What Load Range Tires are Needed to Replace 7.00-15 LT Tires  

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Expert Reply:

When choosing replacement tires for any trailer you will need to make sure that they at least can handle the weight capacity of your axle(s) so that they are not the limiting factor.

The 7.00-15LT tires that you have on your 1987 Prowler Regal 5th wheel are light truck tires which you will not want to use on a trailer as they are meant to be used on a passenger vehicle and have a slightly different construction. The Kenda tires that I referenced are a Load Range E which is 2,403 lbs at 70 psi. You will need to make sure that your tires can handle the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your trailer as that is different than the dry weight.

Instead of using light truck tires I recommend using a trailer option instead. The Kenda # AM10303 has a size of ST225/75R15 and comes with the Load Range E (2,830 lbs at 80 psi) so it has a total weight capacity of 11,320 lbs when used on a tandem axle trailer. This wheel has a 28.4 inch diameter which is an inch less than the 29.4 diameter of the 7.00-15LT, but it has a section width of 8.9 inches which is about an inch wider than the 7.8 inch section width of the 7.00-15LT.

If your trailer can accommodate a tire that is about half an inch closer to the frame then I recommend going with the ST225/75R15 as it has a sidewall that is more stiff and will run a little more cool than the light truck option; this will help the tire last longer as overheating is one of the most common causes of blowouts. Overheating is a result of incorrect inflation, overloading the tires, and/or driving over the speed rating, which is 65 mph for both tires that have been mentioned.

expert reply by: Jon G

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