Will Going to a Higher Load Range Tire Prevent Blowouts on a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I currently own a 2012 dual axel 40foot fifth wheel GVR 13,758 Sterling by Wildcat that has 235/80/16 load range D tires. There have been two Blowouts on the tires tires, both when it was being returned bto the factory in Indiana for warranty work. Both blowouts occured while the rig was being transported through Nevada/Airzona States with 70 mph Speed limits by the RV transport company. I need to purchase new tires and am wondering if I should step up to a Load Range E/F or higher. I would rather spend a little more cash on tires than on body work repairs. Can you recommend a set of tires? Also if the tires need to be inflated to the maximum pressure when they are cold, do I need to let air out as the tires warm up, or is ok to let them have higher pressure while on the road? I reside in California 55mph for trailers Thanks.

asked by: George M

Expert Reply:

First, regarding inflation, trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum pressure as indicated on the tire. If you do this when they are cold (always inflate tires cold) there is no need to let any air out after they have warmed up. The slight pressure increase will not cause any problems, even in the desert.

If the tires are inflated to the max and they are blowing out it could mean the trailer is overloaded. But based on what you have said the trailer was going to and from having work done so this seems unlikely.

You also mentioned that the speed limit on the highway where the trailer was traveling is 70 mph. Trailer tires are not rated for that high of speed. Many of the tires we sell are rated for 65 miles per hour max. Others can be lower. It is possible that a sustained high rate of speed, above what the tire is rated for, combined with the desert heat caused some excessive heat build up causing the tires to fail.

Going to a higher load range tire in the same size will provide you with stronger tires (higher ply rating) and that might solve the problem. But they really need to watch the speed when they are delivering the trailer back to you.

We have 1 tire in size ST235/80-16, # AM10248. It is an E load range rated for 3,197 pounds at 90 psi. It has a 10 ply rating.

expert reply by: Michael H