Will Kenda 175/80-13 Loadstar be Able to Hold Weight of 1983 Calkins Boat Trailer with Boat

Question:

I have a 1983 Calkins boat trailer the registration for which rates it at 2375# The bolt scheme by my measurement is 5 on 4 1/2 It is mated with an 18 foot aluminum Blue FIn outboard boat - they appear to have been packaged together originally judging by the paint scheme. The previous owner has what appear to be automobile tires on automobile rims on the trailer. I plan on discarding these completely. Will the AM3S140 Kenda Loadstar tires have the weight carrying capacity to be safely used as replacement tires/wheels. Thanks

asked by: Bob G

Expert Reply:

If your 1983 Calkins boat trailer is rated for 2,375 lbs GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) then the Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire # AM3S140, which has a load range C (1,360 lbs at 50 psi), will be able to handle the weight. I am not sure how much your whole setup weighs so it might be best to take it by a weigh station just to be sure you know how much it all weighs.

You are correct that automobile tires are not suited for trailer usage and so switching the correct tire/wheels is a great idea. The tire you are looking at is a Bias tire which is more suited for off-road use like agriculture. I recommend using a Radial tire instead as they are better for highway use. We have this same size tire from Kenda that comes with 3 different wheel types. White Modular # AM31957 (good rust resistance), Galvanized # AM31952 (better rust resistance), and Aluminum would be the best rust resistance but is not available as a tire and wheel mounted combo. If you want aluminum, you could use the Provider Radial Tire # TTWTRTM1758013C and the Aluminum Hi-Spec Series S5 Trailer Wheel # AM22323HWT.

I have linked some review videos for you to check out as well.