Are Larger Wheels Beneficial to Trailer?

Question:

I have a Homesteader utility trailer. 8 feet tall, 6 feet wide, 136inch long Dual axle, 14inch tires. 3500 pound axles Has extra fender clearance Is there any benefit to going with 15 inch wheels? This trailer rolls 500 miles from Miami to South Carolina, is 12 years old and has over 100,000 miles on it. I am tearing it down to check welds and insulate, and will change out the wheels if it makes a difference in gas consumption or just wear and tear on the pulling vehicle. Thanks

asked by: Joe P

Expert Reply:

Slightly larger wheels will not have a bearing on your trailer in terms of gas consumption or wear and tear. More important is getting the correct tire for your trailer and always keeping it filled to the max psi. For example, the Kenda Karrier # AM10234 is a ST205/75R14 tire which is 8.1" wide and has an overall diameter of 26.3". It fits 14" x 5", 14" x 5-1/2", 14" x 6", and 14" x 6-1/2" wheels, has a load range of C with a maximum capacity of 1,925 lbs at 60 psi, and an 81 mph speed rating.

Keeping this tire filled to 60 psi will allow the tire to perform the best while also getting you the best gas mileage. It is also a radial tire, which are the type of trailer tire you want to use for highway use as they flex more and run cooler than bias tires.

I've added a link to a video review of this tire as well as a link to a help article on tires which you may find useful.

expert reply by: Kyle S