LT vs ST tires

My speculation is that they used LT tires with aggressive mud/snow tread for marketing reasons; to make the trailer look like you could take it anywhere.  The problem with LT tires is that they have more flexible side walls than ST tires, allowing more trailer sway.  The reason for more flexible side walls it to provide a more comfortable ride in a passenger vehicle and more cornering stability.  That flexion is not helpful with a trailer.  There really isn't any off road advantage to the LT tires.  Since the trailer isn't pushing the TV in slippery mud or dirt, any additional traction provided by LT tires with aggressive mud/snow tread is not really advantageous.  If you are going so fast that the trailer is sliding in the curves, then the better choice may be to slow down some and allow the trailer to track easily behind the TV.  I suppose in some snow the tires might perform a little better with braking, but once it gets icy, that advantage is minimal compared to the traction gain with chains.

Really good information.  Thanks.  I noticed that at our Northern California pod feast, most of the campers had ST tires.  Mostly Goodyear Endurance.  Some of the newer R-pods still have the LT tires.

Some things to think about when considering LT vs. ST tires:  When an LT  radial tires is rated as "10 ply" it doesn't necessarily mean that there are 10 plies in the sidewall.  They have an E load range capacity for use in a light truck, thus the "10 ply rating."  The sidewall flexibility is designed for the cornering needs of a light truck.  The higher the aspect ration is on a tire the more it flexes when subjected to lateral loads as in a high wind or a curve.  For use in a trailer one might consider using with an LT tire as low an aspect ration as possible.  ST tires are built from different and stronger components than an LT tire.  Here is an interesting comparison:  https://blog.coach-net.com/2021/03/03/st-vs-lt-tires-whats-the-difference/#:~:text=Because%20of%20the%20heavier%20construction,resist%20aging%20and%20UV%20rays.

The original tires on our 177 were load range 'C'.  After 6 years they were changed out to Carlisle Radial Trail load range 'D'.  Both were ST flavor.  A world of difference in windy conditions as well a tracking down the highway, the 'D' was far superior in both aspects. 

So, I learned that I've been running 6 ply (load range C) Toyo Open Country AT light truck tires on my pod.  Have been trouble free, including a round trip to Alaska over the pot holes on the Alcan.