Should I Get Higher Load Range Tires Than Needed

Published 04/11/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(7215)

$128.09

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B

(7215)

$126.08

Question:

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13inch Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B Item # AM3S060 I do not need the D rating because my boat / load is only about 1200lbs but for a few cents more would I be better off going to the D rating instead of B rating? Would the D rated tire be less likely to take a nail or otherwise be damaged GOOD? Or just be stiffer and less likely to absorb road shock BAD?

asked by: Kenny

Expert Reply:

The higher load range tires, part # AM31242 that you looked at, really won't help or hurt you. They don't protect any better against nails or anything else that can damage them compared to lower rated tires like part # AM3S060 and you certainly don't need the extra capacity. On the other hand the flexing of a tire doesn't have much bearing on the quality of your ride. Sure it'll have some but your suspension should take up most of that.

If it were me I'd likely go with the D rated tires because there's basically no drawback could potentially wear a little slower. Most of the time that's not really an issue either since trailer tires normally go bad from getting old before they wear out.

expert reply by: Charles S