Upgrading Tire Capacity for 14000-lb Dump Trailer to Prevent Blowouts

Updated 05/20/2019 | Published 05/17/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Taskmaster Modular Wheel w/ +0.08 Offset - 17-1/2" x 6-3/4" Rim - 8 on 6-1/2 - Silver

(585)

$196.85

Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem - 1-1/4" Long

(617)

$21.95

Provider HD 215/75R17.5 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range H

(262)

$293.92

Question:

I have a 14000 lb. dump trailer that came with 2 7k dexter axles. The wheels and tires also were 8 lug 16inch wheels and st235/80 r16 load E tires. I would like to upgrade due to blown tires. I was wondering if I can go to 215/75 r17.5 16 ply tires with new rims

asked by: Jon G

Expert Reply:

You can potentially change wheel/tire size if you have the clearance but you can gain load capacity more easily by keeping your existing rims and switching to a Load Range G tire in your current size ST235/80-16.

Westlake Load Range G radial tires # WE76FR have a 14-ply/4080-lb load rating per tire, compared to 3520-lbs for the E-rated tires you have now, so these will give you more safety margin and actually exceed the axle rating. This special trailer tire also has a tread wear indicator and sipes in the tread that channel water away for better traction in wet conditions. These tires do operate at higher pressure than E-rated tires so you'll need to have suitable valve stems like # AM20906 that will handle their 110-psi inflation pressure.

expert reply by: Adam R