How to Select Trailer Tires with Correct Load Range Rating for Trailer Gross Weight
Updated 09/10/2020 | Published 11/05/2016
Question:
Hi, I understand that trailer tires have designated load ranges. What I do fully understand it exactly what that load range means. For example if a trailer tire has a 1300 lb load range capacity, does that mean if you had a trailer with 4 tires two axles the maximum weight of the trailer should not exceed 5200 lbs? 4 x 1300= 5200? In other words, If I had a trailer that has a gross loaded weight of 4000 lbs, each of the 4 tires would have to be load rated for at least 1000 lbs or more? Thank you.
asked by: James L
Expert Reply:
Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety margin. A tire's rated Load Range means the maximum weight load it can handle (when installed on a suitably-rated wheel) at its full rated PSI pressure.
Trailer tires must always be fully-inflated to their maximum rated pressure as noted on their sidewall. Only when fully-inflated to that maximum psi pressure can a trailer tire deliver its rated weight carrying capacity.
The wheel/tire you referenced, Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire/Wheel # AM30660, combines a steel wheel rated for 1250-lbs with a Load Range C tire that itself is rated for 990-lbs at 90-psi. Since the tire is rated lower than the wheel, the lower rating determines the overall capacity of this item, 990-lbs.
David M.
9/7/2020
I found a second eTrailer page that has a chart which states the tires on my trailer will support D rating of 2,540 lbs at 65 psi. So that’s makes me feel much better but 2540*4=10,160 still doesn’t support the 12,000 GVWR of the trailer. Is there some kind of demand factor used? I find it hard to believe a company like Hudson Brothers would install underrated tires on their trailers. What’s up?
Jon G.
9/10/2020
Jon G.
9/10/2020
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: tires
- Search Results: spare tire covers
- Search Results: tire covers
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - KE42EV
- Shop: Strider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Revolver Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Search Results: 010~036~00
- Search Results: 8~219
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR53 ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-3/4
- Video: Review of Paneloc Trailer Door Parts - Right Stainless Steel Replacement Keeper - PA39VR
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR53 ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Radial Tire with Wheel - AM31199DX
- Shop: Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-3/4 - Load Range C
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Shop: CIPA Universal Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Qty 2
- Q&A: Recommended Battery Size for Breakaway Brake System
- Video: Setting up the CIPA Universal Fit Dual-View Towing Mirror on your 2018 Honda CR-V
- Video: Best 2017 Honda CR-V Towing Mirrors
- Video: Setting up the CIPA Universal Towing Mirror on a 2020 Honda CR-V
- Video: Installing the CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirror on your 2019 Honda CR-V
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Tire/Wheel Combo For 3,000-Lb 15-Ft Camper Trailer
- Q&A: Trailer Wheel and Tire Recommendation that has Capacity Over 3,000 lb
- Q&A: What is the Pilot Diameter on a Wheel
- Q&A: Yellow Charge Light On Hopkins Engager Stays On with Trailer Disconnected
- Q&A: Is There a Load Range Chart for Trailer Tires
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
David M.
9/7/2020
Ok, I just ordered a 5 ton Hudson trailer. (12,000 GVWR; trailer 2k, max load 10k) It comes with four ST 225/75 R15 8-PR tires. D rating = 1220 lbs. per another eTrailer web page. In the context of the above my trailer and load cannot exceed 4880 lbs.?!!? Seriously?? 1220*4=4880 lbs. allowable GVWR because of tire rating. Trailer weighs 2000 lbs. Means the largest weight I can haul is 2880 lbs??!? That can’t be right!