Are Mobile Home Tires Rated for Highway Use
Updated 04/23/2021 | Published 04/16/2021
Question:
I have purchased a 9 ton equipment trailer that needs new wheels and tires. It currently has 14.5x7 mobile home wheels and tires. Is this size made for highway use? The trailer has Dexter axles with electric brakes.
asked by: Russell G
Expert Reply:
It's not so much the size of the tire as it is the speed rating on the tire. A good example that's similar to your 14.5 x 7 tires are the Kenda # AM10327 which have a M speed rating, so you'll be limited to 81mph during highway travel. You would want to look at the specs on your tire to see what the speed rating is to determine their highway suitability.
With that said, the biggest issue with mobile home parts is that they're only designed for 1 time use, so your tires are not designed for extended use. Because of this and the limited options for hubs, wheels and tires your best bet is likely going to be to replace the axle with one that is designed for long term use. If you can provide information like the distance from hub face to hub face and spring seat center to spring seat center, that would allow us to see if there are stock axle options or if a special order is required.
