Posted: Jan 28 2010 at 12:31pm | IP Logged

I have also hauled a 900 pound (or thereabouts) with a large skid under it to central PA on these tires.  I had no issue with them going that distance at 60+ mph over mountains.  Seems to me that a lot of complaints about these lasting 12,000 miles that you see on tire reviews are from abuse (smoking the tires, running grossly underinflated, exceeding the weight limit, etc).  If you want to tow and haul, then use an LT tire that is designed for it.  Not a criticism, just an observation.  I have never had a set of BF Goodrich tires that gave me anything less than optimum performance and I have used their tires for over twenty five years.

Yes, I keep my Long Trails properly inflated, I keep my speed at or below 65 mph, I don't run them at their load limit, I have them rotated every 7-8000 miles  and I keep the front end aligned. .  That, to me, is the secret to long tire life.

Posted: Jan 29 2010 at 6:35pm | IP Logged

David, be careful of tire protectants such as Armor All.  They can pull the antioxidants out of the rubber and cause premature sidewall cracking.  Some tire manufacturers will check for this stuff in the rubber if you go back in with cracks and ask for a refund or new tires.

Best thing is to clean the tires and raised letters with Wesley's BeachWhite and let them dry.  The white letters will be as good as you are going to get and no real damage to the tire.