Maximum Capacity 205/65-10 Trailer Tire & Wheel For Boat Trailer

Updated 04/11/2022 | Published 04/10/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range E

(7556)

$142.04

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E

(7556)

$141.89

Question:

Hi. I am in the process of building two identical trailers for two identical boats I have. I prefer overbuilding rather than pushing the limitations of components. The boat weighs 4,500lbs alone, and I plan on going tandem axle with two 3,500lb or possibly even 5,000lb dexter torsion axles. Since the boat is a double decker pontoon, keeping it lower to the ground will help clearance issues with trees and such. The problem from what I have found is that the 205/65-10 tire and wheels have about a 1,650lb capacity which brings me pretty close to max capacity factoring in the weight of the trailer. What are my next best options for a smaller wheel/tire combo with a higher weight capacity? What are yall’s suggestions? Should I just spend the extra and opt in for the 5,000lb axles? I may also do one set with electric brakes as well just to make towing even easier on the trucks. I just hauled the boats 800 miles with zero issues on the small 205/65-10 wheel and tire combo on a trailer that was loaned to me. I had no problems but want to build a superior trailer that will last much longer.

asked by: Jacob C

Expert Reply:

All you need for the right 205/65-10 trailer tire and wheel is one that is rated either at or past the GVWR of your trailer; anything rated higher than that is paying more for capacity you aren't using. While you didn't mention the GVWR, the highest rated 205/65-10 tire and wheel is the 1,650 lbs you mentioned (there isn't anything smaller with a higher rating), and four of those are 6,600 lbs, so as long as your trailer's GVWR is less than that, go with a tire and wheel from Kenda, with the right one depending on your bolt pattern:

- 5 on 4-1/2": Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - Load Range E # AM3H490

- 4 on 4": Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - Load Range E # AM3H470

If it were me, I'd stick with the 3,500 lb axles (assuming they were properly rated) because the 5k axles are the same deal as the tires in that you'd be paying for capacity you just aren't going to be using.

expert reply by: Kyle S