How to Choose Replacement Special Trailer Tires for 2004 Bass Tracker 185 Boat Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

The primary things to consider when selecting replacement trailer tires are the total weight load they must carry and the type of driving you'll be doing, say either off-road travel deep in the woods or mostly on the interstate at or near the speed limit.

These questions will help you determine which tire weight Load Range you need and whether a bias or radial tire will be better. Radials are superior for higher-speed highway travel since they flex more and run cooler; but a bias tire handles rough roads better since it has a stiffer sidewall. You can refer to the linked articles for more helpful tire information.

Take the total GVWR of your trailer, which is the most it can weigh when loaded up with your boat, motor and gear, and divide this by the number of tires on the trailer, two in your case. You want to choose a tire (in your preferred type) with a weight Load Range that provides some safety margin above the actual weight carrying requirement. For example, let's say your fully-loaded trailer weighs 3000-lbs. This means each tire has to handle 1500-lbs.

We do not have any special trailer tires in your stated size 170/70-13 but we do have several sizes for a 13-inch wheel, 175/80-13 and 185/80-13. These are shown on the linked page.

The highest weight capacity for these tire sizes is a Load Range D tire, such as bias tire # AM1ST77 and radial tire # AM10210. Both tires can handle up to 1610-lbs at their rated pressure of 65-psi. The radial has a speed rating M, meaning good up to 81-mph.

Always be sure to keep your tires at their maximum psi pressure as noted on the tire sidewall; run them within their weight rating and within their speed rating.

expert reply by: Adam R

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