all position tires

[dminz]

In another thread SmokyWren said :
"The Michelin XPS Ribs on my F-250 are the best tires I've ever had on any vehicle, bar none. Michelin rates them for "all position" service, including trailer service, and very few LT tires have that rating".

Does anyone know how "all position" LT's differ from other LT's which
owners rotate in all positions but are not called "all position" tires?

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by dminz

Does anyone know how "all position" LT's differ from other LT's which owners rotate in all positions but are not called "all position" tires?

Stiffer sidewalls.

Trailer tires must withstand being dragged sideways around sharp corners. The Michelin XPS has three steel "plies" in the sidewall, making it very stiff, and suitable for trailer service. It's called an "all steel" tire because it doesn't use polyester or other cord for the plies, but instead uses steel.

Most LT tires don't have a stiff enough sidewall to be used for trailer service. If they are not listed in the manufacturer's "truck" section as all-position tires, then they are light-truck tires not suitable for trailer service. Michelin makes lots of those too - the LTX series being the most popular.

If you go to [ Michelin Americas Truck Tires ] and look up size 235/85R16, only one tire will show up - the XPS Rib.

Ordinary trailer tires (ST instead of LT) have the stiff sidewalls, but they aren't much good for the drive axle or the steer axle. So they are not "all position" tires either.

[dminz]

Thanks. Does anyone know of any other LT tires that are "all position"? Yokohama has a couple but they require tubes and wheels that will accommodate the tubes.

[DonWarkentin]

Kelly Tires - Auto & Light Truck - Safari® SJR

Kelly Springfield Safari SJR is an all position LT tire that comes in size LT 235/85R16 load range E.