Is It Okay To Run Two Different Load Capacity Tires on a Trailer

Updated 04/18/2020 | Published 04/17/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range C

(3877)

$40.09

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range B

(3877)

$46.15

Question:

can I use one 4.8/12 load rate B and one 4.8/12 load rate C tires on a boat trailer, with a maximum weight of 1000 LBS ? The trailer came with two 4.8/12 load rate B tires on it.

asked by: George M

Expert Reply:

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you could temporarily use a lower rated tire as a spare until you can get the damaged tire repaired or replaced, but generally speaking you wouldn't want to mix tires with different load ratings even if both tires being used have a load rating less than the weight of the trailer.

I'd recommend running both tires of the same load rating, the price differential between a load rating B tire like
# AM10060 and a load range C like the # AM10062 you looked at is minimal, so you might as well go with the higher rated tire for a little more wiggle room, capacity wise.

I've linked to our trailer wheel and tire help articles, which contain more information about trailer tires than you can shake a stick at.

expert reply by: Mike L