What Pressure Should Trailer Tires be Inflated to

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 07/01/2024

Question:

Hi! I inherited a ‘93 International 5x10 single axle trailer with max load capacity of 3500 pounds. I did a lot of work on it because the frame is spotless and it’s ready to go otherwise, but I want to put new tires on it before I take it on a 3+ hour ride home and it has this size/load range tire on it. I like the idea of having a beefier tire, but is it going to bounce around on the highway with such a light trailer and 80 pounds of air in the tires? Should I get D’s or even C’s and just run the pressures on the sidewalls or if I get these, can I lower the pressures when I’m empty? I have a good portable tire inflater so that wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve never had a utility trailer like this, so this is a new experience for me. Thank you for any guidance.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike, so trailer tires are a little odd as they basically always have to be inflated to their max pressure that is listed on the sidewall otherwise you get diminished capacity and increased chance of tire failure. These are a larger diameter tire though at 28.3 inches so you would not need to worry about them being bouncy or anything like that.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

2/3/2026

Hey Mike, how did things go with the Westlake trailer tires on your 5x10 trailer? Did they ride smoothly on your trip home? Your update could make it easier for the next person deciding between tire load ranges.

Mike

2/3/2026

@JamesonC hi James. I went to a tire place and they were able to help me figure out a load range tire that was appropriate for this trailer and they worked out great. We speculated that the tires that were on there were just what was laying around at the time, but they wouldn’t be good for a trailer that size, especially at highway speeds. Thank you for checking back.