Can a Load Range C Tire Be Replaced with a Load Range D Tire

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Question:

I recently replaced my C rated tiresST205/75R14/Cwith ST205/75R14/D tires which raised the max cold PSI from 50 psi to 65 psi. I have heard several different recommendations on which tire psi to use. Some say use the max cold pressure of 65 psi all the time, others say use less or equal to the original max tire pressure of 50 psi, and others say use a psi based on the Goodyear load/inflation chart which appears to be based on the max rating of each axle. If my max trailer rating is 1760 per tire for the Casita and the recommended original tire pressure was 50 psi, should I use 50 psi for the new tires regardless of the cold psi rating of 65 or can I run the tires at the 65 psi if the trailer loaded weight is at or below the max of 1760 per tire? Would using less than the 65 psi for the D tire cause any tire damage? Thanks

asked by: Jack

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you can replace your load range C tires with load range D tires without issue. It will only become any issue when you go down load ranges, not up. The tires will have the same overall diameter as long as they are the same size regardless of their load range. If you are looking for a recommendation on a 205/75-14 tire I recommend the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire part # AM10235.

This tire has a radial construction which is better for long highway hauls, a load range D rating which is 2,200 lbs per tire, and a speed rating M which is suitable for use up to 81 MPH. Kenda is our best tire manufacturer and they come with a two year warranty. I have attached a review video for you.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Jack

6/25/2018

I recently replaced my C rated tiresST205/75R14/Cwith ST205/75R14/D tires which raised the max cold PSI from 50 psi to 65 psi. I have heard several different recommendations on which tire psi to use. Some say use the max cold pressure of 65 psi all the time, others say use less or equal to the original max tire pressure of 50 psi, and others say use a psi based on the Goodyear load/inflation chart which appears to be based on the max rating of each axle. If my max trailer rating is 1760 per tire for the Casita and the recommended original tire pressure was 50 psi, should I use 50 psi for the new tires regardless of the cold psi rating of 65 or can I run the tires at the 65 psi if the trailer loaded weight is at or below the max of 1760 per tire? Would using less than the 65 psi for the D tire cause any tire damage? Thanks

Reply

Conner L.

6/25/2018

We always recommend you fill trailer tires to the max psi listed on the sidewall while cold. This will ensure that you are able to benefit from the full load range of the tire. If you filled a tire to 50 psi when the sidewall called for 65 psi then you would not have as a high of a weight capacity. The recommended cold fill psi will also take into consideration the rise in psi that occurs as the tire begins to warm. Filling the tires to 50 psi when they are rated at 65 psi could also cause them to wear more on the outside edges which would mean you would need to replace them much sooner then when filled to the manufacturer's recommended psi. They may also not be covered under warranty if not filled to their max psi.

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Answer 1

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13…

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Answer 2

In terms of speed rating the Goodyear Endurance ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire is certainly superior to the Kenda Karrier #AM10235, as it features an 87 mph maximum speed (compared to 81 mph on the Kenda). Based on your question, where it seems like…

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Answer 3

The 4.80X12 2 ply tire at 60 psi that you have is a Load Range B tire. The other 4 ply tire at 90 psi should be a Load Range C tire. When the inflation pressure is higher that will indicate a higher load range. The Load Range B tire should have a…

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Answer 4

A 13 inch trailer wheel is likely going to use 1/2 inch lug nuts. The torque spec is the same for a 13 inch wheel whether it is steel or an alloy wheel; 75 to 85 foot pounds. I have included a picture with a handy chart with torque values for you as…

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Answer 5

90-120 ft lbs of torque is probably about right for your trailer rims. If you check out the lug nut torque chart that I attached you will see that nearly all of the torque specs are that and higher.

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Answer 6

Trailer tires and wheels do not typically come balanced from the factory like what you see with standard passenger vehicle tires. This isn't usually needed for trailer tires and most car shops don't have the needed setup to properly balance…

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Answer 7

The best option we have that will fit your wheel and work well is the Lionshead tire part #LHWL101. The quality and construction of this tire is unmatched but I really like about it is the fact it has a 75 mph speed rating which is higher than most…

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Answer 8

If you have a tandem axle travel trailer that weighs 6,000 lbs a Load Range C tire like the part #AM1ST92 would work, but since you said that is the weight when empty you would most likely want to go with the Load Range D just to be safe. For that…

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Answer 9

In order to haul a generator on the front of your vehicle, I suggest using a front mount trailer hitch such as the #13703. This is an adjustable type hitch that fits frames from 22" to 72" in width. It is not a custom fit but will require a…

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Answer 10

The load range tire used is going to depend on the gross trailer weight capacity, which should be on a sticker or plate near the front of the trailer frame or in the trailer's literature. It probably also indicates the load range, or at least the…

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Answer 11

Since most trailer manufacturers do not make wheel and tire information available to the general public, it is hard for me to tell you what size lug nuts you have on the wheel. I can tell you they do have caps over them. The most common size of lug…

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Answer 12

The metric equivalent size for an A78x13ST original trailer tire is the ST175/80-13 size you referenced. Changing to a higher Load Range tire will not really affect your ride quality very much. But what this will do is help to prevent excess heat in…

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Can a Load Range C Tire Be Replaced with a Load Range D Tire

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