Should Load Range D Tires be Used in Place of Load Range C Tires on a Single Axle Trailer

Published 08/13/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Provider ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(1070)

$128.14

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2136)

$153.71

Question:

I have a single axle boat trailer and a 20 foot fiberglass boat weighing aprox.1500lb. Im currently running lrc tires but thinking I should be using l-r-d, could I have your input.

asked by: Kenn

Expert Reply:

The load range of the tires you are using will depend on the trailer's capacity. You can use tires with a higher capacity than what the trailer is rated for (though it does not increase the trailer's capacity) but you would not want to go lower.

If the trailer uses ST205/75R14 tires such as # TR20514 then for the same size in a load range D use # AM10235 which is rated for 2,040 pounds at 65 psi. If you have a different size tire let me know what it is and I can make a recommendation.

Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire sidewall. this is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires to handle more vertical load. If under inflated the thicker sidewall generates excessive heat and can lead to failure.

expert reply by: Michael H