Can 285/85-16 Trailer Tires be Used in Place of 285/80-16 Tires that Keep Blowing Out

Updated 05/11/2016 | Published 05/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range F

(2150)

$192.72

Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem - 1-1/4" Long

(583)

$21.95

Provider HD ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G

(238)

$297.45

Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(1072)

$190.68

Question:

2009 35foot Dutchmen Monte Vista - 15.5k Gross Weight Need some help/suggestions on tires. We just experienced another blowout which has generated a repair bill of $3,933. We are using TowMax tires 235/80R16 and running at 80 PSI cold as indicated by the camper PSI specs. I am meticulous about ensuring the PSI is accurate and we use a TPMS to monitor the tires. We are a long ways from being overloaded we never haul with full tanks, the stuff in the camper is scarce. Yet despite all this, the PowerMax tires continue to fail. If they dont blow out, we get tread separation. Im averaging 2 to 3 tire replacements per year. So that said, enough is enough. What options do I have for a better quality tire? Was thinking that perhaps I can go to a 235/85R16 Load F tire. 2 more plies. Higher capacity to give me more cushion on the weight. Something like the Kenda Karrier. Ive gone thru a lot of your FAQs and some state the need to be at 95 PSI for this tire and some state 110. So which is it? Looking for tire advice. Thanks.

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

First, 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. If under inflated the thicker tires will generate excessive heat leading to failure.

I recommend sticking with the size indicated by the manufacturer, 235/80-16, # TTWTRTM2358016E. This tire is rated for 3,520 pounds at 80 psi. If you were to go up to a 235/85-16 the tire would be 0.7 inches taller than what you have now so you would need enough clearance to account for at least half of that increase, 0.35 inches.

If you have plenty of room for a taller tire then I recommend # TTWPRG235R16 rated for 4,400 pounds at 110 psi (sometimes the manufacturer will update psi ratings so that is why you might see some conflicting answers).

If you go with this size you will likely have to replace the valve stems in the wheels with something rated for over 100psi such as # AM20906.

The reason I have chosen these tires for you is because they have a higher speed rating, 81 miles per hour, than the Kenda at 65 miles per hour. I have linked some videos on the tires as well as a help article on trailer tires for you.