Comments on BF Goodrich Commercial TA tires

[The-Bear]

I'm just about to put new tires on the trailer and was all prepared to get Michelin LTX tires. My VIN plate specifies LT 235/85R16/E tires.

My local Discount Tire guy said he'd be happy to sell me 4 new LTXs, but for $57 per tire less, he could sell me BF Goodrich Commercial TA tires instead. Michelin owns BF Goodrich and these Commercial TA tires are made in the U.S.A. -- I saw the stamp on the tire.

I used to run BFG TAs on my Jeep and loved them.

Any comments or warnings on these tires?

P.S. I'll probably have a SmartTire monitoring system (a division of Bendix Systems) installed at the same time. The SmartTire system uses inside-the-tire sensors (the sensor is attached to the center of the rim with a large hose clamp) and they monitor tire pressure and tire temperature. I'm not sure but I might need a wireless repeater so the signals reach the truck's cab. The SmartTire systems are usually installed on 18-Wheelers (and the dealers are all truck service places), but Discount Tire sells and installs them also.

The savings on installing the BFG Commercial TA tires instead of Michelin LTX tires would nearly pay for at least a couple of tire sensors.

[Traveler II]

I'm just about to put new tires on the trailer and was all prepared to get Michelin LTX tires. My VIN plate specifies LT 235/85R16/E tires.

My local Discount Tire guy said he'd be happy to sell me 4 new LTXs, but for $57 per tire less, he could sell me BF Goodrich Commercial TA tires instead. Michelin owns BF Goodrich and these Commercial TA tires are made in the U.S.A. -- I saw the stamp on the tire.

I used to run BFG TAs on my Jeep and loved them.

Any comments or warnings on these tires?

P.S. I'll probably have a SmartTire monitoring system (a division of Bendix Systems) installed at the same time. The SmartTire system uses inside-the-tire sensors (the sensor is attached to the center of the rim with a large hose clamp) and they monitor tire pressure and tire temperature. I'm not sure but I might need a wireless repeater so the signals reach the truck's cab. The SmartTire systems are usually installed on 18-Wheelers (and the dealers are all truck service places), but Discount Tire sells and installs them also.

The savings on installing the BFG Commercial TA tires instead of Michelin LTX tires would nearly pay for at least a couple of tire sensors.

We have an 08 and are on our third set of tires. I put the Michelin on last time, just because I didn't want to replace them again. In our case it was checking at the rims that made us replace the last set. Tire pressure and temp have not been a problem for us, just bad checking.

[Olbird]

Woody,

I have the Smart-Tire system on all four wheels and the six wheels on the truck, the system works very well but you will need to use two antennas.

I have one hard wire antenna on the camper and another hard wire antenna on the truck, the truck antenna needs to be connected and disconnected with the light cord at the pin box.

[The-Bear]

Woody,

I have the Smart-Tire system on all four wheels and the six wheels on the truck, the system works very well but you will need to use two antennas.

I have one hard wire antenna on the camper and another hard wire antenna on the truck, the truck antenna needs to be connected and disconnected with the light cord at the pin box.

Olbird,

Yeah I wondered about that. The tire guy (who really wasn't very knowledgeable even though they sell and install the systems) said he thought the range was around 12 ft. without the antenna repeaters. The SmartTire website shows the installation on 18-Wheelers with an antenna on the trailer and another one on the truck. The tire dealer will talk to SmartTire Monday.

Even though I think this is the "best" system, it's looking more and more expensive -- but still good insurance.

Thanks for the input.

[snoking]

I have Michelin LTX M&S on my truck and Michelin XPS RIBs on the trailer. I do not think the LTX M&S would be a good trailer tire. They have a soft sidewall to improve ride comfort of a truck, and I have to run more air in them for the same stability as the OEM LTX A&S'. They also really like to pick up rocks and throw them. They are a highly siped tire for traction and cornering, and that is not necessarily a good thing for a trailer.

If you do not want to spend the money for the Ribs, then the Commercial TA is a good second choice.

Chris

[Olbird]

Woody,

I love the system, I have had it for about fours years now and never get any false alarms or diconnects or signal loss.
It can get a little costly but just start out with trailer and add the truck later.

[david_iona]

I have had the Goodrich Com. TAs on my fifth wheel with the all season highway tread for the last couple of years and really like them and have had no problems with them. I recommend them highly considering the cost of Michelins.

[The-Bear]

Thanks Dave,

That's what I wanted to hear -- since they're half the price of XPS Ribs.