Tires to Replace 18.5x8.5-8 Tires on a 1971 Apache Mesa Trailer

Updated 08/01/2020 | Published 05/03/2016

Question:

The tires are dry rotted. Looking to buy new rims and tires.The tires size is 18.5x8.5-8 and rim is 4on4 .The trailer weights 1500lbs would these tires work and are they highs peed tires 215/60-8 .thanks

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 18.5x8.5-8 is actually an old tire size that is not used much anymore. The closest metric size to your existing tire would be 215/60-8, which is what I would recommend for your vintage Apache trailer.

Tire and wheel combo # AM3H290 is a great choice. It is rated for 935 pounds at 50 psi. This tire and all of the 8 inch tires that we carry are rated for 65 miles per hour. So it may or may not be considered a high-speed tire but definitely highway speed. I have linked a video review of this tire and wheel combo for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

Chris

7/26/2020

So I have 205/65-10 on my 71 Apache Mesa camper. How similar are they to the 215/60-8?

Chris R.

8/1/2020

That would be a pretty significant change. The 215/60-8 tire will be 2+ inches smaller in diameter and would force you change out the rims to 8" units as well. Is there a particular reason you want to go to the smaller size? We do have a nice selection of 205/65-10 tires available (linked below) that you could use as a direct size replacement.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_tires_and_wheels-gw-205%7c65~10.aspx