Recommended Tire Size and Load Range for a Dutchman Voltage 20K Toy Hauler with 235/80R16 LR E Tires

Updated 06/01/2016 | Published 05/30/2016

Question:

I have a fifth wheel that is 20K GVWR. Currently the trailer tires are 235 80 r 16 load range E tires Westlake and I do not feel comfortable with them, they seem very flimsy. I had a blowout on one and am considering upgrading all 7 six and spare My question is, The fifth wheel is a 44foot toyhauler with triple axles. Would I benefit from going to a load range F tire? And, with a triple axle, currently I get a lot of crabbing when I am executing tight turns. Would a heavier load range be harder with scrubbing? We do a lot of dry camping so I am typically at max weight with water and toys. Lastly, I am not sure if there I can go one tire size taller safely, but with my truck height, a little taller would level it out a little more. Thank you in advance in helping with my questions.

asked by: Bob H

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can help explain the difference in Load Range E to F for your Toy Hauler.

You would benefit going from Load Range E to a Load Range F like the Kenda # AM10501, you were looking at. The overall capacity would increase from 21,120lbs to 23,760lbs, the maximum psi would increase from 80psi to 95psi which would cause the tire to sit off the ground and more onto the tread which is the part of the tire you want to be making contact with the pavement. They will also have a higher ply rating which indicates they are stronger, 10 on your current and 12 on the Kenda. The information that I found about your current tire indicates that its diameter is 30.8 inches while the outer diameter while inflated on the # AM10501 is 31.6 inches; a difference of .8 inches.

Scrubbing is just the nature of a triple axle trailer, which is why many people prefer the double over the triple. The one axle does the pivoting and the others may scrub as they fall in line. Simply increasing the Load Range will not improve this, but the higher psi of the tire inflation may slightly help reduce the amount of tire that is drug.

Generally speaking you will want to have 4-1/2 inches from the top of your tire to the wheel well of your trailer to accommodate for suspension travel. Having a little more wouldn't hurt, but I wouldn't recommend any less than 3 inches. If this won't work with the taller Load Range F tire, then you will want to make sure your Load Range E are inflated to their max psi in order for the tire to have it's full capacity. With less air pressure the capacity will decrease. Also, when under inflated a trailer tire will build up excessive heat and that can lead to tire failure. At the maximum air pressure, the tires will perform and wear best, and get the best gas mileage.

I have linked the above mentioned tire to this page for your convenience.

Thanks for sharing your picture, looks like great adventures to be had there!