Tire Load Range Recommendations For Gooseneck Horse Trailer
Question:
I have a 28’ on the ground gooseneck horse trailer that carries two horses and has a living quarters. Trailer specifies a 235/75/16 on the tag. There are currently Goodyear 235/80/16 on the trailer. I haul a lot of distances for rides, NC to Montana this spring. Do I need a 10, 12, or 14 ply tire? Speed limits out west are 80 mph. We carry everything and the house with us, so I don’t want to overweight the tires.
asked by: Shelly
Expert Reply:
Taking everything you've shared into concern, I have a solution for you.
While it is technically possible for you to use 12-ply or 14-ply tires on your 28' horse trailer, my best recommendation is to go with the Taskmaster Premium Contender ST235/80R16 # 7PTC23516E Load Range E tire. These tires have a 10-ply rating and support a 3,520 lbs maximum load at 80 PSI, with a speed rating of M- 81 MPH. I would suggest traveling 70-75 mph on these.
These tires will have similar specs to both the ones you currently have, as well as the OEM 235/75R16 tires that came with your trailer, so there's no compromise being made in terms of their ability to shoulder your trailer's load. They're rated to perform better at higher speeds than the other 16" tires we offer in 12-ply or 14-ply ratings, and can be run at lower pressures, which affects overall ride quality for both you and your horses.
It sounds like you have a lot of highway miles ahead of you. You'll find that these E-rated tires are a better choice for supporting your trailer's weight while simultaneously rolling smoothly at highway speeds.
