Can a Load Range E Trailer Tire be Used in Place of a Load Range D Trailer Tire

Updated 08/16/2013 | Published 08/14/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Wheel - 5 on 5 - Load Range C

(1558)

$199.65

Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Tire with 15" White Spoke Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2" - Load Range E

(1493)

$217.11

Question:

I wanted to know if I can go from the 225/75R15D tire that I currently have on my trailer, to a 225/75R15E tire? Will my current wheel, be able to handle the increased tire pressure needed for the E load range rated tire? Ive been reading about wheel ratings for tire pressure, and Im not sure what my current wheel is rated for. I was just curious, if I were to have E load rating tires installed, if I would need to have different wheels to match the tire pressure rating for the new E load tires. The tire person I spoke with, said I could just run the same tire pressure of 65 psi as with the D load rating tires I have on there currently. The reason why Im asking is, they have the E load rating tires in stock and my load on the trailer hasnt changed. They said the E load rating would just be a higher load rating if nothing more, especially when running the tire pressure at 65 psi. It would just handle the same load as my D load rated tire I have on. Is this correct? Just curious to know, so Im not doing something thats wrong.

asked by: Martin

Expert Reply:

Different size and bolt pattern wheels that take the same tire size will have different psi ratings. If your existing wheels are rated for 65 psi then it is less likely that they would also be rated for 80 psi which is what an ST225/75-15 load range E tire requires.

Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire. The person you spoke with must not have known about the difference between trailer tires and passenger vehicle tires. Trailer tires are made with a thicker sidewall and if they are under inflated they would generate excessive heat and cause the tire to fail.

If you wanted to go to load range E I would also replace the wheels. We have 1 tire and wheel combo in this size, # AM32680, and it has a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern. To give you an idea of where we are coming from our tire guru has over 30 years of experience in the tire industry.

Also keep in mind that going to a higher capacity tire does not increase the capacity of the trailer. I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H