Is It Ok For My Spare Tire To Have A Different PSI/Load Rating Than The Other Tires?

Question:

I bought a single axle trailer it has 205 75 14 ST tires. The spare is the same size but has a different PSI recommended pressure, different maker. The two in use are 50 psi while the spare is 65 psi recommended both cold psi. Is it a problem to have and use a spare with a different psi? Ive been told that I need to run the spare at 50 psi to match the two in use. Is that correct or do I use 65 psi on the spare. Thank you for your time.

asked by: James C

Helpful Expert Reply:

That is a good question, James. Having a different load rating or PSI rating for your spare tire is fine as long as you don't have too far to go, and you are using it for a spare only. Ideally, the spare would be identical to the rest of the tires as far as PSI and load rating. Using different tires long term can cause uneven tire wear or sway issues and it can decrease ride quality. Not only should the spare be the same size, capacity, load range, and have the same psi rating but it should also be the same construction; either bias ply or radial.

If you are going to stick with the spare you currently have, I would have to recommend running it at the max PSI listed on the sidewall, so 65 PSI. You would only want to do this short term though, just to get the trailer to a place where you can get the correct matching tire back on. If it were me, I would go ahead and purchase a spare that is identical to the other two tires. The link below will show you our full selection of 205/75-14 trailer tires. We have several with a 50 PSI rating. Feel free to comment below if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M