Do Trailer Wheels Need to Be Derated on Tandem Axle Trailers?

Updated 12/20/2025 | Published 12/19/2025

Question:

I have just purchased the Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 14inch x 6inch Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized Finish Part Number: AM20354, and notice it is noticably lighter than the existing wheels on the boat trailer. The trailer has dual 3,500 pound axles, but the total trailer weight is around 4,500 lbs. I see the wheel is rated for up to 1,870-lb per wheel. Do I need to derate the wheel for the dual axle application? In the event of a blowout, the remaining wheel will see about a 2,250 lb load, or potentially 3,500 lbs if the trailer were to be loaded to capacity. I have load range D tires 2,200 lb capacity.

asked by: Bert

Expert Reply:

Hello Bert, thanks for reaching out. You’re thinking about this the right way, and to answer your question, no, you do not need to derate the wheel just because it’s on a tandem axle trailer. In normal operation your 4,500 lb trailer weight is shared across four wheels, so each wheel is only carrying roughly 1,100 to 1,200 lbs, which is well within the 1,870 lb per wheel rating of the # AM20354 wheels. Tandem axle setups do not reduce the individual wheel rating, and the lighter weight of the wheel itself does not indicate lower strength.

In a blowout scenario, the remaining wheel on that axle will briefly see a higher load, but that’s already accounted for in how trailer wheels and tires are rated. In your case, the limiting factor is actually the Load Range D tires at 2,200 lbs each, not the wheels. As long as the tires are properly inflated and the trailer isn’t being overloaded, the wheels you selected are appropriate for your application and you should be in good shape.

expert reply by: Jesse M

AM20354
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Dan M.

12/20/2025

I purchased one of the galvanized spoke wheels to use as a extra spare tire setup on my tandem axel boat trailer. I carry 2 spare tires and I moved up to a 10 ply E rated trailer tire on all my wheels now. I do a lot of towing from the Columbia River to the West side of Vancouver Island B.C. where the roads can be less then desirable for towing heavy loads. Some are gravel. I haven't had to use this wheel yet because it's a spare but it matches my other wheels as wheels as well. Best of luck.

Bert

12/20/2025

Thank you for the reassuring reply, but now you have me curious about tire vs wheel ratings. I am surprised to learn that the tires rated at 2,200 lbs per tire are more limiting that the wheel rated at 1,870 lb per wheel, so it must be that the ratings on tires and wheels are somehow different. For my understanding and future reference, please let me know how each of these ratings are best interpreted and why these tires are more limiting than the wheels. I would certainly consider upgrading my tires from load range D to E next time I am changing them out.