Recommendation for Upgrading Tires on Camper for Greater Highway Speeds and Better Capacity

Question:

Is there not a tire that is rated at interstate speeds of 75 mph carrying 15,000+ pounds? What is the weight rate of a G rated tire? I have had three 5th wheel campers and have had problems with blowouts on all three with tires 10 ply properly inflated. Im considering purchasing 14 ply tires. My current camper has 2 axles (4 tires) and weighs between 13,000 and 14,000 lbs. The tire size is 235 80R 16, 10 ply. Check GVWR: It is 15,950

asked by: Roger Y

Expert Reply:

Good news, we do offer some tires that are rated for highway speeds of up to 81mph. If you exceed the rating for extended periods of time it will lead to excessive heat build up and heat is the number 1 enemy of tires.

The highest rated tire in the 235/80R16 size at 81mph is 3,050lbs at 80 psi With a quantity of 2 axles and 4 total tires this brings it to a tire capacity of 14,000lbs # TTWTRTM2358016E.

While there is no G rated tire in the 235/80R16 size, the weight rating of a 14 ply G rated tire in the 235/85R16 tire size like the # TTWPRG235R16 is 4,400lbs at 110 psi; giving you a total of 17,600lbs of capacity for your trailer. This tire is also speed rated for up to 81mph.

You can upgrade to the 235/85R16 sized tire as long as your camper has the room for it. The # TTWTRTM2358016E will have an outer diameter of 30.79 inches when inflated and the # TTWPRG235R16 will be 31.73 inches. This is a difference of about an inch.

Please note that going to a higher capacity tire does not increase the capacity of the trailer. I have included a link to our Help Article on trailer tires for you.