Tire and Wheel Recommendations for a Home Made Utility Trailer

Question:

I have a home made utility trailer with 16 wheels and Cooper 7.00-15LT tires. I just purchased the trailer I am looking to replace the tires as they have some dry rot on them. What size tires can be used on these wheels? The trailer probably wont handle more than 2500 lbs and will be used for household use hauling brush, picking up building supplies, etc.. I was told that I could use a 15 tire on the 16 rim, is that true? Would I be better off buying a 15 6 lug wheel/tire combo since the 15 wheel seems to be more common and less expensive overall? Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.

asked by: Ray S

Expert Reply:

For a 16 inch rim you will always want to use a tire that was designed for a 16 inch rim. You will also need to know the width of the rim in order to determine which tire size you will need. I attached a chart that shows what sizes are compatible with different rim widths to help you pick out which tire you will need.

The size 7.00-15LT that you listed is a size tire for a 15 inch rim. It sounds like you have a 15 inch wheel and you would need a tire for a 15 inch rim.

I would recommend you get a Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10244 if your rim width is between 5-6-1/2 inches. If your rim width is between 6 and 7 inches I would recommend you get a Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10256.

The tire that is on the Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire and Wheel # AM32764 that you referenced would be a good choice for you if you have a 16 inch wheel. For just a tire in that size you would want a Karrier ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10248. When picking out a trailer you will always want to use tire sizes that have ST in the size information. This stands for specialty trailer and is the best choice for a trailer tire.

The LT tire you have currently is better suited for tow vehicles as it is designed differently. LT tires typically are not as UV resistant as ST tires, which may be a factor in why your tires have dry rot on them.

You will need to check the wheel clearance on your trailer but if you wanted a wheel and tire setup for a 15 inch wheel you would want a Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # AM32664. Typically, 15 inch tires are more economically priced than 16 inch tires. If you plan on putting a lot of miles on your trailer it might be a good idea to go to a 15 inch wheel setup if you do not have on already.