Can Tire Pressure be Increased for Heavier Trailer Load

Question:

I have a car trailer with 6 ply tires. I have a little bit more weight in the trailer than recommended. At cold it says 50psi, would it hurt to put it to 60psi to accommodate the extra weight. Thank you

asked by: GZ

Expert Reply:

If the tire sidewall says 50 psi is the max cold rating then I definitely would avoid filling it up to 60 psi as that will surely cause a blowout once you get going down the road. What you need is a trailer tire that can handle a higher weight rating like what we see with the 8-Ply Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Tire w/ 14" Series T09 Aluminum Wheel # AM34659 which has a weight rating of 2,200 lbs at 75 psi.

Please note that your trailer weight rating is limited by the least rated component so even if you get the strongest tires out there, if you're still overloading your trailer all the other components (the suspension, trailer frame, trailer jack, coupler) will be pushed to the limit and could prematurely fail.

expert reply by: Jon G