Can I Tow More With My Trailer If I Upgrade Tire Class Rating

Question:

Hi I have a trailer currently with two tires- each rated class C which is up to 1820 lbs. per tire for single axel x 2 = 3640 lbs. The trailer holds equipment and when it was weighed at a scale It came in at 4,390 lbs. which tires should be used on the trailer? or do i have to change the axel? Thank you

asked by: B. S

Expert Reply:

The first thing you'll want to check is the weight rating of your trailer. This will be stated on your paperwork or on the trailer near the front somewhere. Whatever the GVWR states will be the max weight you can load your trailer. You can upgrade tires, suspension, and axles but the frame itself might not be able to handle more than the GVWR which is why that's the limiting factor. If the tires were the limiting factor then upgrading the tires would allow you to carry more weight on your trailer.

As far as tires go, I'm guessing your Class C tires, like the Kenda Karrier # AM32238B, are installed on a 3,500 lb axle which means the tires are rated just fine. If the 4,390 lbs is the trailer plus the tongue weight then having the trailer weight exceeding the axle capacity is fine since the trailer jack or tow vehicle will be taking on the tongue weight, but even if the axle is rated for 3,500 lbs your max tongue weight will be 525 lbs so it sounds like you'll need to do some cargo management to ensure your trailer isn't overloaded.

expert reply by: Jon G