Trailer Tires Keep Blowing Out on a 2013 Jayco Seismic 3812 19K 5th Wheel Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

You most likely have 16 inch tires since 18 is not common trailer tire size. There are 2 different possible 16 inch tires that you could have, 235/80-16 or 235/85-16. the 235/80 tires max out at 3,500 pounds. On a tri-axle trailer that would be a total of 21,000 pounds.

The 235/85 tires max out at 3,960 pounds for a total of 23,760 pounds on a tri-axle trailer. Now going with a higher capacity tire could help but that might not be the problem.

Trailer tires should also be filled to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. This is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall compared to vehicle tires to handle more vertical load. If under inflated that thicker sidewall will generate excessive heat, the number 1 enemy of tires, and lead to failure.

Going beyond the tire's speed rating will also generate excessive heat. So above all else avoid excessive heat by inflating the tires to the max psi and staying within the speed rating.

If you want to go to a 235/85-16 tire we have load range F # AM10501 rated for 3,960 pounds at 110 psi. It is a radial tire which will run cooler compared to bias ply tires. But the only catch is that if the trailer uses 235/80 tires now, the 235/85 will be a little taller, by 0.7 inches. This means you need more than 0.35 inches of space above the existing tires to use the large size.

With tire # AM10501 inflated to 110 psi and staying within the 65 mile per hour speed rating you should be good to go. Please note that although the tires combined are rated for 23,760 pounds, the gross trailer weight of 19,000 pounds remains the same so you won't be able to carry more weight.

expert reply by: Michael H

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