Can a Load Range C Tire Be Replaced with a Load Range D Tire

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Question:

I recently replaced my C rated tiresST205/75R14/Cwith ST205/75R14/D tires which raised the max cold PSI from 50 psi to 65 psi. I have heard several different recommendations on which tire psi to use. Some say use the max cold pressure of 65 psi all the time, others say use less or equal to the original max tire pressure of 50 psi, and others say use a psi based on the Goodyear load/inflation chart which appears to be based on the max rating of each axle. If my max trailer rating is 1760 per tire for the Casita and the recommended original tire pressure was 50 psi, should I use 50 psi for the new tires regardless of the cold psi rating of 65 or can I run the tires at the 65 psi if the trailer loaded weight is at or below the max of 1760 per tire? Would using less than the 65 psi for the D tire cause any tire damage? Thanks

asked by: Jack

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you can replace your load range C tires with load range D tires without issue. It will only become any issue when you go down load ranges, not up. The tires will have the same overall diameter as long as they are the same size regardless of their load range. If you are looking for a recommendation on a 205/75-14 tire I recommend the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire part # AM10235.

This tire has a radial construction which is better for long highway hauls, a load range D rating which is 2,200 lbs per tire, and a speed rating M which is suitable for use up to 81 MPH. Kenda is our best tire manufacturer and they come with a two year warranty. I have attached a review video for you.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Jack

6/25/2018

I recently replaced my C rated tiresST205/75R14/Cwith ST205/75R14/D tires which raised the max cold PSI from 50 psi to 65 psi. I have heard several different recommendations on which tire psi to use. Some say use the max cold pressure of 65 psi all the time, others say use less or equal to the original max tire pressure of 50 psi, and others say use a psi based on the Goodyear load/inflation chart which appears to be based on the max rating of each axle. If my max trailer rating is 1760 per tire for the Casita and the recommended original tire pressure was 50 psi, should I use 50 psi for the new tires regardless of the cold psi rating of 65 or can I run the tires at the 65 psi if the trailer loaded weight is at or below the max of 1760 per tire? Would using less than the 65 psi for the D tire cause any tire damage? Thanks

Reply

Conner L.

6/25/2018

We always recommend you fill trailer tires to the max psi listed on the sidewall while cold. This will ensure that you are able to benefit from the full load range of the tire. If you filled a tire to 50 psi when the sidewall called for 65 psi then you would not have as a high of a weight capacity. The recommended cold fill psi will also take into consideration the rise in psi that occurs as the tire begins to warm. Filling the tires to 50 psi when they are rated at 65 psi could also cause them to wear more on the outside edges which would mean you would need to replace them much sooner then when filled to the manufacturer's recommended psi. They may also not be covered under warranty if not filled to their max psi.

Reply

Bill W.

8/24/2025

Have 4 tires on a boat trailer, ST205/75R14 Load C. I routinely blow ATLEAST 1 tire a season. Want to go up to Load D but can’t afford to do all 4 right now. I’m told I can mix Load C and D’s together as long as they’re on the SAME AXLE. That way I only need to buy 2 Load D’s until I can get the other 2. True?

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Nick S.

8/25/2025

@BillW Ideally yes you want to replace all 4, however in your situation 2 on one axle will be fine for the time being. If you were to use 2 different load range tires for a longer period of time it can cause uneven ware on the tires and potential blowouts. Specifically on the lower rated tire. Since you are wanting to go with all 4 anyway, a temporary fitment of the 2 will be fine to do.

Reply

Bill W.

8/25/2025

Hey Nick; Thanks so much for the info. You were the deciding vote, although my checking account won’t like it. I’m hearing from everyone that its best to just bite the bullet and buy 4 Load D tires. Ordered 4!Load D tires this morning. Appreciate your time!

Reply

Nick S.

8/25/2025

@BillW I just replaced mine on my own trailer just last week. Still biting the bullet on that one so I understand that! I think in the long run you are going to appreciate doing all 4 at once. You'll have to let me know how they are when you get them.

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Answer 1

Hey Eric, It's pretty normal to go up a load range if you're feeling like the trailer is being overloaded since tire wear and capacity go hand in hand. It's ok to have some extra capacity when it comes to the wheels, however, going with…

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Answer 2

Our trailer wheel and tire combos come from the manufacturer mounted. As trailer tires do not require balancing most manufacturers will not balance their tire packages like the Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod…

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Answer 3

Hey Justin, you can definitely go to a Load Range D tire in place of a C and the only real "down side" is that you would have to put more pair pressure in the tire. It will give you more weight capacity if ever needed without any real draw…

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Answer 4

I strongly recommend going with a wheel that has a galvanized finish as opposed to just a silver powder coat for the best protection against corrosion. Even if you are going to only use it on a lake - as opposed to salt water - the Steel Mini Mod…

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Answer 5

Hey Eileen, I looked through your order notes and it looks like you got from us the part #AM31985 which is the size 175/80-13 on a 5 lug wheel. In that size we have a Load Range D with the part #AM3S333 which has a weight capacity of 1,725 lb per…

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Answer 6

There isn't really a specific way that the 2-Piece Polypropylene Trailer Vent #HMAV2-AVT2 has to be mounted. You could mount it like in the pictures or in any other orientation. It's just that with the openings pointed down it is much less…

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Answer 7

Since you have Dexter 3,500 lb axles you'd just need to replace the hubs with hub/drums that have a standard trailer wheel bolt pattern like with the part #84546UC3 and you'd be able to fit basically any trailer wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch…

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Answer 8

I went and pulled a Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel #AM32424 from our warehouse to determine the weight capacities and found that on the sidewall it was stamped Load Range D with a 2,150 lb capacity at 65…

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Answer 9

They are made in China. Dexstars are made in USA if that's what you are looking for.

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Answer 10

Increasing the load capacity from load range C to D will not necessarily prevent blow outs. Blow outs can result from any number of factors including under inflation and how long the trailer has sat, flattening the tires. 65 psi is standard and your…

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Answer 11

Thanks for being a customer! As for your question, even though your tires are the same size, ST205/75R14, using one with a load range of C such as #AM10234 and one with a load range of D such as #AM10235 that have different psi ratings means that the…

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Answer 12

In order to choose the correct replacement hubs for a trailer you'll need to know the axle capacity. The make and model of the trailer is usually irreverent as we don't have any way to look up part numbers from this. The axle capacity can be…

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Can a Load Range C Tire Be Replaced with a Load Range D Tire

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