How To Get the Correct Tire Size For a 1985 Scotty Camper

Question:

This is all I know. 1985 Scotty Camper Double axle 4 tires 1700 lbs present weight per title electric brakes Existing tires/wheels are P16580D13 @ 1069 pound rating each My question is that the guy I bought this from, his father installed the above existing tires and wheels from another camper they had. How do I know I have the correct tires on this camper. They need to be replaced and I am not sure if they are presently the correct type. What type do you suggest Thanks

asked by: Andrew Z

Expert Reply:

You will want to remove the P165/80D13 tires from your camper because they are only a passenger car tire. A trailer tire will be labeled ST before the tire size to designate a special trailer tire. This will mean the tire is designed with stronger sidewalls to handle the extra loads that a trailer/camper will put on the tire.

If you look on the 1985 Scotty Camper identification tag it might include the correct tire size that is recommended for your camper. The correct tire size for your camper should have a weight capacity that when the 4 tires are added up the weight capacity of the tires will exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the camper.

If you are using the existing 13 inch wheels and just purchasing tires, the two 13 inch tires sizes I have available to choose from is the ST175/80-13 and the ST185/80-13.

The ST175/80-13 size is available in a load range B (4-ply rated) 1,100 lbs at 35 psi, load range C (6-ply rated) 1,360 lbs at 50 psi, and the load range D (8-ply rated) 1,610 lb at 65 psi.

The ST185/80-13 size is available in a load range D (8-ply rated) 1,725 lbs at 65 psi.

Both of the 13 inch tire sizes will fit wheel widths of 4-1/2 inches, 5 inches, and 5-1/2 inches.

If you find the correct tire size is different than the 13 inch tire size please let me know and I can help you get the correct tires and wheels for your camper.

I am including links to a FAQ page on trailer tire sizing and to a product page that will list all of the 13 inch trailer tire sizes available.