Can 16.5 Inch Trailer Wheels and Tires be Replaced with 16 Inch Trailer Wheels and Tires

Updated 03/22/2016 | Published 03/20/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" White Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - Load Range E

(1556)

$281.70

Provider ST235/85R16 Radial Tire w/ 16" Vesper White Mod Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - Load Range G

(501)

$380.55

Question:

I have a 16.5x6.75 8 on 6.5 bolt pattern dialysis wheels on a 24000 lbs equipment trailer and was wondering if i could convert it to a 16 in wheel and how would one go about doing that?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

You can go from a 16.5 to 16 inch trailer tire and wheel provided that the tire and wheel combos you go with have the capacity for the trailer. The highest capacity 16 inch combo that we have is going to be # TA76FR rated for 4,400 pounds at 110 psi. The trailer would have to have 3 axles for a total of 6 tires at 4,080 pounds capacity each to reach the capacity of your trailer.

Since the 16 inch wheels are smaller than the 16.5 inch you can go to the smaller size provided the capacity is high enough and the bolt pattern is the same. If it isn't then I recommend sticking with the 16.5 inch size.

expert reply by: Michael H