Can I Replace a 13 Ply Tire with a 10 Ply Tire That Has the Same Load Rating

Updated 08/24/2020 | Published 08/20/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Westlake ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G

(545)

$388.79

Provider HD ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G

(258)

$309.26

Question:

I currently have 4 ST235/85R16 tires On my 5th wheel. Max lbs 4080 @ 110 psi 129/125 L. N speed rating. I like to buy ST255/85R16 max 4080 lbs @ 80 psi to replace them. They would be a little bigger, but they will fit. The tire place says the originals are commercial grade with 13 ply and the ST255/85R16 are 10 ply. They say the tires are constructed differently and were not sure if that would affect handling or why the original tires are commercial grade. Any help you can give would be great. Thanks!

asked by: Kevin F

Helpful Expert Reply:

We don't currently have ST255/85R16 Radial Trailer Tires, however I have two choices for you.

You could go with the Westlake ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G # LHWL410. They have an L speed rating of 75 mph and are 14-ply with a 4,400-lb max load at 110 psi ply tires.

We also have the Provider ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G # TTWPRG235R16. They have an M speed rating of 81 mph and are also 14-ply with a 4,400-lb max load at 110 psi ply tires.

So the ply ratings are higher than the 13 ply tires you've got, and these are special trailer tires so they're up to the challenge of handling your trailer and you're not going to have any adverse effects when it comes to handling.

My recommendation would be the Provide # TTWPRG235R16 since it has the 81 mph speed rating. The Taskmaster tires are very highly rated.