Recommendation for a Tire and Wheel to Replace an L78-15 Trailer Tire with 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern

Published 08/04/2010

Question:

I also see the aluminum wheel and tire combination, AM32404 . Will this work?

asked by: JERRY F

Expert Reply:

Your trailer tire, L78-15, is roughly equivalent to a 205/75-15 size tire which is 27.1 inches overall height and about 8 inches overall width.

The Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15 inch White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C, item # AM32395, is 27.3 inches tall and 8.1 inches wide and is a load range C tire designed to handle loads up to 1820 pounds at 50 psi. The 205-75-15 tires only come in load range B and C.

You will need to match the trailer tires load rating to the trailer weight capacity to determine the correct load range tire to use on your trailer. Using a higher rated tire is not unusual but using a tire that is not rated for enough weight capacity will heat up and wear out prematurely.

expert reply by: Robert G

Jerry F.

8/4/2010

I also see the aluminum wheel and tire combination, AM32404 . Will this work?

Bob G.

8/4/2010

Yes, the Loadstar ST205/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire with 15 inch Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D, item # AM32404, would be a good choice. There is another consideration when selecting aluminum wheels though. You will need to be sure that the wheel studs (see link) on the trailer hubs are long enough to for the lug nuts (see link) to securely hold the wheel. The rule of thumb is that the wheel stud should be twice the length of the lug nut you plan to use on the aluminum wheel.This will provide enough threads to securely attach the wheel to the hub. You will also need to remember to go back and re-torque the wheels, I use 90 ft lbs., after about 50 miles of towing the trailer, when installing aluminum wheels.