Choosing Appropriate Tires for 5th Wheel Camper Based On Weight

Question:

A 5th wheel, 2 axle with st235/80r 16e tires. The dry weight is 10,765 with a carrying capacity of 2,235 for a total weight of 13,000. It has a hitch weight of 1,910 lbs. When you are considering what tire load range you need for the example above, would I divide the total weight of 13,000 by 4 and find a tire within that weight capacity range? Should the load range I choose have a certain percentage of extra capacity? Does the hitch weight of 1,910 lbs relieve any of the weight off the tires? And, if it does, should that be taken into consideration when choosing a tire load range? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Terry S

Expert Reply:

You are correct that when choosing a tire, the load capacity of the tires are added together for the total capacity. For a trailer like you mentioned with a total weight of 13,000 pounds, you will want each tire to have at least 3,250 pound weight capacity.

There is not a specific percentage of extra capacity that needs to be taken into consideration. You can certainly use a tire with a larger weight capacity to have some breathing room.

The hitch weight is placed on the tow vehicle, but only when the vehicle is hitched to the tow vehicle. The trailer tires will need to support the entire trailer's weight when the trailer is not hitched to a tow vehicle.

Our most popular wheel and tire is the Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" Silver Mod Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - Load Range E # TA99VR.

In size 235/85-16 has an 8 on 6-1/2 wheel bolt pattern, the Kenda Karrier Trailer Tire with 16 Inch Black Mod Wheel # AM32743B or the White Spoke # AM32739.

For a 235/85-16 tire with a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern, we have the Kenda Karrier Trailer Tire with 16 Inch White spoke Wheel # AM32764. These tires are Load Range E and have a speed rating of 81 mph.

I have attached a link to all of our 235/80-16 size tires and tire and wheel combos for you.