What Trailer Tires Can I Use to Replace Passenger Tires Size P185/65R14?

Updated 10/06/2026 | Published 10/01/2026

Question:

My trailer came w/P185/65R14 tires these being passenger tire what can I upgrade to a ST205/75R14 does thee Karrier KR35 seem as replacement

asked by: Jim B

Expert Reply:

Hi Jim,

Good call on switching to trailer tires, passenger tires are definitely not recommended to be used for trailers because they're not designed for towing with higher load capacities and don't have stiffer sidewalls.

If you have enough clearance, you can upgrade to the ST205/75R14 size trailer tires. You'll need to make sure you have at least 3" of open space between the top of the new tires' tread and the bottom of the fender/frame. Around 1" of room between the inside wall of the tire and the trailer's frame, brake components, or leaf springs is also required to prevent rubbing during tight turns. The ST205/75R14 is 2.6" taller and 0.8" wider than the P185/65R14 tires, so if you can measure that far out from the passenger tires and then measure how much clearance you have from there, you can see if you'll have enough space on the trailer.

What kind of trailer were these tires on? And how much weight are you carrying?

expert reply by: Claire H