer.


Thanks, Yourself and one or two others were the only ones who "Got It".

The tire load range has to encompass the trailer because the tire side wall package has to be able to stop the weigh of the bike, gear, people, and trailer. If the weight exceeds the tires load range you will most likely see the side wall package of the tire sheer and come apart. If the brakes stop the rotor and the tire tread sticks to the road the weak link is the side wall package. This is the issue that Dunlop was going to cover. They were going to make a tire with an increased load range.

Mileage in regards to tread and wear should take second place to load range.

Thanks for every ones input....I'll let ya's know what I find out from Dunlop.

Ps...I also pulled our trailer two up 22,318 miles all over the US with out incident. However, if I can resolve a potential hazard by doing a little homework, I will do so.

Scott

[jzeiler]

I would think that the rear is not as influenced by braking as the front since 80% of the braking force is done by the front tire.

I wore out my rear from all the acceleration when I pulled the trailer, but I only saw a marginal reduction in wear compared to not pulling. I guess I still got on it hard.

[CARNEYM]

I had a bridgestone come apart on me doing 75 mph. Never will I run one again. I have been pulling a trailer for thousands of miles now with ME880 with no problems. Get around 10000 miles on the rear and 18000 on front.

[NOGILLS2]

Interesting subject! I left home pulling my cargo trailer, bound for CCR. I was one up. I took almost everything off the bike and placed it in the trailer.

Inspecting the tires and checking milage, I expected to return home and change tires when I got home. Tire had a different idea. Arriving at Salida, CO for lunch, inspected rear tire and threads were showing. It was Sunday, We made it to Grand Junction, Co. spent the night and purchased a new tire. I also invested in the owners college fund!

Before I left SLC I had a new tire installed on the front.

I decided that I would not use the trailer one up. I thought bringing a tent and camping supplies I would save money. No Joy! The cost of gas and new tire outweighed the savings of camping.

Next time I fly solo I will pack the bike and ride! I will leave the trailer home. Riding two up will be a different story.

I will also have new tires before I make a trip pulling the trailer, especially as long as Utah. I never associated the trailer with extra tire wear.

PS I run ME880's