Radial or Bias ply trailer tires
 

What do you have on your trailer? I'm just learning about trailer tires and noticed they have an ST designator for "Special Trailer"

I also found out the tires I have on the trailer are only rated for a grand total of 6000 lbs. I estimate the weight soaking wet to be about 13,500 lbs.

I figured it out and it needs ST22575D15's with a #2540 load capacity ea. Here's the problem, the tires that are on there are only 14" with a 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. The tire shops will not mount the 15" tires I need on the 5 X 4.5 rims stating that they will not handle the weight. Do I have to change my hubs now?

Thanks for the help.

ttt

What size axles are they ? Probably 3500 lbs, Could be 5200lbs ?? The five hole hub is OK . The hub is usualy not the weak point .The axle spindle , the axle shaft , or the wheel and tire are the consern .But if you had 14" wheels and want 15" tires ,you need 15" wheels . If you have 15" wheels for the new tires ,They have a rating on them .Or they should . If they are too light ,you may need heavier rated wheels . What boat and trailer do you have ? What is the trailer rated for ? HOw many axels ?(3 ,I hope !!). The biggest problem with light wheels and tires is turning on hard ground or backing down a steep ramp . It puts extreme pressure on the tires and wheels and can rip the tire off the wheel or rip the center of the wheel out !!:eek: I have seen it happen many times . Let me know if I can be of more help .I am in the trailer and towing buisness . JOE

Oh and yes , I do use the ST radials on all our trailers .

Joe, thanks for the response.

I don't know what the axles are rated at. Is that marked on the axle somewhere?

I know I will need 15" rims. I have a 1987 35' Cafe Racer and a Vanguard trailer.

I figured the boat weighs 9500 lbs, full load of fuel about 1500 lbs, misc, around 300 lbs, and trailer should be about 2000 lbs for a grand total of about 13,300 lbs. Divide that by 6, (yes it's a triple axle) and you have 2216 lbs per wheel. The 15 X 6" with 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern are only rated at 2150#. The ST22575D15 tire is rated at 2540#. If I go this route, I will be about 400 lbs. over weight for the wheels. Do you think this is OK? I guess the first thing to do is find out what the axles are rated at. Again I appreciate the info.:)

Thanks Troutly, I'm suprised they put radial Light Truck tires on that trailer.

Don't forget,
I think the standard states something like a twin axle trailer should be able to run with one flat, and a trip with two flats...I think I read that somewhere in an old Trailer Boats Mag.

Sure....Somebody has to come along and throw a wrench in my spokes...:mad:

:D :D

I may be looking for a new trailer before I'm done here. Should get one like Sean's.

Hey, there's always got to be a spoiler at every party!:D :D :D

Jim
I use the Goodyear Workhorse PERIOD on my trailers. I hate to say it but it sounds like you might be a little light in the trailer dept. There should be a plate towards the front of the trailer that tells weight capacity of the trailer and each axle. Good luck :)
Robert