Higher Capacity Wheel and Tire Recommendation for Trailer Size 185/80R13

Published 08/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(3775)

$97.75

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(1484)

$189.84

Question:

Hello: On my 2014 Coachmen Clipper 17FQ, I have 185/80R13 Load Bearing D tires and wheels. Is there possibly a higher load bearing tire Load Bearing Range E in the same 13-inch wheel? Even if it means going to 195 wide wheels? I had two blowouts in the same trip recently and while I honestly attribute it to the tires having reached their end-life even though there were plenty of tread left, I did have the trailer fairly weighed down and also had a full 30-gallon tank of freshwater that I was pulling. If I can find a better load bearing tire, yet remain in the 13-inch wheel category, that is exactly what I am looking for. Thank you!

asked by: Mark W

Expert Reply:

In the tire size of 185/80-13 the highest Load Range we have is D like the part # AM1ST79 which has a capacity of 1,710 lbs when inflated to 65 psi. The only way to significantly increase your tire capacity will be to go to a 14 inch wheel and tire combo like the 205/75-14 with something like the # AM32161 which has a 2,200 lbs capacity.

Tires can fail for a few reasons. Overloading like you mentioned is common. Underinflation is another big one. Tires have to be inflated to their max pressure rating at all times. Excessive speed can cause this too. Most tires are only rated for 65 mph. And finally age...trailer tires should be replaced if they are over 6 years old.

expert reply by: Jameson C