What is the Difference Between 235/80-16 and 235/85-16 Trailer Tires

Question

Question:

Is there much difference between 275-80-16 and 275-85-16 that could cause fit issue on my fifth wheel having tandem axels its a 2008 Montana 38.5. Thank you

asked by: Walter H

0

Expert Reply:

Do you by any chance mean 235/80-16 and 235/85-16? Because there isn't a 275 trailer tire size that I have seen. If so then the widths are the same between the two 235 sizes. The difference is overall diameter. The 235/80-16 is 30.9 inches in diameter. The 235/85-16 is 31.7 inches in diameter.

A difference of 0.8 inches but only half of that, 0.4 inches, applies to above the tire. It is unlikely that 0.4 inches will cause a fit issue but you can check to make sure there is space enough above the existing tires for the larger size.

Capacities are different too. The 235/80-16 top out at 3,500 pounds for a load range E whereas the 235/85-16 top out at 3,960 pounds for a load range F. I have included a link to all of the 235/85-16 tires that we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Bryant P.

5/13/2020

What if my trailer has one of each on one side? Is that an issue? Will the suspension make up for it?

Reply

Chris R.

5/16/2020

If you absolutely HAVE to keep these tires on (until you're able to get new ones) I suppose the orientation you described would be the best setup. However, I do still highly recommend that you change two of the tires out as soon as possible so that all 4 are the same size. The longer you keep your existing tires on the higher the chance of problems coming up (tire failure, suspension issues, etc).

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_tires_and_wheels-gw-235%7c85~16.aspx

Reply

Frank S.

9/25/2021

@ChrisR I have a kaufman triple axle car trailer that has 235 80's on.2 tires are shot so I ordered 2 new ones off the internet and ended up receiving 235 85's if I put them on the front axle am I going to run into suspension issues? Probably just run them for a few weeks til I can get it straightened out

Reply

Les D.

10/20/2021

@FrankS I would not run different size tires on a trailer. In your case, one pair of wheels is 1 inch taller than the others. First, will your new pair fit in the wheel wells and next to the other tires? Second, these taller tire are going to be forced to support more of the trailer weight and wear faster. Third, although very little, the taller tires may create a teeter totter effect that could potentially add to sway issues and porpoising.

Reply

Eric D.

7/6/2020

How much height would I expect to gain on my trailer if I went from 235/80-R16 and upgraded to 235/85-R16?

Reply

Chris R.

7/9/2020

The 235/85R16 tire is just about 1" taller in diameter than your existing 235/80R16 tires, but only half of this difference will actually affect the trailer height (since the other half is above the axle). This means the new tires will only raise the trailer about a 1/2" at most.

Reply

Marshall D.

4/13/2024

Can I use a 16 85 trailer tire for a steering tire

Reply

Jerred H.

5/12/2024

@MarshallD So long as it is on a trailer then yes.

Reply

Answer 1

Not sure about the one in your picture because we do not carry it or anything like it but the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers item #DE66AR will work with the Hand Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder item #PTW87030. This allows you…

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Answer 2

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 3

The Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes part #HBA16 can be used with a power brake bleeder. The actuator has a standard brake bleeder nipple on the revivor which you can attach the hose of a power bleeder to for faster…

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Answer 4

I went out to our warehouse and measured one of the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Slipper Spring System like part #RM-2460-2570 for you. The box is 3-1/4" wide and the opening is 3-3/4" long x 2-3/4" wide. I have attached a photo of these…

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Answer 5

The spring hanger placement is going to be determined by your axle spacing. For example, if your axles are spaced 33 inches apart, as shown in the attached diagram, a 7K axle slipper spring, like #e74SR, requires a distance of 28-1/2 inches between…

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Answer 6

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

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Answer 7

Hey Greg, so we know that your 2010 Keystone Montana 3150RL has 7k axles so we can help convert it to electric over hydraulic brakes. We have everything you need actually too in a single kit with the part #HSE7K-T1 which comes with best and most…

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Answer 8

I checked with Dexter, manufacturer of many trailer parts, and according to them there should be at least 1 inch of space between the tires when under load. So once your trailer is loaded and ready to tow, if you have more than 1 inch of space…

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Answer 9

There is a solution for you, but the lift kits you referred to such as #K71-725-02 will not work with welded on torsion axles. The best option is for you to simply remove your torsion axles and use the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System…

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Answer 10

No, switching from a 16" wheel to a 17.5" wheel will not increase ride height. This really comes down to size as there are different size tires for each of these wheel options. If we take the largest tire size we offer for each, 235/85-16…

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Answer 11

The #AKEBRK-35L-SA Self Adjusting brake assemblies will adjust themselves as you drive after the initial installation. The front brakes will always bear a bit more of the braking work, because more of the trailer weight is normally on the most…

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Answer 12

If you still have the trailer manual, I would recommend checking that to see what the manufacturer of your trailer has set as the recommended torque specs for your hubs; a majority of the time, these issues are rooted in over/under tightening of the…

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What is the Difference Between 235/80-16 and 235/85-16 Trailer Tires

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