Do I Use Ply Rating or Load Range to Find the Correct Trailer Tires for my E-Z Toy Hauler

Updated 01/29/2018 | Published 01/27/2018

Question:

I have a KZ inferno toy hauler it is 43foot and 20,000 lbs loaded. I am in need of 1 tire Nail but thinking that it could be time for new shoes all the way around. So here is my question. Everyone tells me that for my camper and its weight I should be runnning 14 ply tires. My current are Tow Max 235/80R-16. I have read that the 14 ply all steel tires will 1 tow with less resistance Better mileage and will sustain more abuse from road hazzards. I was told at a campgrounds by a guy that spun a good tail that. Man the untold truth is if you want to go up to 110 PSI tires you just need to get rid of those Rubber valve stems and go to all steel ones.inch Now I think that sounds like it is too good to be true. And a good campground mechanic with a beer in his hand is hard not to trust. What say you?

asked by: Raymond

Expert Reply:

The ply rating of a tire is no longer used to determine its weight capacity. As tire manufacturing technology has advanced through time, manufactures have been able to use less plies and still maintain the same weight capacity. Therefore, the industry standard for trailer tires in regards to weight capacity is now referred to as "Load Range". The alphabetic load range rating of a trailer tire refers to how much weight one tire can safely withstand.

The highest weight capacity we have for a 235/80-16 trailer tire is a Load Range E. The Westlake ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire part # LHWL401 has a maximum load of 3,520 lbs per tire. If your K-Z trailer has three axles then that means the trailer can weigh no more than 21,120 lbs while loaded while using load range E tires. If the trailer only has two axles then the trailer can't weigh more than 14,080 lbs while loaded while using load range E tires. As long as your trailer has three axles then these tires will work for you but if your trailer only has two axles then you will need to change tire sizes.

You should always inflate the tires to the maximum psi rating listed on the sidewall of a tire. Whenever the maximum psi rating of a trailer tire exceeds 100 psi. then you will indeed need to switch to metal valve stems. However, the max psi rating of the above tire is only 80 psi therefore you will not need to use metal valve stems.

Westlake tires currently have one of the best warranties in the industry. They come with a 5-year warranty along with 2 of those 5 years having a complimentary roadside assistance package. If your RV or trailer has a flat tire, call the helpline and a technician will come change the flat for you. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year from anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico.

expert reply by: Conner L