Trailer Tire Recommendation to Replace a 215/75R14

Published 06/06/2016

Question:

This is my 10th year of having my boat, and will be my third time to buy tires. I just blew one out yesterday. I am wondering if the issue is that I am right at the max load capacity of the tires. My boat is 2700 lbs Stingray 190 lx, plus a second battery, wakeboard tower, etc. With the trailer, gas, and gear I calculate to be right around 3500 lbs. My trailer is single axle with 215 75 R14 tires and wheels. The common R14 sizes are load C. In this size their max each is between 1750 and 1800 lbs X2 = 3500 - 3600. Seems I am running pretty close to the max. So my questions are: 1- Would I benefit from switching to Load D tires? Also, 2-would they fit? From what I am seeing on your website, to get a wheel and tire set, the common Load D sizes with my 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern are on 15 inch rims. Thus, I am thinking of upgrading to a R15 load D. For example I see both Kenda Karrier and Provider options, both 205 and 225 75/R15. With my current tire and wheel, I measure 1.5 inches of clearance between the tire and the fender. Any help in answering if they would wear better because of the excess load capacity and if they would fit on my trailer is appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Richard I

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typically what causes trailer tires to fail is exceeding the tire speed rating, weight rating, or improper inflation. Most trailer tires are limited to only 65 miles per hour so that's pretty easy for a lot of people to exceed and trailer tires need to always be inflated to their max psi to ensure you get the full capacity.

The best solution I can provide for you tire size of ST215/75R14 is going to be the part # TTWTRTM2157514D which is a Load Range D tire that has a capacity of 2,200 lbs at 65 psi and also has a speed rating of 81 mph.

I attached a review video for this tire for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C