Can A ST185/80R13 Trailer Tire Be Used To Replace A ST175/80R13 Trailer Tire?

Updated 05/20/2021 | Published 05/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2390)

$140.72

Kenda Karrier ST185/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2231)

$127.88

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2231)

$104.94

Question:

Is it okay to put st185/80 r13 tires on a boat trailer that had st175/80 r13? I want 8 ply tires for heavier load. Is this the answer? or try to find 175s in 8 ply? Thanks

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

You will more than likely be just fine replacing your 175/80R13 tires on your boat trailer with ST185/80R13 tires like the Kenda Karrier ST185/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # AM10208 due to them being so close in size.

The ST185/80R13 will only be about 1/2" taller and about 1/4" wider, so as long as you have at least 3-1/4" between the top of your current tire and the bottom of your fenders you will be just fine.

There is a slight benefit in going with the larger tire, as you will get a higher load rating. The Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # AM10210 with 8 plys has a load rating of 1650lbs at 70 PSI where the larger ST185/80R13 # AM10208 with 8 plys has a load rating of 1710lbs at 65 PSI.

Personally I would go with the ST175/80R13 # AM10210 since it is only rated for 60lbs less, and you know for a fact they will have no issues as they are the same size as your current tires.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.