Two Trailer Tires Rub Against Trailer and Two Do Not But All are the Same Size

Question:

I have a heavy trailer with 4 wheels and they all have same tire size ST205/75D14. The 2 front tires width is wider that it touch the side of trailer when driving and you can hear squeak. Can I replace 2 front tire with ST195/75D14 or ST185/75D14 and have 2 tire ST205/75D14 on rear at the same time? These 2 type tire size ST195/75D14 or ST185/75D14 is smaller in width. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Dave D

Expert Reply:

While any 2 tires of the same size can vary slightly in section width they shouldn't be so far off from each other to be all that noticeable and cause this issue. Is it possible that the 2 wheels on the tires in question have an offset? A positive offset moves the tires closer to the trailer. To see if this is the case you can put the problem wheel and tire on the axle that doesn't have the problem. If the tires rub there too then you likely have wheels with a positive offset.

It also could indicated a problem with some suspension components so I recommend checking for excessive suspension wear as potentially causing this problem.

In the 14 inch trailer tire size there are only 205/75-14 and 215/75-14. Anything smaller is a passenger vehicle size and should not be used on a trailer. If you find that the wheels you have do have a positive offset you can replace the wheels. I have included a link to the 14 inch wheels with 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern that we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H