How to Select Trailer Tires with Correct Load Range Rating for Trailer Gross Weight

Question

Question:

Hi, I understand that trailer tires have designated load ranges. What I do fully understand it exactly what that load range means. For example if a trailer tire has a 1300 lb load range capacity, does that mean if you had a trailer with 4 tires two axles the maximum weight of the trailer should not exceed 5200 lbs? 4 x 1300= 5200? In other words, If I had a trailer that has a gross loaded weight of 4000 lbs, each of the 4 tires would have to be load rated for at least 1000 lbs or more? Thank you.

asked by: James L

0

Expert Reply:

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety margin. A tire's rated Load Range means the maximum weight load it can handle (when installed on a suitably-rated wheel) at its full rated PSI pressure.

Trailer tires must always be fully-inflated to their maximum rated pressure as noted on their sidewall. Only when fully-inflated to that maximum psi pressure can a trailer tire deliver its rated weight carrying capacity.

The wheel/tire you referenced, Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire/Wheel # AM30660, combines a steel wheel rated for 1250-lbs with a Load Range C tire that itself is rated for 990-lbs at 90-psi. Since the tire is rated lower than the wheel, the lower rating determines the overall capacity of this item, 990-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

David M.

9/7/2020

Ok, I just ordered a 5 ton Hudson trailer. (12,000 GVWR; trailer 2k, max load 10k) It comes with four ST 225/75 R15 8-PR tires. D rating = 1220 lbs. per another eTrailer web page. In the context of the above my trailer and load cannot exceed 4880 lbs.?!!? Seriously?? 1220*4=4880 lbs. allowable GVWR because of tire rating. Trailer weighs 2000 lbs. Means the largest weight I can haul is 2880 lbs??!? That can’t be right!

David M.

9/7/2020

I found a second eTrailer page that has a chart which states the tires on my trailer will support D rating of 2,540 lbs at 65 psi. So that’s makes me feel much better but 2540*4=10,160 still doesn’t support the 12,000 GVWR of the trailer. Is there some kind of demand factor used? I find it hard to believe a company like Hudson Brothers would install underrated tires on their trailers. What’s up?

Jon G.

9/10/2020

@DavidM Make sure that you are checking the weight rating of the exact tires on your trailer as that can vary some between tire manufacturers. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is the tongue weight of the trailer to look at since this load will be directly placed on the vehicle. Your best bet is to look at the weight rating of your axles and make sure that your tires are rated for at least that much. In all honesty it wouldn't be the first time we've heard of a trailer company saying one rating and then putting equipment on that doesn't quite add up. That's a question you'll have to ask your trailer manufacturer though just to be on the safe side of things.

Jon G.

9/10/2020

@DavidM Make sure that you are checking the weight rating of the exact tires on your trailer as that can vary some between tire manufacturers. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is the tongue weight of the trailer to look at since this load will be directly placed on the vehicle. Your best bet is to look at the weight rating of your axles and make sure that your tires are rated for at least that much. In all honesty it wouldn't be the first time we've heard of a trailer company saying one rating and then putting equipment on that doesn't quite add up. That's a question you'll have to ask your trailer manufacturer though just to be on the safe side of things.

David M.

9/10/2020

@JonG No D rated tire I can find adds up, so I'm betting there is some demand calculation they use. I find it difficult to believe Hudson Trailer company puts inadequate tires on their trailers. I'm definitely going to check with them though. I asked the dealer about this and they just said "don't worry, it will be ok". LOL Interestingly, even if using E rated tires I can find none that have a 3000+ rating which is what it would take (4, 3000# rated tires) to support a max trailer GVWR of 12,000#. Thanks for the followup Jon!

Answer 1

The 2x2 inch square axle is likely 3,500 lbs or less capacity. I would need more spindle dimensions or bearing numbers to assist. If you pull a hub and measure at the spindle where the bearings and seal ride using the digital caliper like #PTW80157 I…

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Answer 2

Hello Jason, thanks for reaching out. Yes, the Kenda Karrier KR53 ST205/75R15 tire with 15" black aluminum wheel #KE58JV does come balanced from the factory. Trailer tire and wheel assemblies are balanced by matching the tire’s high and low…

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Answer 3

Yes, as long as your 3,500 lb. Dexter TorFlex axles have a brake mount flange. A set of Kodiak brakes such as the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit part #K2R35S for idler hubs or part #K2HR35D for without idler hubs, will work well for you. If you do not have a…

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Answer 4

Hey George. Kenda trailer tires like item #KE36JV, like most trailer tires, are primarily made in Asian countries like Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. There are markings on each tire indicating which facility they were manufactured at but to…

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Answer 5

Yes, the temperatures you mentioned are normal. If you were getting over 200 degrees that would be a bad sign. But typically if all of the hubs are the same temperature you're good and it's only really an issue if one of the hubs is hotter…

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Answer 6

The size 400/480 and 4.00/4.80are the same tire size. The 400/4.00 designation referrers to an older tire size that is no longer available and the 480/4.80 size will replace the older model sized. Therefore, a tire like the Kenda Bias Trailer Tire,…

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Answer 7

We definitely have options to upgrade your current wheels. You will want to make sure you have at least 3 inches of clearance from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender, but if you have the ability to modify the fender, this should not be…

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Answer 8

Hi Doug, The Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles #AKIHUB-440-2-EZ-1K uses a lithium complex grease so in this case the #L11390 would be compatible because they both share the same base. As long as the bases of the grease are the same…

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Answer 9

From the research that I have done it looks like the specs for each tire is the same. The Kenda Karrier ST225/75R15 #AM10303 is a 10 ply tire with a Load Range of E (2,830 lbs at 80 psi) that can fit 15" x 6", 15" x 6-1/2", and…

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Answer 10

We do carry an 8 ply 175/80 R13 size trailer tire but unfortunately not 10 ply. The one we have is part #AM10210 that has a maxium weight capacity of 1,610 pounds when inflated to 65 psi. It also has a speed rating up to 81 mph. I've linked a…

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Answer 11

I definitely understand how safety chain capacities and determining exactly what chain rating you need for your trailer can be a bit confusing. To keep it as simple as possible, safety chain requirements state that the breaking strength of EACH…

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Answer 12

A TPR roller like the #YR500YW-6P is going to be better than PVC. PVC is a cheaper product. TPR has the properties and performance of both PVC and rubber while having a higher tensile strength so it is going to be the most durable. I don't have a…

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How to Select Trailer Tires with Correct Load Range Rating for Trailer Gross Weight

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