Which Tires for 8500 lb 5th Wheel to Replace Existing ST245/75R-16  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You will want to choose tires whose individual load rating is greater than 1/4 of the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer weight.

For a dual axle 8500 lb trailer (assuming fully loaded weight), you would want each tire rated greater than 2125 lbs.

Since the typical capacity of 4 16 inch tires would be so much greater than the weight of your fifth wheel, the load rating is not really important. Any of the tires we offer for 16 inch wheels should have plenty of capacity for your needs, but I would recommend going with a radial tire. A radial tire would run cooler than a bias-ply tire, since excessive heat is the number one enemy of trailer tires, I would go that route. Be sure to keep your tires fully inflated to the pressure shown on the tire sidewall.

According to my calculations, a 245/75-16 tire would be around 30-1/2 inches in diameter and have a tread width of about 9-2/3 inches. The # AM10248 radial tire in ST235/80R-16 size Load Range E would have plenty of capacity at 3500 lbs per tire and would be very similar in size to your existing tires, at about 31 inches in diameter and a 9-1/2 inch section width. Since the size is only about 1/2 an inch larger in diameter and roughly an 1/8 of an inch wider. Because the size difference is so slight, you should not have any clearance problems.

I have linked you to some FAQ articles that contain more information about trailer tires.

expert reply by: Mike L

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