Recommended Tires for 12,000 Pound Trailer on 15 Inch Rims

Updated 07/07/2017 | Published 07/06/2017

Question:

Hi, Loaded our 5th wheel is about 12,000 pound. The manufacturer put 15 inch wheels on it and I am having a hard time finding a 15 inch tire that can handle that much weight. Do you know of one? Also, if I get bigger wheels put on to get a tire with can handle the greater weight, will that screw up my auto leveling jacks or will I just have to put blocks down adjust for the added height? Thanks

asked by: John P

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'm assuming you have a tandem axle trailer and therefore 4 wheels.

The highest rated tires we carry for 15 inch rims is load range E with a capacity of 2,830 pounds. Multiplied by 4 that's 11,320 pounds which is a good amount for your 12,000 pound trailer. Keep in mind not all of the trailer's weight is on the axles and wheels. Approximately 20 percent is on the hitch and therefore riding on the rear axle of your truck. It's actually pretty normal for a trailer's tires to be rated lower than the total weight of the loaded trailer.

I recommend sticking with the 15 inch tires. The load range E tires we carry are 225/75-15 like the Provider # TR225LRE.

If you do decide to increase tire size you'll likely need to replace your hubs because the bolt pattern will be 6 on 5-1/2 with 16 inch rims. You also need to make sure you have clearance for the larger size. However, it won't have any impact on your leveling system except it'll need to reach further. Like you said, blocks will solve that issue.

expert reply by: Charles S