235/80R16 Trailer Tire vs 235/85R16 Light Truck Tire
Question:
have a fifth wheel with 235 80 r 16 no brand I have tried is any good thinking of putting LT235 85 r 16 trucks tires do you think these are better
asked by: Tommy
Expert Reply:
You never want to change out trailer tires for passenger vehicle tires. Trailer tires have a more rigid sidewall which helps to accommodate heavy loads and keep the tires running cooler. Passenger tires, like Light Truck tires, have a more flexible sidewall which helps to provide a more comfy ride but do not perform like trailer tires do on a trailer.
I recommend going with the Westlake ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire # LHWL401 since you sound like you are having trouble with blowouts. It has a 5-year warranty and comes with complimentary roadside assistance for 2 years. If your RV or trailer has a flat tire, call the help line and a technician will come change the flat for you. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year from anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico.
If you keep experiencing tire failure then there are a few possible reasons. You will want to first of all make sure that your 235/80R16 size tires are rated for the appropriate weight of your 5th wheel trailer. If you can let me know what the GVWR is of your trailer and how many axles you have I can confirm whether or not a 235/80R16 tire, like the Westlake # LHWL401 Load Range E (3,520 lbs at 80 psi) is rated high enough.
To make sure that your tire performs like the manufacturer intended you will want to be sure to fill the tire to the recommended psi when the tire is cold. A cold tire is one that has been sitting a while, like overnight, and has had time to cool down from travel. If your tires have not been filled to the recommended psi then that could definitely be the problem.
Speed rating is another thing that you will want to pay attention to. The Westlake # LHWL401 that I mentioned has a speed rating L which means 75 mph. If you were to drive over 75 mph with this tire equipped then you run the risk of overheating your tire which can cause a blowout.
You will also want to be careful on the roads you drive and the turns that you take. Each time you hit a pothole or bump a curb with your tires it will slowly chip away at the integrity of your tire. Say you hit a few curbs with your trailer and then went over the speed rating - you would definitely get a blowout because the sidewall would already be weak and then exceeding the speed rating will cause the tire to heat up way too much.
I have also attached a link to an FAQ that we put together for trailer tires.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Westlake ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/80-16
- 16 Inch
- L - 75 mph
- Westlake
more information >
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