Tire Recommendation for a Boat Trailer with 175/80R13 ST Trailer Tires

Question:

I have been reading your site for over an hour now. You give such informative info I am actually enjoying it! My question is I need 4 boat trailer tires for a 21 ft. boat. They are 5 lug 175/80R13. It also says STinch on the tire. Are those the only ones I should go with or are there smaller or bigger compatible tires that are a bit cheaper in price? Are there other tires to consider that would fit? I read about the D. I wouldnt be doing long drives with it. Thanks for all your help!!

asked by: Hope

Helpful Expert Reply:

Glad you're enjoying our site! We try to have the best info/content on the products we sell.

For a tire to install on the rims you currently have I would recommend going with the same size 175/80R13 that you have. For a radial tire a very good price I would recommend the Taskmaster ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire # TTWTRTM1758013C as long as it has enough capacity for your trailer. This tire has a 1,360 lbs at 50 psi rating. ST Stands for special tire which is the only style of tire I would recommend for you since ST tires are designed specifically for trailers. This kind of tire has a stronger sidewall than an automobile or truck tire so it can handle higher air pressures and higher loads.

Special trailer tires should be inflated to their maximum air pressure. If a trailer tire is inflated to a lower air pressure than the maximum, the amount of weight that the tire can carry will be reduced. If a heavier load is put on the trailer tire than what is recommended for that air pressure, the sidewall of the tire could heat up and cause the tire to fail.

expert reply by: Jameson C