Trailer Tire Speed and Weight Ratings
Question:
I built a small tear camping trailer on a Harbor Freight Haul Master utility trailer. The wheels have a sticker on them saying warning maximum highway speed 55mph. The tire speed rating is 72m, which according to their owners manual is 81mph. The tires are 12”, wheels have a 4 lug pattern. I don’t know how fast I should go. Do you have an answer?
asked by: Mike M
Helpful Expert Reply:
Trailer tire speed ratings do use a letter code system. A tire rated L for speed means it can be operated up to 75 mph; a tire rated M for speed can be operated up to 81 mph. There are many other speed codes. A trailer tire that does NOT indicate any specific speed rating on its sidewall should be presumed to be rated for 65 mph. If your tires do not indicate a speed rating that is molded right into the tire's sidewall then you should go by what the trailer documentation says.
It is possible your tires have the default 65 mph speed rating but the trailer maker chose to recommend a lower speed (by applying the sticker) for liability reasons. Keep in mind that the manufacturer probably did not intend their item to be converted into a camper.
Trailer wheels like 12-inch 4-lug wheel # AM22318HWT are not speed rated, but they are load rated for weight. This wheel is rated for up to 1220-lbs, but if it were to be paired with a tire that has a lower weight rating then that lower tire rating becomes the overall limit. If it were to be paired with a tire with a higher rating like # AM10140 (rated for 1520-lbs) then the lower WHEEL rating applies.
When a wheel and tire differ in weight capacities the lower of the two ratings applies to the combined wheel and tire.
I linked our main page for 12-inch 4-lug trailer wheels and tires to choose from. . I also linked some helpful articles and a video on trailer tires.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 145/80-12
- 12 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Aluminum Split Spoke Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 4 on 4
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Wheel Only
- 12 Inch
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Aluminum Wheels
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- HWT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Kenda Loadstar 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire w/ 10" Solid Center Wheel - 5 on 5-1/2 - LR E
- Shop: Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Search Results: 205/65~10
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Q&A: Do Trailer Tires Have Speed Ratings
- Shop: RV Air Conditioner
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range B
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 530 12 trailer tire
- Q&A: Should I Use Radial or Bias Trailer Tires On My Jet Ski Trailer?
- Article: How to Measure the Bolt Pattern of a Trailer Wheel
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Q&A: Will Baby Moon Hubcaps from 13-Inch Dexstar Wheels Also Fit 15-Inch Wheel # AM20504
- Q&A: Will the 225/75R15 Tire Fit on a 15 X 6 Inch Rim
- Q&A: How Wide of a Rim is Recommended for the Tire Size ST225/75R15
- Q&A: Can an ST225/75-15 Trailer Tire be Mounted on a 5 Inch Wide Rim on a 5th Wheel Trailer
- Search Results: trailer hub cover
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range B and C Trailer Tires
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM30670 Review
- Search Results: loadstar tires
- Search Results: 53012
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
