Can ST235/80R16 Trailer Tires be Replaced with ST235/85R16

Updated 04/05/2019 | Published 04/04/2019

Question:

My 38 foot 5th wheel, 3 axles, has ST235/80R16 load F tires. I was able to get the load F tires from Thunderer. Now Thunderer no longer offers those. I have had much better luck with the F load. Trailer weighs about 15,000. Can I replace my current tires with ST235/85R16 load F 1 at a time as they wear out? Hope that make sense. Thanks,

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

You shouldn't have any problems switching to the slightly larger ST235/85R16 tire but you would need to replace all of the tires at once. Having different sized tires on a trailer (even if the size difference is small) will drastically speed up tread wear and may lead to damage.

The new tire will be just about an inch larger in diameter/height and will have the same width as your existing ST235/80R16. They will fit your existing wheels without an issue.

You will just want to make sure you have enough clearance between the top of your tire and fender for the extra height. Keep in mind too that only half of this increase (1/2 inch) will actually work to decrease that clearance since the other half will be below the axle.

The Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Load Range F Radial Trailer Tire # AM10501 you referenced is a great option that features a maximum load of 3,960 pounds at 110 psi. It also has an excellent speed rating of 81 mph (most trailer tires have a maximum speed of 65 mph).

I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R