Steer tires for 14,000 lb front axle

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Shawn2130, Sep 15, 2020.

  1. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    Looking for tire brand suggestions for the two trucks I drive that has 14,000 lb front axles.

    I currently drive a 1998 Ford with a sleeper.

    Has a double frame, 14,000 front axle with 46k rears. This truck is heavy on the front end with a steel cab and 3406E Cat.

    The other truck I drive is a 2005 Freightliner with 14k front and 46k rears as well. This truck is only a single frame but weighs 1,500 kg lighter than the ford.

    For the Ford I just changed out Roadmaster RM185 tires with Roadmaster RM180’s last week.

    The RM185’s wore out in just 55,000 kms. only been on my truck for a year. Seemed to wear nice and good. Thought I would see them get about 100,000 kms but then the driver side started wearing quickly and got chopped up.

    Right now I’m trying the RM180’s to see if they work better.

    Not sure if the tires being a 6,175lb tire is the reason for the fast wear.

    Tire guy says there is no reason to go to a heavier rated tire for a lot more money each. Just keep the fifth wheel back and weight off the front. (I don’t really agree with this)

    3/4’s of the time I’m at max weight with live bottom, end dumps and low boys.
     
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  3. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    What size you running? Im running a set of Michelin X multiway 3D XZE in a 315. I run 13-15,000 on the steers so it was tuff finding a tire to fill my needs. They’ve only been on a couple weeks so dont know how they will wear yet. I actually stepped down from 385’s as they wore to fast from being under weight on them.
     
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  4. mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    Get rid of the 14 ply tires and put on 16 ply. Regardless of brand, then inflate to 120 lbs. Then get front and rear axles aligned.
     
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  5. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    Roberts450: I’m using 11R22.5 tires.

    mnmover: I had thought of increasing the tire pressure to 110 psi from the max of 105 to compensate.

    Not sure if a spring ride rear can be aligned?

    This truck used to run Michelin’s and lasted a long time.

    Just the past 2 years we’ve been using road masters and had a tough time keeping tires on whether it’s a truck or trailer.
     
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  6. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    I tried them. The reduced cost at purchase was not enough to offset the reduced tire life in comparison.
     
  7. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Like @mnmover said run a 16ply LR H. They were designed for the 14k steer most newer trucks are close to pushing these days. Run them at 120psi and if you run a lot of highway 70 mph or higher just increase psi to 125 max cold.
    Once you try the H’s you will never go back to a G again.
     
  8. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    Lots of guys switching to “H” rated steers, even with standard 12K front ends because of the increased life. I would be very unhappy with less than 150 K miles out of my Michelin steers on the KW with 14.6 fronts.
     
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  9. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    That’s good to know.

    I shall look into 16 ply
     
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  10. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    11r22.5 around here is only about a $10-$30 difference between 14ply & 16ply.
    In that size you will go from (6175) 12350lb capacity to (6610) 13220lbs. Not bad for $20-$60 for the pair..
     
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  11. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    singlescrewshaker: you’re right.

    I shall slap the tire guy silly and ask for 16 ply
     
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