By Roger Marble
I recently read this question on an Airstream forum: “I am replacing the Michelin LT225/75R/16/MS2 tires on my Airstream Serenity 29. I am confused. I am told by the tire dealer that the Agilis CrossClimate has a rough ride. I also read that the LTX tire is not enough for towing. Can anybody help staighten me out? Thanks.”
Load capacity is not a function of the tire “line” but of the type (P or ST vs LT) and Load Range LR-C LR-D vs LR-E or just XL.
Do not get confused by the “LTX” line as there are both P and LT “types” and there are different Load Range tires in the LTX Line but no ST type, which might be what came OE on your RV. Check your placard / certification label.
You should know your actual scale weight of the RV when fully loaded from getting the numbers on a truck scale. Your RV also has a Certification Label (outside on driver’s side, toward the front) that tells you the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
Whatever tire you are looking at, it should be capable of supporting AT LEAST 110% of the GAWR, with 115% being better. Of course, your scale weights should be below the GAWR.
Reports of “rough ride” on the Agilis might be from SUV owners with sizes you are not going to run. I would be surprised if you can feel any “rough ride” with a properly balanced set of Michelin tires.
You might want to read my post for a bit more information.
Have a tire question? Ask Roger on his new RV Tires Forum here. It’s hosted by RVtravel.com and moderated by Roger. He’ll be happy to help you.
Read more from Roger Marble on his blog at RVtiresafety.net or on RVtravel.com.
##RVT1036
The LTX M/S is no longer made; it has been replaced by the Agilis.
I recently replaced the tires on my tow vehicle. So I went through the debate between the Agilis Cross-Climate and Defender LTX M/S. The Agilis is a commercial tire and they do not offer a treadlife warranty. The Defender LTX M/S offers a 50k mile warranty in the size I required. The Defender LTX M/S is in production … there was a straight up “LTX” that was discontinued several years ago.