Can Trailer Tires Have Different Load Ranges If They Are the Same Size

Question:

I have read that some people put the max psi pressure in camper tires pop up camper and boat trailers and others say put about 3 pounds less of what the max psi is. Which is right? Thanks

asked by: Andy

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are going to want to have the same tires with an equal load range on both sides of your trailer, even if they are the same size. The reason for this is the different pressures that each tire has means the tires will not wear evenly and this will likely cause problems not only with how the trailer rides but also excessive heat on one of the tires.

For example, the Provider ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TTWTR21514 has a 1,870 lb capacity at 50 psi while the Provider ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # TTWTRTM2157514D has a 2,200 lbs at 65 psi. Since you always want to inflate the tire to the max psi on the sidewall to maintain their capacity and get the best performance and wear, if you used one of these tires on each side you will be prone to having issues.

I recommend replacing one of the tires so you have an equal set; it can be either tire so long as the lower rated load range C has the necessary capacity for your trailer.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Andy

5/23/2019

I have read that some people put the max psi pressure in camper tires pop up camper and boat trailers and others say put about 3 pounds less of what the max psi is. Which is right? Thanks

Kyle S.

5/23/2019

No matter what type of trailer you have, you do want to inflate it to the maximum cold psi which is on the sidewall - which means inflating it when the tire is still cold after sitting overnight or before going any extensive miles. So if you used the Provider ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TTWTR21514 for example, you do want to inflate it to the max 50 psi as opposed to 47 psi.