Sorry I over simplified that. The manufacturer of the trailer can choose to use either ST or LT tires. The catch is that if the trailer was rated with ST tires then LT tires of the same size most likely don't have as high of weight rating as the ST tires that were rated for the trailer. If you use tires with a lower weight rating than what came on the trailer then that can cause problems with insurance, warranty, and yes DOT. So if your trailer came with LT tires then you certainly can use LTs and probably STs because they would have a higher rating but if it came with STs then LTs will probably have too low of weight rating.

So technically it's not the LT designation that can be a problem it is the lower weight rating of the LT.

I don’t know why you’d doubt an ST tire is a specific build. Sidewall flex is the issue and thise are stiffer. You don’t run them on a truck because they’d beat you to death.

Running an LT tire on a trailer reduces the load rating by 11%. Due to sidewall flex they run hotter and hence the derating. I dunno if you’d get a ticket for it or not, but I’ve seen them on trailers for years and years.

Well, it's not a problem with semi's. Any potential issues with sidewall flex will be on a multi axle trailer and at under 5 mph.

How’s this compare

The trailer I have is made by "Load Trail" that I bought new in 2003. It's been a good trailer & it tows great. It's a 16' with a 7000 pound capacity, double axle with brakes on both of them, built in ramp storage, front curb rail & a wood deck. I had a local shop add D rings in several areas to give me better anchoring points. I also needed to replace a lot of the deck boards 5 years ago because I have to park it outdoors. I scuffed up the paint, cleaned some scale off the frame & repainted it with rattle cans a few years ago.

an 18' trailer would be ideal but the 16' is adequate, even for a B-Body.

Not sure where you are located but I got it from Marshall's Machinery in the Scranton, PA area for $1750 back when used ones were going for $2000 to $2500.

Update, And giving some thoughts to look at an enclosed, most likely a clean used one.

Taking any potential resale values out of it,

Why not a 20 footer ? The car will fit just fine. And have no real interest in extra storage gains. And I can find several avail in that size

Any issues strapping a car down in this size trailer ?
Any brands to avoid put to the top of the list in regards to quality?

Seems all the ones Im seeing are 10,000 gvw so a 24' will haul less than a comparatively equipped 20'

Like I said, odds are pretty good I will only keep it maybe 2 years. And dont want to take a bath on one at resale time.


As an example
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1963259404041348/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A4a4e930d-47d5-4ee8-b031-7e082b2fb5a4

another one

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1716139145878442/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A4a4e930d-47d5-4ee8-b031-7e082b2fb5a4

priced right in line with whats avail in my area.

$3500 for the trailer PBR posted seems like a helluva deal to me.

I've loaded B-bodies (which are about 17' long) into 20' and 24' enclosed trailers:
They fit fine, but tying down the front in a 20' is tight and demands more agility, and is really tight for big guys.
The other deal is the 24' allows more positioning to center vehicle weight.
20' is lighter, requires less storage space, 24' is better @ resale.
Different people prioritize different things, so there's not really a right/wrong answer if the size hits one's targets.

My 20 ft ... its a little tight because I carry a lot of stuff.. scooter, generator, but I make it work . I recently added a winch which takes up even more room and its a challenge using it while the scooter is in the trailer but again I make it work. I recommend getting a winch it comes in so handy .. just this past weekend broke a u joint and hurt the driveshaft I sure was I glad had a winch as loading the car afterwards was very easy.

While 20ft trailers (enclosed) might not appeal to some car crowds, they are becoming more popular in the desert SW to haul/store side by sides, especially ones with added height. Smaller trailer easier to park at trailheads, motels etc.
storing a trailer outside in the desert….. count on buying new tires every two years. I actually remove the wheels from both of our trailers during the hot months. Our boat was stored in the garage and those tires were six years old when we sold it.

Tire enemies in descending order IMO:
1. Low/improper pressure
2. Overweight
3. High speed
4. Lack of regular use
5. Direct Sun exposure UV
6. High road temp
7. High Ambiant temps

Im starting to lean towards a used enclosed and can find A LOT of 20 footers reasonably priced ( under 10k)



Used 18 ft opens range in the $3500 to $4500 range depending on wood versus steel deck, manufacture, age etc

I can buy a brand new 18ft wood deck, which equals 16 ft deck and 2 ft is a dovetail. in my choice of white, red, tan or black with a spare tire for $3950 all in done ( shown ) and out the door. ive found a nice 2020 alum 18ft for $6500 all in, also with a spare

Had a 16ft open pop on marketplace this morning for $1900 and it was gone in under an hour

Also giving some thoughts to one of these.

My fear is the steel decks get slick when wet! So, I wonder if the car will move around in transport,,,,OR make it difficult to load / unload in wet conditions

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/253765690782008/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A0afd0f9f-5ab5-453f-8a0c-d25d24e40233

What are you even talking about? You didn’t know what the deal was with an ST tire. I gave you the facts.

I always thought those looked cool. The step would be useful, but I also always considered the extra weight to drag around. If you can live with your car being exposed, an open is a breeze to deal with(no pun intended.). If you go enclosed, get one with a winch or plan to add one. All the enclosed ones I was involved with made life better by winching in. The ones without were super unfun.

For the money and used ones needing tires and/or brakes, plus the high resale on used trillers, I’d seriously consider buying a new one.

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/trb/d/lebanon-2023-blazer-82x20ft-7000-car/7653536905.html

This is similar to what I had, except I went with a steel deck. I know nothing of this brand, just that it has the same look to the construction. Seems a pretty universal package. You could save some on an 18, I’d go with the 20 based on how mine pulled. A board member still owns it as far as I know.

A big ole stone shield would be nice. That’s something I’d cough up for next time.

[I personally am very skeptical of the alleged real uniqueness of trailer rated tires, other than its a legal escape clause for manufacturer liability. Weight limits and size are of course another matter. Semi's often have all position tires used, steering, drive and trailer.


I don’t know why you’d doubt an ST tire is a specific build. Sidewall flex is the issue and thise are stiffer. You don’t run them on a truck because they’d beat you to death.

Running an LT tire on a trailer reduces the load rating by 11%. Due to sidewall flex they run hotter and hence the derating. I dunno if you’d get a ticket for it or not, but I’ve seen them on trailers for years and years.



quote=SomeCarGuy]

What are you even talking about? You didn’t know what the deal was with an ST tire. I gave you the facts. [/quote]
I don't see any need to repeat myself.
Maybe if you were more specific in expressing your confusion, I might be able to clarify.
Tell me, what is the deal with an ST tire with facts rather than claims. Are you saying with the same size tire with same load rating category a LT is rated significantly different than a ST? Even if so, the marked load rating chosen should match or exceed the application, period.
BTW, tire sidewall flex on a trailer tire is only extreme when doing tight turns on tandem+ axle trailers which is usually at the low speeds speaking of "facts".
Normal sidewall flex is of no greater concern on a trailer vs any other vehicles under normal driving conditions that I haven't already noted above and requiring no special consideration for sidewall stiffness., but if you got facts to prove otherwise, I'm all ears.
I believe I debunked your stiffness concern by noting semis's have and use often all position tires and your noted stiffness seems to be of little concern it appears with all position rated tires..

Once again jcc pollutes the board with his engineering degree, rock star music ability, and Ivy League tv lawyer Superman skills. It was bliss not having him on the board for awhile, too bad he’s back.

All because jcc doesn’t know squat about trailer tires. Good luck proving what you are alleging. I posted the deal with ST because you showed up here not knowing what they are and what they are for. That’s not a me problem, it’s a jcc problem. Deal with it.

If Im reading this right. Trailer is 8.5' wide and 22' long ?????

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1716139145878442/

Worth the difference ?


https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2550842968403928