Can My Spare Trailer Tire Be A Lower Load Range Than The Rest Of My Tires

Question:

I bought 4 load D tires and kept a load C tire as a spare on my trailer. All tires are the same size 14 and all other dimensions are the same. However the load C appears to be about a half inch shorter. If I need to use the spare will there be a problem

asked by: Betancourt J

Expert Reply:

Typically higher load ranges of tires means higher capacity and a higher max PSI. For example the Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire Load range D part # AM1ST77 has a maximum load rating of 1,610 lbs at 65 PSI. While the same tire in load range C, Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire part # AM1ST76 has a maximum 1,360 lbs at 50 psi. With that being said the ideal spare would be the same load range but you can use the load range C tire as a spare only in emergencies to get you home or someplace to change the tire. You do not want ride around for long periods of time with mixed load range tires because it can cause uneven wear which leads to heat build and blow outs.

expert reply by: Heather A