Can 285/85-16 Trailer Tires be Used in Place of 285/80-16 Tires that Keep Blowing Out

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Question:

2009 35foot Dutchmen Monte Vista - 15.5k Gross Weight Need some help/suggestions on tires. We just experienced another blowout which has generated a repair bill of $3,933. We are using TowMax tires 235/80R16 and running at 80 PSI cold as indicated by the camper PSI specs. I am meticulous about ensuring the PSI is accurate and we use a TPMS to monitor the tires. We are a long ways from being overloaded we never haul with full tanks, the stuff in the camper is scarce. Yet despite all this, the PowerMax tires continue to fail. If they dont blow out, we get tread separation. Im averaging 2 to 3 tire replacements per year. So that said, enough is enough. What options do I have for a better quality tire? Was thinking that perhaps I can go to a 235/85R16 Load F tire. 2 more plies. Higher capacity to give me more cushion on the weight. Something like the Kenda Karrier. Ive gone thru a lot of your FAQs and some state the need to be at 95 PSI for this tire and some state 110. So which is it? Looking for tire advice. Thanks.

asked by: Phil

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Expert Reply:

First, trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire sidewall. this is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires. If under inflated the thicker tires will generate excessive heat leading to failure.

I recommend sticking with the size indicated by the manufacturer, 235/80-16, # TTWTRTM2358016E. This tire is rated for 3,520 pounds at 80 psi. If you were to go up to a 235/85-16 the tire would be 0.7 inches taller than what you have now so you would need enough clearance to account for at least half of that increase, 0.35 inches.

If you have plenty of room for a taller tire then I recommend # TTWPRG235R16 rated for 4,400 pounds at 110 psi (sometimes the manufacturer will update psi ratings so that is why you might see some conflicting answers).

If you go with this size you will likely have to replace the valve stems in the wheels with something rated for over 100psi such as # AM20906.

The reason I have chosen these tires for you is because they have a higher speed rating, 81 miles per hour, than the Kenda at 65 miles per hour. I have linked some videos on the tires as well as a help article on trailer tires for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The brake assemblies you have are 7k Dexter assemblies that are 12 inch by 2 inch in size. The part number #AKEBRK-7-SA will work as a great replacement set. This includes assemblies for both sides of your trailer that are self adjusting.

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Answer 2

Based on the photo and information you provided, I can tell you have 12 x 2 inch Dexter brake assemblies for 5.2K axles, for which the Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-SA will be an excellent replacement. These are self-adjusting brakes so they…

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Answer 3

The Hopkins Endurance Metal Trailer Connector #HM48510 will have the black 12V wire connection at the 1 o'clock position when looking at the back side of the connector where the wiring will secure to the connector. The color and functions…

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Answer 4

For load rang H tires we only have those in the 17-1/2 inch size. If there is room enough above the tires you have now to go to the taller size then you certainly could as long as you have an 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern. The tires and wheels in this size…

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Answer 5

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 6

Light truck tires (LT) are sometimes used in RV applications but generally not on utility trailers. Light truck tires are a type of passenger vehicle tire and as such they are not built with as thick of a sidewall as trailer tires. A thicker sidewall…

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Answer 7

In regards to a trailer wheel and tire assembly, the psi rating comes from the trailer tire and valve stem. Therefore, if the psi rating of the valve stem exceeds that of the trailer tire you will not have any issues. The trailer wheel itself does…

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Answer 8

When our installers replace a trailer hub, there isn't a set torque spec used when tightening the spindle nut. The hub is placed on the spindle, making sure the inner and outer bearings are correctly seated. The spindle nut is then run down until…

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Answer 9

The spring hanger placement is going to be determined by your axle spacing. For example, if your axles are spaced 33 inches apart, as shown in the attached diagram, a 7K axle slipper spring, like #e74SR, requires a distance of 28-1/2 inches between…

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Answer 10

I reached out to my contact at firestone to confirm a few things. If the compressor is running, it should be filling the bags. The compressor is either going to build air pressure, or not build pressure. So if it is running when the bags are full, we…

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Answer 11

The pilot hole for your wheel will need to be 4-3/4" or more to be used with Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-219-13UC3. This is a lug-centric hub which uses lug nuts to secure the wheel to the hub and your wheel will need to have an 8 on…

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Answer 12

As long as your tires will fit 16" x 6" wheels and your current bolt pattern is 8 on 6-1/2 you can use the Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel #TA77RR for a spare. This has a higher capacity of 4,460 lbs when compared to your current wheels…

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Can 285/85-16 Trailer Tires be Used in Place of 285/80-16 Tires that Keep Blowing Out

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