Should I Upgrade My Trailer Tires For a Long Trip

Question:

I currently have 205/75R14 radial tires load range C on my Freedom Express 233RBS travel trailer. I am about to travel from South Florida to Washington State. Should I upgrade to load range D Tires ? What about changing from 14 to 15 ?

asked by: Keith C

Expert Reply:

As long as your 205/75R14 Load Range C radial tires, like the Provider # TR20514, are in good shape and they have the appropriate weight capacity when inflated to the required psi, there isn't much need to change something that is working just fine. If your tires are a few years old and/or have a lot of miles on them, I would definitely replace them though.

That being said, it never hurts to have tires that are rated for a heavier load range. The Karrier # AM10235 is currently our only 205/75R14 Load Range D Radial Tire. It has a max load rating of 2,040 lbs at 65 psi. A heavier load range won't necessarily change the life of your tire. It might help your tire stay cooler during travel, but as long as you take care of your current tires (granted they are the correct load range), you won't see too much of a difference.

You can change your wheels to a size 15, but you will want to make sure that you have enough clearance in your wheel well. The Taskmaster part # AM3S638 uses the same 205/75 tire size, but since it has 15 inch wheels it will add 1 inch in diameter to your setup. This has a Load Range C though which has a max load rating of 1,820 lbs at 50 psi. The wheel uses a 5 on 5 bolt pattern so you will want to make sure that matches up as well if you were to go this route.

expert reply by: Jon G