Highest Capacity ST235/80-16 Trailer Tires for 5th Wheel

Question:

Currently I have OEM tires on my 5th wheel. Tires are in a tandem configuration. OEM tires are Trailer King ST 235/80 R16 124/120L ST radial Load range E 10 PR max load duel 3080 lbs, single 3520 lbs as indicated on the tire. 5th wheel dry weight is 12,500 lbs with a max of 16,500 lbs. I would like to increase my tire load capacity. What do you recommend?

asked by: Stephanie W

Expert Reply:

A dual-tire/tandem axle 5th wheel trailer has a total of 8 tires so each one needs to handle 1/8th of the trailer's 16,500-lb GVWR, or 2062-lbs. If I am misunderstanding the setup please let me know. For calculating any trailer's tire load capacity needs just divide the GVWR by the number of tires on the trailer.

In tire size ST235/80-16 the highest capacity tire we offer is the Load Range G Taskmaster Provider # PRG80235 which can handle 3640-lbs per tire in a dual-tire configuration (meaning two tires on each end of each axle). In such an 8-tire setup using this tire all around would give you an enormous safety margin in weight capacity, a whopping 12620-lbs of extra capacity.

Using such tires will enable much lower operating temperatures which tends to lead to a longer lifespan. These Taskmaster tire also happen to have an M speed rating, meaning they're good to 81-mph. The Taskmaster radials # PRG80235 also carries a 2-year warranty. They give you the load carrying capacity of a bias ply with the superior flex and traction of a radial.

The Load Range E version of this tire is part # TTWTRTM2358016E which can handle 3000-lbs per tire in a dual-tire configuration. This radial again combines high load capacity and a high 81-mph speed rating.

If the trailer is not a tandem axle (if it has only 1 axle with dual tires, 4 tires total) then the Load Range G # PRG80235 in a set of four will give you a total load capacity of 14,560-lbs which is not enough for the maximum trailer weight of 16.5K.