Benefits of Changing Trailer Tires to Higher Load Range

Updated 11/01/2025 | Published 04/18/2017

Question:

Hello, I need replacement tires for my snowmobile trailer. It has the Kenda Load rite original tires that have performed perfectly since new. Is there any advantage or disadvantage in going from the stock Load range C tires to a D? The axle is rated for 2,200 LBS, so Cs are fine, but are more plys going to give me a tire less susceptible to punctures/ damage. These are what I am looking at in the C load range: Item # AM3H390. Second question, which holds up better to road salt, the galvanized or the painted wheels? I dont want the galvanizing to flake off or cause bead leaks. Thanks for your time!

asked by: Nathan P

Expert Reply:

In your situation changing to a higher load range tire will not affect the odds of a puncture (since the ply rating does not actually refer to layers of material in the tire but rather its strength). Moving to a higher load range DOES offer the advantage of having those higher-rated tires running a bit cooler.

Any trailer tire's worst enemy is heat. Excess heat can be prevented by observing the tires' rated weight capacity, speed rating (65-mph unless stated otherwise) and psi pressure. Failure to observe any of these factors means higher operating temperatures. Using a tire that can handle more weight than you are actually putting on it means it will tend to run cooler and cooler tires last longer. There really is no down-side to using a higher-load-range tire.

In terms of resistance to corrosion from road salt the better option between a galvanized or powder-coated wheel is, by a slight margin, the powder-coated type. However, there is not a huge difference in corrosion resistance. Part # AM3H390 is a great option.

expert reply by: Adam R

Mitch W.

11/1/2025

In my experience with boat trailers used in salt water and a fleet of commercial trailers used on salted roads: galvanized wheels are superior to powder coated wheels with respect to corrosion resistance. Powder coating will eventually get a chip or a crack that allows corrosion to start below the coating and spread, resulting in a large section of the coating falling off at some point. Galvanized will get a little rust on the chip eventually, but the entire wheel takes decades to rot out. Aluminum wheels are superior for salt environments, but they will pit and look poor after a couple years. If rinsed with fresh water after each use they look good for much longer, and the rinse will help the frame/axles/brakes too. I try to rinse my boat trailer in a fresh water pond after each salt water dunk. My last trailer was still in decent shape when I sold it with the boat after 22 years, still wearing the original galvanized wheels.