Replacement Tire Recommendation for a 2008 Glacier Bay Fifth Wheel that Weighs 15,000 lbs

Question:

I have just purchased a 2008, 35foot Glacier Bay 5th wheel with a gvw of 15000 lb. It needs new tires. It has ST235/80R16D tires. I have had trouble with tires on other 5th wheel campers. Other camper owners say they have replaced their original tires with G rated tires. Will my rims hold 110 PSI ? D tires are rated at 80 PSI. Are G tires better at 80 PSI than D tires ? Would E tires be a better choice ? I really do not want to replace my rims. Thanks

asked by: Al B

Expert Reply:

A couple things I should mention first...Trailer tires should always be inflated to their max psi. Failure to do so will decrease the capacity of the tire and will cause heat to build up.

Also, for MOST rim applications the PSI rating is based on the valve stem used and not the actual rim.

As long as you go with a high enough rated tire for the total weight of your trailer and keep them inflated to their max PSI you would be just fine.

For a tandem axle trailer that weighs 15,000 lbs you would need to go with a tire that has a 3,750 lb capacity per tire. The Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10501 that you referenced would be an excellent choice as it has a 3,960 lbs at 95 psi capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C