Can a P175/65-14 Tire Size be Used on a Trailer

Updated 10/11/2013 | Published 10/09/2013

Question:

Is this a regular tire ? or a boat trailer tire? Is there a difference?

asked by: Debi

Expert Reply:

The tire in your picture is a passenger vehicle tire and should not be used on any type of trailer. Trailer tires will start with ST which stands for special trailer. Trailer tires are made with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires. This is because they handle more vertical load. Trailer tires also must be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire. If under inflated the thicker sidewall generates excessive heat and can cause the tire to fail. I have included a link to our FAQ article on trailer tires for you.

175/65-14 is not a trailer tire size. The proper size tires required for a trailer should be on the sticker or plate that also lists the trailer capacity, normally found near the front of the trailer on the tongue or frame. The closest match we have to that size is a 205/75-14. This size will be 1.1 inches taller and 3.11 inches wider than the 175/65-14 tire in your picture. To use this size you would have to make sure there is space enough all around the existing tires for the larger size. I have linked all of the 205/75-14 tires we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H