Can 230/80-16 Tires be Replaced with 235/85-16 Tires

Updated 04/04/2016 | Published 04/01/2016

Question:

Over the past 8 years I have had about 10 blowouts on GY Marathon tires and several other brands on all four tire locations on my trailer which is a 14,000 lb gvrw. Last time tires were 19 mos. old, two blowouts ten miles apart. Axle rating 6000 per. Two axle unit. Hitch 2060 lb rating. Tires being used now are ST235 80 R16 E load. My question is can I use an LT235 85 R 16 with a load rating of Finch or Ginch on the same rims that came on my unit. GY Marathons are good to max of 3420 per wheel. So far I have not received clear answer from tire retailers or concluded anything from online RV forums. Would appreciate any help you want to give. Thanks.

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

The tire size of 235/80-16 and 235/85-16 both fit the same size rims so yes you could technically fit either tire on your current rims.

The best recommendation I would make is the part # TTWPRG235R16 which is a ST235/85R16 that has a capacity of 4,400 lbs at 110 psi and a speed rating of 81 MPH. Most trailer tires are only rated at 65 MPH so that is one reason that could be causing your tires to fail.

Aside from that under-inflation and exceeding weight capacities are what cause tires to fail.

expert reply by: Jameson C