Recommendation for Upgrading to Higher Load Range with ST235/80R16 Tires on 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2016 Triton 39ft. 5th Wheel Toyhauler, 2 axle, 16inch Wheels. The tires are close to 4 years old now and I want to replace them before I have a problem. My concern is the load rating. The trailer came new with Load Rating E tires. 80psi. That seems low. The trailers dry weight is 11,100lbs. with a max gross of 16,500lbs. What load rating and brand of tire would you recommend? Thanks for your advice.

asked by: Dan J

Helpful Expert Reply:

Based on the maximum 80 psi you mentioned, I believe your 2016 Triton Trailer is equipped with ST235/80R16 sized tires. The Load Range E tires would each feature a 3,520 pound load rating, providing a total load capacity of 14.080 pounds for all 4 tires.

As you mentioned in your question, this falls well short of the trailer's 16,500 pound GVWR so I do think upgrading to higher capacity tires is a good idea. Most likely the manufacturer was factoring in the trailer's pin weight when determining the right tire capacity, as this weight would be pushing down on the rear axle of your truck. This just means that technically speaking the trailer tires aren't responsible for supporting the entirety of the trailer's GVWR.

Even with that in mind, moving up to Load Range G tires is going to provide you with a much healthier safety margin and may also run a bit cooler on the highway so that they last longer. For this I specifically recommend the Provider # PRG80235, which features a 4,080 pound load capacity at 110 psi and an excellent speed rating of 81 mph. This will give you a combined load capacity for all 4 tires of 16,320 pounds. This will be more than sufficient to safely handle the trailer's weight, even when it's loaded to its absolute max.

I have attached a short video review on this particular tire below that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R