What is the Difference Between 235/80-16 and 235/85-16 Trailer Tires

Question

Question:

Is there much difference between 275-80-16 and 275-85-16 that could cause fit issue on my fifth wheel having tandem axels its a 2008 Montana 38.5. Thank you

asked by: Walter H

0

Expert Reply:

Do you by any chance mean 235/80-16 and 235/85-16? Because there isn't a 275 trailer tire size that I have seen. If so then the widths are the same between the two 235 sizes. The difference is overall diameter. The 235/80-16 is 30.9 inches in diameter. The 235/85-16 is 31.7 inches in diameter.

A difference of 0.8 inches but only half of that, 0.4 inches, applies to above the tire. It is unlikely that 0.4 inches will cause a fit issue but you can check to make sure there is space enough above the existing tires for the larger size.

Capacities are different too. The 235/80-16 top out at 3,500 pounds for a load range E whereas the 235/85-16 top out at 3,960 pounds for a load range F. I have included a link to all of the 235/85-16 tires that we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Bryant P.

5/13/2020

What if my trailer has one of each on one side? Is that an issue? Will the suspension make up for it?

Reply

Chris R.

5/16/2020

If you absolutely HAVE to keep these tires on (until you're able to get new ones) I suppose the orientation you described would be the best setup. However, I do still highly recommend that you change two of the tires out as soon as possible so that all 4 are the same size. The longer you keep your existing tires on the higher the chance of problems coming up (tire failure, suspension issues, etc).

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_tires_and_wheels-gw-235%7c85~16.aspx

Reply

Frank S.

9/25/2021

@ChrisR I have a kaufman triple axle car trailer that has 235 80's on.2 tires are shot so I ordered 2 new ones off the internet and ended up receiving 235 85's if I put them on the front axle am I going to run into suspension issues? Probably just run them for a few weeks til I can get it straightened out

Reply

Les D.

10/20/2021

@FrankS I would not run different size tires on a trailer. In your case, one pair of wheels is 1 inch taller than the others. First, will your new pair fit in the wheel wells and next to the other tires? Second, these taller tire are going to be forced to support more of the trailer weight and wear faster. Third, although very little, the taller tires may create a teeter totter effect that could potentially add to sway issues and porpoising.

Reply

Eric D.

7/6/2020

How much height would I expect to gain on my trailer if I went from 235/80-R16 and upgraded to 235/85-R16?

Reply

Chris R.

7/9/2020

The 235/85R16 tire is just about 1" taller in diameter than your existing 235/80R16 tires, but only half of this difference will actually affect the trailer height (since the other half is above the axle). This means the new tires will only raise the trailer about a 1/2" at most.

Reply

Marshall D.

4/13/2024

Can I use a 16 85 trailer tire for a steering tire

Reply

Jerred H.

5/12/2024

@MarshallD So long as it is on a trailer then yes.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Robert, our trailer wheel and tire combos like the Strider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" Revolver Black Mod Wheel #TA27AR are not balanced as generally people don't balance trailer wheels. The weights don't stay on trailer…

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Answer 2

Hey Dusty, your 16 inch trailer wheels definitely have the PSI rating for a Load Range G tire in your size of 235/85-16 like the part #LHWL410 that we offer. In almost all situations the limiting factor will be the valve stem and not the wheel and it…

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Answer 3

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 4

Not sure about the one in your picture because we do not carry it or anything like it but the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers item #DE66AR will work with the Hand Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder item #PTW87030. This allows you…

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Answer 5

If there is a tiny bit of play in suspension components that are designed to move you would be fine. 1/16 of an inch isn't very much, and as long as you torqued everything down to spec you would be good to go. Ideally we just don't want it…

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Answer 6

Hey Austin, for trailer wheels like what we carry the vast majority of them have a zero offset. Most of the time this is listed in the descriptions but if it's not then it would be safe to assume it's zero. If it's not zero though it will…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

The largest wheel and tire combo we offer that has a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern and a pilot diameter of 2.5 inch is the Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel #AM3H410 which has an overall diameter of 20.6 inches.

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Answer 9

We have two options for trailer wheel center caps that fit pilot holes with a diameter of just over 5 inches, which I'll list for you: - 5.12" Pilot Diameter: Americana Trailer Wheel Center Cap - 5.12" - Chrome #AM90083 - 5.15"…

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Answer 10

Yes, for a 5-1/8" or 5.12" diameter chrome wheel center cap we have the Americana Trailer Wheel Center Cap part #AM90083 which is actually the only center cap we have in this size at this time. If you have EZ lube axles then you can simply…

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Answer 11

Its difficult to say what the issue is with your installation of trailer leaf springs with Redline U-Bolt Plate #115983. If old and new parts are mixed there can be fit issues since old, worn parts may not have the same exact dimensions as they did…

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Answer 12

There are wheels made here in the USA but to get the right one I'd need to know your wheel bolt pattern and the wheel diameter you need. If you are unsure of what your wheel bolt pattern is or how to find it, I've added a link to a help…

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What is the Difference Between 235/80-16 and 235/85-16 Trailer Tires

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