Recommended Tire for Camper With 7,700 lb GVWR

Published 07/26/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(3776)

$86.50

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(473)

$878.85

Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(1094)

$138.29

Question:

Hi Kyle Thanks for the info. I have another question. Would you suggest using an equalizer hitch for this trailer weight?

asked by: Neal

Expert Reply:

A radial tire is actually a better option than a bias tire; radial tires are going to flex more than bias tires and also run cooler, which means they are better for standard driving. A bias tire is going to be better for off-road, agricultural use so I highly recommend a radial tire for a camper.

In terms of your load range C tire with a rating of 1,820 lbs, that would mean when inflated to the max 50 psi the tires have a capacity of 7,280 lbs and you will want a capacity that is at least what your GVWR is so I do recommend replacing those tires with ones that have a higher load rating.

A great option is the Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # TR20515D which has a load range of D for a maximum capacity of 2,150 lbs when inflated to 65 psi, which will give your tires a capacity of 8.600 lbs.

As for finding out what your tongue weight is, the easist thing to use is the Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scale # 5780. You can also use one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Neal

7/26/2018

Hi Kyle Thanks for the info. I have another question. Would you suggest using an equalizer hitch for this trailer weight?

Kyle S.

7/26/2018

We recommend using an equalizer hitch - also called a weight distribution hitch - if your trailer is more than half the weight of the tow vehicle, and based on the 7,700 lb GVWR you mentioned, that seems likely. In order to choose the best weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it one of the ways I mentioned earlier, using a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity. For example, if your TTW was 1,200 lbs you would want Reese Strait-Line # RP66130, which is for TTW between 800 lbs and 1,500 lbs. If you let me know what your TTW is I would be happy to make a recommendation for you so you can get the correct system.