Availability of 175/80-13 Trailer Tires with High Speed Rating  

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Expert Reply:

We recently started carrying Taskmaster tires, like the # TTWTRTM1758013C. This 175/80-13 Radial tire carries an M speed rating for up to 81 mph, which means it'll do better on the highway for you. Each tire has a C load rating, good for 1360 lbs of capacity when properly inflated to their maximum pressure of 80psi.

Do you know the speed rating of the tires you were using? Many trailer tires are rated for 65 mph unless stated otherwise on the sidewall.

As you found, heat is the killer of trailer tires. Excess speed, improper inflation and overloading the tire can all cause head build up.

Consistently running the tire at speeds above its rating will cause excess heat to build up. Due to the thicker sidewall construction of trailer tires, failure to fully inflate the tire to the pressure listed on the tire will cause greater friction between the tire and the road surface, which again leads to more heat build up, which leads to tire failure. If a tire is inflated to a lower air pressure it will reduce the amount of weight that the tire can carry. If a heavier load is put on the trailer tire than what is recommended for that air pressure it will cause the sidewall of the tire to heat up quicker and cause the tire to fail.

The capacity of the tires you choose should exceed the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of your pop-up. If you do not know the weight of the pop-up, you can determine its weight by using a scale at a truck stop. You can choose a tire with a higher weight rating, but you will still be limited to the axle capacity of the pop-up.

To summarize, abide by the speed rating listed on your tires, always keep them inflated to the maximum psi shown on the tire sidewall to maximize their load bearing capabilities and choose the proper tires for the weight of the trailer.

I have linked you to our Trailer Tire FAQ article which my might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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