Tire, Rim and Valve Combination Selection for a 2002 Sundowner Tandem Axle 12,000 lb Horse Trailer

Question:

i have been researching trailer tires I need a minimum of E rating for my 2002 Sundowner 12000 lbs dual axel horse trailer. Current Manfactures trailer sticker suggest a tire and rim reference E load at 65psi. Will Karrier E rated tires at 95 psi or an upgrade to F rating at 110psi require special valves and or different rims to inflate to this pressure?

asked by: Ken

Expert Reply:

Lets start with the tires. If you selected a load range E trailer tire capable of 3,200 lbs at 95 psi, your tandem axle trailer would be properly equipped with tires rated for 12,800 lbs. There would be no reason to upgrade to a F load rating, and an F rated tire could possibly cause a rougher ride and more wear on the trailer suspension. You will need to select a properly rated tire to match the diameter of the wheel you are mounting the tire on.

The load range E tire you referred to with a 65 psi rating is most likely a LT (light truck) rated tire. We do not carry LT rated tires at this time. We have an informational article on trailer tires that you may find useful, see link.

When selecting a wheel to match a tire, you will need the wheel bolt pattern, see link on how to measure. Likewise, if you are matching a tire to a wheel you will need to make sure that the wheel is rated for the weight and psi rating that is required for the trailers gross weight and proper inflation of the tire selected.

Finally, the wheel will determine the valve stem needed. If the wheel is 16 inches diameter or larger it will take a valve stem that fits into a .625 valve hole. Smaller wheels will have a valve hole of .453 inches.

The valve stems we carry for the 16 inch wheels, # AM20906, are rated for tires up to and over 100 psi and fit in a valve hole that is .625 inches diameter.

expert reply by: Robert G