Tire Weight Rating Questions

Question:

On a two wheel car dolly, is the load weight the sum of both tires together or the weight rating on the tire? For example, 1,500 lbs load max times both tires equal 3,000 lbs load max for the trailer?

asked by: Rob

Expert Reply:

A tire's weight rating is per tire. For example Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes 4,250 lbs # RM-2050-1, uses # RM-200330-80 tires which has a maximum load capacity of 1,570 lbs each. With 2 tires used, the load capacity of the tires doubles to 3,140 lbs. Since the # RM-2050-1 has an overall load capacity of 4,250, if you subtract the load capacity of the tires, 1110 lbs is the left over towing capacity of the tow dolly itself.

Overall, the dolly's capacity is not equal to the same as the weight capacity of both tires. The other weight is on the actual tow vehicle, also known as tongue weight. Trailer tires can be rated for less than what the trailer weighs because 10-15% of the trailer's weight is the tongue weight is placed on the tow vehicle via the hitch.

expert reply by: Timothy G