Is There Benefit to Going with Trailer Tire with Higher Load Rating Than Needed

Updated 12/17/2018 | Published 12/16/2018

Question:

If tires are equal size and price with the basic difference being load rating, is it typically better to go with the higher load rated tire? Are there any drawbacks to doing so?

asked by: John M

Helpful Expert Reply:

All things being equal, including price, I'd go with the higher rated tire when available. Even if it's not really needed you end up with a tire that's made a bit stronger. The biggest difference you'll notice is that you'll have to inflate the tires to a higher PSI since the higher the Load Rating the higher the pressure requirement. You should note that trailer tires need to be inflated to their max PSI rating to ensure you get the full weight capacity. In theory the higher PSI rating would make the tires stiffer but you wouldn't notice it.

expert reply by: Jameson C