What is the Difference in Load Ranges for 12 Inch Trailer Tires

Question:

I read an article before by Michael H. about the ratings of trailer tires based on speed and weight. I am interested in purchasing three tires rated M for 81 MPH and 1019 lbs. The specs for this trailer tire is: 12inch x 4inch Wheel Rim Diameter/Width 4 lug Nuts tire size is 4.8 - 12 Also what C load range stands for? You have recommended in your article that a 145/80 -12 would be a good option. Also you stated that TIRE # AM10130 is a load range D for 1220 lbs at 65 psi. Would you kindly please elaborate on these two tires, since I need to get these three tires ASAP that has a speed rating of 80 mph and where to get them from in the Greater Detroit area in Michigan. thanks a million.

asked by: AHMAD K

Expert Reply:

Any given tire size can have more than one load range. The load range represents the ply rating for a tire size and the higher the ply rating the higher the capacity of the tire. Plies are the structural components inside a tire. A tire can have fewer physical plies than its ply rating. This is due to the strength of the materials used to make the plies.

Trailer tire # AM10130 that you mentioned is indeed a load range D. It has an 8 ply rating. It is rated for 1,220 pounds at 65 psi. For tire in the same size, 145/12, only a higher load range E, # AM10140, it will have a ply rating of 10 and is rated for 1,520 pounds at 80 psi.

For a 4.80-12 tire we have # TTWSF48012C which is a load range C, ply rating of 6. It is rated for 990 pounds at 90 psi and has an M speed rating (81 miles per hour). When shopping for trailer tires keep all of the above information in mind. Please note that even if the tires have a higher capacity than the trailer you still have to go by the capacity of the trailer. Higher capacity tires will not increase the weight capacity of the trailer.

There are a lot of junk trailer tires out there so I recommend a reputable tire dealer locally or, better yet, etrailer.com!

expert reply by: Michael H