Can a Trailer Use Wheels that Have Different Weight Capacities

Published 06/24/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 8 on 6-1/2 - Silver Powder Coat

(3014)

$81.20

Dexstar Silver Modular Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 8 on 6-1/2

(3014)

$70.78

Question:

I have 2 Dexstar wheels part #20794 and 2 Dexstar wheels part #20760. The #20794 wheels are rated at 3960 Lbs. and the #20760 wheels are rated at 3750 lbs. I want to replace the tires on my tandem axle 22 foot utility trailer that has 2 axles rated at 7000 lbs. each. The new tires I am putting on my trailer are ST 235/80 R16 tires rated at 3520 lbs. each. Can I use the two sets of wheels on my trailer even though the two sets have different weight ratings? Also, if I can use the two sets of wheels, will doing so shorten the life of my tires more than if I used four wheels that had the same weight rating?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

As long as the wheels are all rated for the weight of your trailer you would have no problem using the # AM20794 and # AM20760. Them having different weight capacities isn't a problem in it of itself, but if the combined weight capacities of all the wheels wasn't enough for the weight of your trailer that would be where the problem is.

Both the wheels would have enough capacity to be used on a 7k axle so you would be fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C