Replacing 13 Inch Trailer Tire and Considering 14 Inch Options

Question:

This weekend I had a tire blow out while doing 80mph on the hwy. The 13inch tire and wheels I currently have are Item # AM3S334. They are about 7 years old. The popup has a shipping weight of 2839lbs and a pay load of 721lbs. It was over 100 degrees when I was towing the popup Im sure that had something to do with the blowout. I need to replace the tire and probably the rim and want to make sure this doesn't happen again. The other issue I had was getting a lug around the lug nut as it was sunk into the wheel and a regular lug was to thick to completely go on the nut. Do you recommend replacing the rim/tire with the AM3S334, if so do you also sell a lug that will fit the lug nuts while clearing the wheel? I will also need new lug nuts. I was thinking of going to a 14inch wheel for a higher weight capacity but worry that it will rub on the side/plenty of top clearance. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Justin B

Expert Reply:

The Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D # AM3S334 has a max speed of 81 mph so the speed mixed with the ambient heat likely had a strong factor. If your tires weren't inflated to 65 psi cold prior to the trip that would also have an impact.

This is a great tire and wheel so 7 years likely has taken a toll as well. The tire has a width of 7.2 inches and an outer diameter of 24.4 inches so if looking to upgrade size you will want to compare that diameter for the side clearance you referenced. If you stick with this wheel I recommend the Americana Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - 7/8" Diameter - Stainless Steel - 1/2" - 20 # AM90070 for your lug nuts as they are 2-3/32 inches long.

If you increase the tire size to 14 inch, I recommend looking at the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D # AM32161. These are 8.1 inches wide so you'll have just short of an extra 1/2 inch to the inside toward the frame and the outer diameter is 26.3 inches, so you'll gain almost an inch on each side.

expert reply by: Jason S