Replacement Tire Recommendation for Trailer with ST175/80R13 Tires that are Failing

Published 07/05/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2507)

$153.28

Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(1113)

$102.57

Question:

I have an EZ Loader trailer Model: 2-TEZR 17-20/22 4000 13inch H1X 3500 The trailer has a torsion suspension, and the stock tires are ST 175/80R13 LRC.Max load 1360 @ 50psi The boat fully loaded with fuel and cooler weighs about 3300lbs. I experienced tire failure during my last 2 outings, and I am considering going to a Load Range D tire as I travel the Interstate at high speed, and I am trying to avoid the tire failure, as it is always very inconvenient. I am concerned about the trailer suspension bounce if I go to a D rated tire, as the tire wants to be inflated at 65psi, which is considerably greater than the C rated at 50 psi. I have heard that a 2 axle trailer should have tire pressure reduced 10 percent. I know under inflated tires generate heat and fail. I see tires rated for greater speed, but still a C load rating. Would that be a better choice? HELP!

asked by: Andrew K

Helpful Expert Reply:

You always want to have your trailer tires inflated to their max PSI rating. There is no exception for this for tandem axle trailers.

Typically trailer tires fail due to excessive heat created by overloading, exceeding the speed rating (typically 65 mph), or under-inflation.

The most likely situation is that you are exceeding the speed rating and that is causing the failure since you are above the weight rating for 4 Load Range C tires. So I would recommend the Taskmaster Tire part # TTWTRTM1758013C as it has an 81 mph speed rating.

expert reply by: Jameson C