Trailer Tire Wear Chart

Many people wonder why a trailer tire is usually more expensive than a typical economy auto tire. There are some major differences between the two.

The traction of automotive tires is required to meet all-weather standards, whereas trailer tires are not. Trailer tires only design, in reference to traction, is related to stopping suddenly.

The trailer tires are designed to reduce sway, with a stronger, harder sidewall. Should one use the automotive tires on a trailer, problems related to swaying will occur.

There are Two Basic Kinds of Trailer Tires

Bias-Ply Trailer Tires

These tires have Polyester or nylon cords that criss-cross from bead to bead. This gives the sidewalls the same ply, which makes the sidewall of the tire extremely stiff.

These cords are larger than similar passenger car tires. The larger cords reduce wear and meet the loading requirements. This allows for full resistance against sway.

These tires tend to break down rather quickly when driven long distances on highways; another issue commonly seen is called ‘cupping,’ which is an uneven wearing of the tread. This occurs because the hard sidewalls are not able to expand properly when they get hot. For this reason, bias-ply tires are usually used on a trailer that does not get a lot of use. They are ideal to use on boat or utility trailers.

Radial Tires

A radial tire has steel belts underneath the tread and can also have them in the sidewalls. Because their sidewalls are softer than the bias-ply’s, they are an excellent choice when towing for a long distance. However, the softer sidewalls will increase the chance of sway, should the trailer be improperly loaded or unbalanced.

The radial has better traction than the bias-ply tire does, which is considered irrelevant most of the time, except for a situation involving a sudden stop.
Radial tires are more expensive than the bias-ply. Both tires do carry the identical weight rating at similar load ranges.

Under-Inflation

Trailer tires should not wear out. In fact, the ‘ST’ tires, which are for trailers, contain specific chemical compounds in the rubber to resist sun and weather damage. One of the main reasons for a tire’s failure is under-inflation.

Trailer tires have been designed to supply optimal performance at their maximum inflation levels.
The stiffer sidewalls can withstand the various hazards on the road, even though the suspension on a trailer is inferior to that of a typical automobile.

A trailer tire is expected to have a lifespan anywhere from 5,000 to 12,000 miles.
Ideally, trailer tires should be replaced every three to five years. Over three years, the elements and time reduce the tire’s weight rating by about a third. For this reason, it is suggested that trailer tires be replaced every five years, despite visual appearance.

‘ST’ Trailer Tires

These tires are designed for a maximum speed of 65 MPH. As the heat begins building up on the tire, the tire begins weakening and disintegrating. Driving on a hot and weakened tire, could cause a costly blowout to occur.

‘LT’ Trailer Tires

An ‘LT’ trailer tire is not the same as a ‘Light Truck’ tire. The ‘LT’ on a trailer tire, specifies its load range.

Trailer tires are not to be used on an automobile.

Have You Thought About Your Trailer Tires Recently?

Most people follow a pretty strict routine of tire maintenance on their cars and trucks. Monthly or quarterly tasks, like checking air pressure, rotating tires, testing alignment, and monitoring tread, can all help tires perform at their best and help you identify problems. The truth is that trailer tires need regular care, too, to help your trailer perform the job it was designed to do.

Your trailer tires have a different construction than tires for your vehicle, given that they're supposed to carry heavy loads. Although you should check the tread with the penny method, replacing tires right away if the tread doesn't come to the top of Lincoln's head, there are other factors that affect trailer tire life. Tires should actually be replaced every 3 to 4 years because the materials have a limited life span and the tires can begin to develop cracks and bulges, even if their tread still looks great. Trailer tire inflation is also really important for safely transporting your loads and maintaining the tread on your tires. Always keep the tires inflated to the maximum listed pressure on the tire. remember that you should inflate to this pressure when the tires are cold, not hot. This maintenance step keeps you safe on the road and preserves the life of your tires.

Trailer Tire and Trailer Wheel Fitment Guide

You get a flat tire on your trailer and it is shot. Fortunately you were wise enough to make sure you had a spare. You put on that spare tire on your trailer and you move on. Now you need to replace that spare trailer tire. How do figure out what size rim you need to buy? Sure, the trailer tire size is easy, but how the heck do you figure out what rim size to get?
 

Like trailer tires, rims have a series of numbers which indicate their uniqueness.

Here is an example of a trailer rim siz

e:

14 x 6   5/ 4.50

 

The first number, 14 indicates trailer rim size (14 inches), the 6 indicates the width and the 5/4.50 indicates the bolt pattern.
 

For example:

205/75R14

The "14" indicates that you need a 14" rim.

Now you need to determine the width of the rim. Keep in mind trailer wheels come in a variety of widths. Normal widths for 14 inch trailer rims are 14x5.5, and 14x6. You certainly don't want the wrong rim for the wrong tire, or the tires will wear unevenly. Learn how to read the numbers and if you need help, you can always count on us!

 

We are your source for trailer tires, rims, and everything trailer! Shop now at www.TrailerandTruckParts.com.

8 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
8x3.75	4.80x8
8x3.75	5.70x8
8x5.375	165/65-8
8x5.375	16.5x6.50-8
8x7	215/60-8
8x7	18.5x8.50-8

10 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
10x6, 10x7	205/65-10
10x6, 10x7	20.5X8.00-10

12 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
12x4, 12x4.5	4.80x12
12x4, 12x4.5	5.30x12
12x4, 12x4.5	ST145R12

13 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
13x4.5	ST155/80D13
13x4.5	165R13
13x4.5, 13x5	ST175/80D13
13x4.5, 13x5	ST175/80R13
13x4.5, 13x5	ST185/80D13

14 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
14x5.5, 14x6	ST195/75D14
14x5.5, 14x6	ST205/75D14
14x5.5, 14x6	ST205/75R14
14x5.5, 14x6	ST215/75D14
14x5.5, 14x6	ST215/75R14

15 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
15x5, 15x6	ST205/75D15
15x5, 15x6	ST205/75R15
15x6, 15x7	ST225/75D15

16 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
16x6, 16x6.5, 16x7	LT 7.50x16
16x6, 16x6.5, 16x7	ST235/80R16
16x6, 16x6.5, 16x7	ST235/85R16

17.5 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires

Trailer Wheel Size	Trailer Tire Size
17.5 x 6.75	ST215/75R17.5

Which Lug Nuts for my Trailer Rims?

Lug Nuts in a Nutshell

The industry standard lug nut size is 1/2 -20 in.

The chrome lug nut, while being the most affordable, is prone to rusting.

http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/Chrome-Trailer-Wheel-Lug-Nuts-Size-12-in-20-Standard-Chrome_p_216.html#.UBwNuKM_Iyg

The stainless steel capped lug nut, is highly recommended because it will not rust, and it will compliment your aluminum trailer wheel nicely.

http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/Stainless-Steel-Trailer-Wheel-Lug-Nuts-Capped--Mr-Lug-Nut_p_391.html#.UBwOL6M_Iyg

The black acorn lug nut is also popular when purchasing a wheel with black accents.

http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/Black-Lug-Nut-12-Acorn-each_p_1126.html#.UBwOTaM_Iyg

We also offer black Spline lug nuts. These are often paired with a black trailer rim or an aluminum trailer wheel with black accents. The benefit of the Spline lug nut,  is that is offers additional security. To install or remove them, the user requires a spline key. 

http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/Black-Spline-Acorn-Lug-Nut-12-SplinedTrailer-Lug-Nut_p_1179.html#.UBwOr6M_Iyg

http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/6-POINT-SPLINE-TUNER-LUG-NUT-KEY-1PC_p_1149.html#.UBwR7KM_Iyg

To view our entire selection, including state of the art colored lug nuts click the link below.

http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/Lug-Nuts_c_155.html

Which Load Range do I choose for my Trailer Tire?

Q:

I’ve noticed that the tires available on your web site have a B, C or D rating but I do not know what the current, and original, rating is of tires are that are on the trailer, only the size. Please advise how I should determine the best tire for my trailer.

A:

The load range refers to the load rating of the trailer tire. The higher the letter =  higher the load capacity. And usually more costly, as well.

Example:

Load range B is a 4 ply tire rated at 1,045

Load range C is a 6 ply tire rated at 1,120

Load range D is a 8 ply tire rated at 1,200

To help you determine which trailer tire load range you need, please read the following; Lets assume you have a single axle trailer, two tires (LR C). You would multiply the load capacity times two. 1,120 x 2 = 2240 lb you can haul on the trailer tires.

Please note, you must take your axle capacity into account as well. If you have a 2000 lb axle you should match your tires to the axle rating. Therefore a LR B (1045 x 2 = 2090 lb) would be sufficient and more economical as well.

That means the weight of the trailer, plus the weight of the load, is what your trailer tires and axle are rated to haul. Another example would be, if your axle is rated at 2,000 lb and your trailer weighs 600 lb, you would only be able to haul up to an additional 1400 lb.

Trailer Tires: Radial or Bias Ply?

Trailer tires should be replaced as soon as they begin to show wear and tear or about every four years, whichever comes first. If the tires on your boat trailer have a series of small cracks around the circumference of the tires, it may be due to dry rot, which can cause the tire to blow unexpectedly, resulting in being stuck on the side of the road as well as expensive repairs and towing fees.

It is important to buy only tires that are designed for use on a trailer. Trailers do not steer the same as a truck does and trailer tires are designed to account for the difference in steering, use in water and dry land as well as heavy loads on the trailer. There are basically two types of tires for a trailer:

· Radial trailer tires are durable, provide good traction, have less rolling resistance and improved stability.

· Bias Ply trailer tires are designed for extreme locations and driving conditions. These tires are made for excellent traction on all terrains including sand, gravel, snow and mud. However, non-radial bias ply tires only have a small amount of shock absorption, so they can be a bumpy ride.

Trailer tires with the largest diameter typically produce the least RPMs, which will make the tire more resistant to damage. It is recommended that you choose tires with a significant number of plies because they will make the tire more stable and longer lasting. It is important to choose the correct load rating for your trailer. The load rating can usually be found on a placard which is usually found towards the front of the trailer.

Should I balance my trailer tires and wheels?

Legally speaking, there is no reason to balance your trailer tires and wheels. After all, no one is allowed to ride in a trailer that is being towed. Legalities aside though, balancing your trailer tires and wheels can be one of the smartest things you do.

Trailer tire assemblies are not normally balanced in the factory, meaning that it’s quite possible that your trailer is in for a bumpy ride. Every pothole and crack in the road is going to shake it to its foundation. Naturally, that means that anything inside your trailer is also going to take a beating. What what you should be especially concerned about is how that bumpy ride is going to impact the trailer tires over the long haul.

Balancing your trailer tires with the wheels of your vehicle insures less vibration and a smoother ride. Tires wear more evenly and develop less worn, flat spots. Balancing also helps prevent wear and tear on bearings and extends the life of your tires.

Although the choice is ultimately yours, many drivers claim to feel a marked difference after their trailer tires have been balanced with their wheels. And doesn’t a smooth ride sound more pleasant?

Selecting The Correct Trailer Hitch

Determining the correct type of trailer hitch requires some investigation. You want to think about future items that you may want to tow as well to avoid having to make an additional purchase. It is always better to step it up a class rather than having to remove a trailer hitch to put a higher class on. Most people who put a trailer hitch on their vehicle install a class 3 trailer hitch. A class 3 trailer hitch will accommodate a wide variety of items.

Here are the classes of trailer hitches and what they can handle:

Class I: This is capable of towing up to 2,000 pound gross trailer weight with a 200 pound tongue weight. This class of trailer hitch will fit all vehicles.

Class II: This class is capable of towing up to 3,500 pound gross trailer weight and 350 pound tongue weight. This class of trailer hitch is geared for the mid-size car, SUVs, trucks and vans.

Class III: The class III trailer hitch can tow up to 5,000 pound gross trailer weight and 500 pound tongue weight. This class of trailer hitch operates well with an SUV, vans and mid-size pickups.

Class IV: The class IV trailer hitch can tow 12,000 gross trailer weight and 1,200 pound tongue weight. It is for use on a SUV, pickup or a van.

Class V: A class V trailer hitch can tow 24,000 pound gross trailer weight and 2,400 pound tongue weight. This trailer hitch is only suitable for pickup trucks.

Choose the right trailer hitch for your vehicle for convenience and safety. 

ST Trailer Tires vs. Passenger Tires

ST Trailer Tire Characteristics

ST trailer tires are made to support large loads. Their polyester cords are larger than those of other kinds of trailer tires. They are also stronger and more weather resistant. These tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 MPH and a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.

ST Trailer Tires Differ Greatly from Passenger Tires

Special Trailer Service Tires or ST tires have been specifically designed and engineered for trailers and RV’s. These tires are constructed especially to carry heavy loads and to be pulled. Passenger tires are designed for traction. Traction moves your vehicle on the road allowing you to make turns. It also enables your vehicle to pull a trailer. Adding flex to the sidewall of tires makes a tire capable of ride and handling. Increased traction gives the driver better control while driving. Only trailers that have brakes have any need for traction.

Tires are specifically designed for certain weights. Passenger tires are rated to carry much lower weights then ST Trailer tires. It is always best to use tires appropriate for a vehicle and its payload.

Making the Right ST Trailer Tire Choice

Always purchase new ST Trailer tires. Used tires are not safe. Checking reviews will help you make a good choice. Radial tires are better because they are more fuel efficient, have low friction and are not affected by weather.