Can Tacker Boat Trailer Tires, 175/80-13 be Replaced with 185/80-13 Tires

Question:

My boat trailer came with ST175/80 D-13 tires in 2005. I have have change the tires to Firestone P175/80R13 and have had two blowouts in one year. I am thinking about going with your Loadstar 185/80D-13 LR D. What are your thoughts on this?

asked by: Randall

Expert Reply:

The reason that you are having blow outs is probably not the tire size, it is the type of tire. Passenger vehicle tires should not be used on trailers because they are not designed to handle that type of load. Trailer tires are designed with a thicker side wall to handle more vertical load. When properly inflated and used within their capabilities the tires will not blow out.

Trailer tires need to be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. That thicker side wall that gives the tire is vertical load strength can also cause excessive heat build up if the tire is not properly inflated.

The best thing to do is go with the correct size tire for the trailer, in this case ST175/80-13, like # AM10210. This tire has a capacity of 1,610 pounds at 65 psi. I have included a link to our FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H