Trailer Tire Country of Origin, Balancing Information, and Switching to a Larger Size

Question:

1. Where is the Kenda Karrier manufactured? 2. When purchasing a tire and wheel assembly, is the assembley balanced? 3. I would like to change from a ST225/75R15E to a ST235/80R16E. I have the space, any input or any other thing you know of I should consider?

asked by: Larry P

Expert Reply:

The Kenda Karrier Radial Tire, # AM10248, is made overseas in China. It seams that most trailer tires are now made overseas.

If you were to purchase a tire and wheel assembly, the tires are mounted on the wheel from the manufacturer, but they do not balance them the way that a tire shop would balance a tire. They do not use weights to offset a light side with a heavy side. Instead, they try to match the light side of a tire with the heavy side of a wheel. If you wanted it balanced beyond that, you would need to take the assembly to a local tire shop.

Your original 225/75-15 tires are about 8.865 inches wide and 28.3 inches tall. The new 235/80-16 size will be 9.259 inches wide and 30.8 inches tall. As long as you have the space between the tire and trailer all around, and the bolt pattern of the wheels is the same, you can change to the new size.

A couple of things to keep in mind are that with the larger size, the center of gravity of the trailer will be higher and the trailer will be more susceptible to sway. Also, going to a larger size tire and wheel will not allow the trailer to carry heavier loads. You will still need to go by the axle capacity and capacities listed by the trailer manufacturer. I have included a link to our tire and wheel FAQ articles for you.

expert reply by: Michael H