How do I know what wheels fit my trailer?
The bolt pattern determines everything when it comes to wheel compatibility. Trailers with 4 bolt holes commonly use 4 on 4 and 4 on 9. For heavy-duty applications, you’ll find 8-bolt patterns like 8 on 6-1/2 or 8 on 275mm. Not only is their construction slightly different, but the bolt patterns, widths, offsets, and weight capacities will vary as well. Trailer wheels tend to not have an offset (with the exception of a small portion of wheels) so that the load will be right above the tire which makes for better load bearing tread wear.
What size are trailer wheels?
The most common wheel sizes for trailer tires are going to be 15 and 16 inches. For this size wheel, the most common tire sizes include: ST205/75R15, ST225/75R15, ST235/80R16 and ST235/85R16. These sizes increase in both diameter and width and as they get larger the ply rating of the tire also increases. Special Trailer (ST) Trailer tires are developed specifically for use on travel trailers, pop-up campers, boat trailers and fifth wheel trailers. Designed to deliver on-highway service for towed trailers, ST-sized tires are not intended to be used on cars or light trucks.In general, many trailers move up into 8-ply (Load Range D) or 10-ply (Load Range E) tires because they provide higher capacity, stiffer sidewalls for stability, and better durability under heavy cargo.D range tires are a bit more heavy duty than C range tires and are more suitable for larger open trailers or enclosed cargo trailers.D tires are typically rated for a higher load capacity, making them ideal for heavy-duty trailers that carry substantial weight. On the other hand, R tires are generally designed for lighter loads and provide a smoother ride, which can be beneficial for recreational trailers.Because trailers are designed to carry cargo and that cargo is often heavy, ST tires have even more load capacity than a similar sized LT tire. Comfort is not really a concern because trailers are not intended to have people as cargo.
Is there a difference between trailer wheels and car wheels?
Not only is their construction slightly different, but the bolt patterns, widths, offsets, and weight capacities will vary as well. Trailer wheels tend to not have an offset (with the exception of a small portion of wheels) so that the load will be right above the tire which makes for better load bearing tread wear. They might look similar at first glance, but trailer tires and passenger car tires are engineered for completely different purposes. Using the wrong type isn’t just ineffective, it’s dangerous and could lead to catastrophic failure on the road.
What are the two types of trailer tires?
There are two types of trailer tires: Radial and Bias. A radial tire has steel belts that are oriented at a significantly different angle than the 90 degree radial plys. This allows the sidewall and tread to function as two independent features of the tire. Bias Ply Trailer Tires Bias-ply models are the thicker tires for trailers. This is due to the angled ply placement of the tire’s construction, which provides better load durability and damage resistance. When you see the bias-ply rating on tires, it means that they are sturdier.