Can Trailer Tires Rated for a Combined 3450 Pounds be Used on a 3500 Pound Trailer

Updated 08/22/2013 | Published 08/20/2013

Question:

Im replacing two tires on my tent trailer st185/80d13 The weight rating is 1725 pounds per tire or 3450 per set. The max weight of my trailer is 3500 Pounds, so my trailer weight capacity exceeds the Tire ratings by 50 pounds, are these tires ok to use?

asked by: Lynn

Expert Reply:

You are very close to the capacity but I would still try to stay under the lowest rated component in the system which in this case would be the tires. If you are always at 3500 pounds, the max capacity of the axle, then I would go with a higher capacity tire. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire for longest life and to reach their maximum weight capacity.

What this means is that you would have to go to a 14 inch tire and wheel. If this is something you are interested in I would need to know the bolt pattern of your existing wheels and if you have enough clearance all around the existing tires (above and behind or inside) for larger tires. I have included a couple of wheel and tire links.

expert reply by: Michael H