Recommend Replacement Trailer Tire and Wheel for E78 14ST Tire

Published 12/15/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 14" x 5-1/2" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White Powder Coat

(2449)

$47.68

Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2701)

$150.74

Question:

Hello- I have a 1988 load rite boat trailer that I need a spare rim for and I would like to replace the strange looking tire size E78 with a modern 195/205 type tire The current tire size is E78 14ST. The rim is 8 spoke white 5 lug 4.5inch i think etc.. 1 what rim should I purchase to match? 2 what tire should I purchase to fit this rim? P195/75/R14? I do not want to continue with the difficulty of finding a e78 type tire but I want to find a matching size because I can not replace all 4 tires at once. Any assistance apprecated.

asked by: Marc F

Expert Reply:

The closest trailer tire size we will have available for an E78 14 ST tire is a 205/75-14 tire. Before ordering replacement tires or wheels, you will want to measure to make sure you will have clearance. The overall diameter of this size tire is 26.3 inches, and the width is 7.8 inches.

For a replacement wheel and tire combination, we have the Kenda Trailer Tire w/ 14 Inch White Wheel, part # AM3S440. You will want to check the weight capacity of your axle or trailer, as this wheel and tire combo has a maximum capacity of 1,870 lbs at 50 PSI. You should always run the maximum air pressure in trailer tires (see FAQ).

The P195/75/R14 size you referred to is a passenger car tire, as indicated by the letter P in the tire size. It is not recommended to use passenger car tires on trailers (see FAQ).

You would want to replace your trailer tires in either a set of 2, or 4. It is not recommended just to replace just one tire with a different size tire. However, if you are planning to replace all the wheels in the future, and currently just need a spare for emergency, it would be acceptable to order the new 205/75-14 tire and wheel. But, you would only want to use the new wheel to get where you are going, then replace the bad tire in a pair on the same axle, or all 4 tires.

If your trailer wheels are still in decent shape, you could just go with replacing the tires and replace the wheels later on.

I have linked an FAQ on trailer tire sizes and common tire and wheel questions.

expert reply by: Reno H