rasteck
Northern California/East Bay
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Just curious. Those of you that have switched from the ST235/80R16 (and only this size) to an LT, did you go to:
LT235/85R16 (diameter +0.93", same width) $172 BFG Commercial TA
or
LT245/75R16 (diameter -0.33", width +0.4") $212 BFG Commercial TA
I believe I have the room for either and there isn't any difference in the load range (LR-E, 120 for both sizes) so I'm definitely leaning toward saving $160.
I only have 5200lb axles so stepping down a little in the rated load handling (on paper anyway) between the ST and the LT is not an issue.
Were you forced into a 245 because of the difference in diameter or maybe you wanted a slightly wider tire?
Please also notice I didn't ask for opinions on ST quality or changing wheel or axle size. Trying to be very specific here. 
Thanks!
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Lagarto_Roca
Austin, TX
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235/85-16
I didn't want the extra drag (poorer mpg) with the wider tire, and with the tight turns on the triples, there's less sidewall flex. The extra 1/2" fore and aft (not height) was tight with the fenders, but they fit.
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johntank
Oxford, Ms 38655 USA
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The only problem I can think of with the LT 235/85's would be the space between the tires, so if you have 2" or more between them now with the ST's I say go for the 235's, if not go with the LT 245/75's.
I have read more than once here that one needs atlest 1" between tires.
* This post was
edited 01/21/12 05:30pm by johntank *
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rasteck
Northern California/East Bay
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Thanks for the replies! 235's it'll be! 
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Another option is LT215/85-16E's. A pair of those are still rated slightly more than your 5200 lb axle rating.
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rasteck
Northern California/East Bay
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SoCalDesertRider wrote:Another option is LT215/85-16E's. A pair of those are still rated slightly more than your 5200 lb axle rating.
Thanks SoCal. I did look at that size but didn't want to drop that far from what's on the trailer now as far as the load rating goes. I figure the manufacturer put the 123's on there for some reason, even if just to make up for them being ST's.
Thanks again for the replies!
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sandpiper1
Kansas
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LT235/85/16LRE
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blt2ski
Kirkland, Wa
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OP,
If it is worth anything, I'm running 215's on an equipment trailer with typically 10-10.5K on the axles loaded, 14-1600 on the hitch with out issues. I was going to go with 245's after removing the 15" rims I had initially, but when I replace the springs with greasable bolts, I lost some side to side clearance, hence the 215's. Trailer pulls fine with that load on it. I'm on my second set of Cooper SRM II hwy tread tires. Not sure this tire is still made by Cooper or Dean in a Wildcat version for Les Schwab. I am sure there is a better made tire per say in a hwy version than what I have, and will end up with something newer the next time around I need tires.
Marty
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Jerry and Gloria
WNC
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Check the recommended wheel width for the 245s I think they recommend a wider wheel.
I have the 235/85-16 BFGs on my 5020 axles after 20000 miles they have been great.
Jerry
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rasteck
Northern California/East Bay
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Thanks everybody. Think I've made up my mind (finally) on the 235/85R16E BFG Commercial TA. I don't think I'll put enough miles on the tires to justify the RIBs or even the LTXs before they age out although I do run 265/75R16 LTX M/S2's on the truck.
Really appreciate the input!
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