Can My Truck Tires Handle the Load when Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

Hi, I have tires that are 3,800 lb load capacity on 22 rims. I will be towing a dry weight 13500 lb/gross 17,000 lb dual axle trailer. My understanding is that the rear tires of my truck and the hitch/pin weight of the 5th wheel 3200 approx. Is what matters. What is my math here? Truck rear tires @ 3,800 lbs/per = 7,600 lbs I presume that 7,600 pounds give or take depending on tire pressure and season should be enough for the pin weight of 3,200 lbs? Please advise if possible. Thank you!!

asked by: Collin

Expert Reply:

When it comes to truck tires, it's important to note that they are not designed to fully support the entire weight of the trailer, because they don't. As you mentioned, your "pin weight" or tongue weight (TW) is only 3,200 since most of the weight of the trailer is on the trailer tires. As long as your truck is rated to tow the loaded weight of your trailer and has a tongue weight capacity above 3,200 lbs, your 3,800 lb rated tires (15,200 lbs combined) will perform well.

Trailer tires (our specialty), on the other hand, are designed to support the full load of the trailer, therefore, selecting trailer tires that have a combined rating at or above the total load of the trailer is recommended. The gross loaded weight of the trailer is equally divided among all of the trailer's tires.

I have included a couple links to some helpful FAQs at the bottom of the page for you.

expert reply by: Carla M