What Wheel Size is Required for Standard Trailer Towing Speeds

Updated 10/25/2011 | Published 10/24/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2851)

$123.48

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2853)

$157.98

Question:

I have tires 185/80D-13 What wheel size is required for standard speed, 5 hole-4-1/2,standard wheel?

asked by: Jack A

Expert Reply:

All of the ST (special trailer) tires that we stock are designed, tested and DOT approved for 65 miles per hour, which is the standard for trailer tires, unless otherwise indicated on the product page. The wheel size and/or tire size does not change the rating or standard speed which the tire is designed to travel at.

When towing a trailer, you should select your wheel and tire combination based on the trailer manufacturers recommendation or, if there is no manufacturer recommendation, you should use the trailer axle capacity to select the appropriate wheel and tire combination.

Your ST185/80D13, # AM3S331, tire should be rated for 1,710 lbs at 65 psi, which would mean that the axle on your trailer should be rated at 3,420 lbs or less. Going with a ST175/80D13, # AM31233, tire would give you a lower capacity of 1,610 lbs at 65 psi, which would be designed for an axle rated for 3,220 lbs or less. We do not recommend installing a wheel and tire combination with a lower capacity rating than the trailer axle. Both of the wheel and tire combinations that I mentioned above have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern.

I have linked a couple of informational articles on trailer tires and wheels that you may find helpful.

expert reply by: Robert G