Can a Load Range E Trailer Tire be Used on a 15 x 5 Inch Wheel with 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern

Updated 07/08/2014 | Published 07/05/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White Powder Coat

(3014)

$59.46

Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(2230)

$108.28

Karrier ST205/75R15 KR03 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2230)

$120.01

Question:

I have an Avenger Competitor 8foot x 16cargo trailer 7,000 GVWR with torsion axle. Rims are 15inch 5 bolt 4 1/2inch rim Wheel width 5inch I believe this means the rim capacity is 1,820# at 50 psi Can I install a load range D or E tire on this rim? If so what are the reasons not to? I am considering this because of the typical trailer weight loaded is ~6,000 to 6,500# and I have lost a load range C tire once a year with its use. I would like to get more use from the tires.

asked by: Alan

Expert Reply:

The largest trailer tire you could put on a 15 x 5 inch wheel such as # AM20443 is going to be an ST205/75-15 which only go up to load range D, such as # AM10245. The tire is rated for 2,150 pounds at 50 psi but you would be limited to the capacity of the wheel if lower. Most wheels will have a sticker with the capacity information on it or it will be stamped into the metal of the back of the wheel.

Going with a tire that requires more pressure would not work because the wheel cannot handle the additional pressure and would leak or fail.

I am assuming this is a tandem axle trailer. Load range C tires (205/75-15) such as # AM10244 are rated for 1,820 pounds at 50 psi. Four of them would equal out to 7,280 pounds which is more than enough for the stated weight of the trailer. If you have just one axle, single wheels, then the trailer is overloaded.

Going to a higher capacity tire will not increase the capacity of the trailer. You need to look at why the tires are not holding up or failing. If the trailer is overloaded then that could cause the problem. If the suspension components are worn or the axles were flipped upside down, that could also be the problem.

Also, trailer tires need to be inflated to the max psi indicated on the tire because they have a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires. If under inflated the thicker sidewall will generate excessive heat and lead to failure.