Can I Use the Spare Tire From my Tow Vehicle as a Spare on my Trailer

Published 01/06/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" Black Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR E

(2775)

$300.56

Tamarack ST235/80R16 Trailer Tire with Silver Mod Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - Bead Balanced

(315)

$257.39

Provider ST235/80R16 Trailer Tire with Silver Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2

(1126)

$301.49

Question:

I am building off road trailer. My tow vehicles tire size is 265 70 16r and I do not want to carry another spair tire for trailer. The calculator shows only 0.6 difference in hight between 235 80 16r and 265 70 16r. So my question is Is 265 70 16r good for spair tire for 235 80 16r? And for off road trailer should I use 235 80 16r or 265 70 16r? I am using timbren ASR1THDS02 so back space is not a issue even. Thanks

asked by: Haruhiko Y

Expert Reply:

You can interchange those tires in an emergency, like if you are off road somewhere and you have a tire on your trailer blow. But you don't want to have two different tire sizes on your trailer for very long. I would only leave it on there long enough to get back to a safe location. You don't want to do any long-distance driving with that setup.

When it comes to which of those tires is better for your trailer, I recommend keeping the 235/80/16R size on your trailer. Trailer tires usually have the letters ST, which stands for Special Trailer, in front of the tire size, for example: ST235/80/16R. Trailer tires are made differently than tires that are made for a vehicle. They have stronger sidewalls to help support the extra weight, as opposed to to tires for your vehicle that have a little bit of flexibility in the sidewall to help provide a smooth ride.

You also want to make sure that you have your trailer tires inflated to their maximum psi at all times, especially in the colder weather. If your tire pressure goes down, it can affect the weight capacity of your trailer tire.

If you are needing to purchase some tires and wheels that are 235/80R16, I have a few recommendations for you. The Provider # TA59VR tire and wheel combination will fit on a hub that has a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern and has a steel powder coat wheel which will resist rust better than a steel wheel. We also have the Castle Rock # LHACK133. which fits an 8 on 6-1/2 inch bolt pattern and it also features an aluminum wheel.

I have attached some help articles that provide some more insight on tires.

expert reply by: Jon G