Are Trailer Tires Better for a Trailer than Light Truck Tires
Updated 07/18/2024 | Published 07/19/2013
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Question:
I have a forty foot trailer I pull with a F350 dually and have been running LT tires on it. I haul round bales of hay with this trailer and it is the norm for it to weigh in around 19,400 lbs loaded, I have been having problems with tires coming apart and the folks I have been buying the tires from always find a reason not to stand behind them I had asked many times if there were trailer tires offered instead of Light truck and was told I was buying the best tire I could for what I use the trailer now I find out that there are trailer tires in the size I use so my question is are they a better tires than the LT and what are the differences? I would also like you to explain why a tire is rated for less weight when used as dual than when used alone. The tire size I use is 235-85-16 E rated
asked by: Larry D
Expert Reply:
Light truck tires (LT) are sometimes used in RV applications but generally not on utility trailers. Light truck tires are a type of passenger vehicle tire and as such they are not built with as thick of a sidewall as trailer tires. A thicker sidewall allows a trailer tire to handle more vertical load. I recommend going with ST trailer tires. The ST stands for special trailer.
A trailer tire can fail for several reasons. Overloading a tire can cause it to fail. You are towing a lot of weight and if the tires are not rated high enough that would be the issue. Other common problems with tires is heat build-up which is the number 1 enemy of a tire. Because trailer tires have a thicker sidewall they can build up more heat when under inflated. That is why trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire.
For a trailer tire in size ST235/85-16 I recommend # AM10501 which is a load range F rated for 3,960 pounds at 110 psi. In a dually application the capacity is reduced because the additional tires on the axle help to even out the capacity because more of them are used. The weight is also distributed differently.
Also, the trailer tires we carry, unless otherwise indicated, have a 65 mile per hour speed rating. Faster speeds can build up more heat faster and can lead to premature wear and failure.
Dale W.
5/13/2020
Looking for 15 inch wheels and tires my fifth wheel with a 5 lug bolt pattern. Can you help
Chris R.
5/15/2020
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Chris R.
5/18/2020
Russell S.
6/21/2020
What would be a affordable tire sold by you for a 5 x 10 utility trailer for round trip from Memphis,Tn to California and back. I don't know trailer weight (mesh Floor with Ramp) but it will be hauling a 950 LB motorcycle....Thanks
Chris R.
6/29/2020
Keith
7/18/2024
Michael Is this not a ploy by tire companies? As long as your load ads up to more than your axle capacity how is it different? Truck tires are built to be under load all the time, a smaller utility trailer is safer with LT tires. Every blown trailer tire I’ve ever seen or heard about is an ST. You never hear about blown LT tires blowing. Many boat trailers come from the factory with LT tires. It’s confusing to me how ST tires that have cheaper construction methods and far more cheap imitations are considered safer than LT tires. There are 100’s of people online that say they had problems with ST tires blowing and have Used LT since without issue. I’m not referring to low boy or high weight trailers.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
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Tom M.
4/3/2020
I have a custom 1989 22 ft Airstream. Weight is 4500#s. Made from a 1973 31 ft. Has dual axle and tires are Kendra M S 235/75-15 tires, tread is 4 ply, side is 2 ply.Those were put on when on a trip, all the dealer had at the time. I have been thinking about changing out to new tires, but would like trailer tire with higher sidewall rating and if possible 1” white walls. Also, would LT truck tires work?