Will a 205/65-10 Tire Size Replace a 20.5x8-10 Tire on an Old Popup Camper

Question:

I have an old popup camper with 20.5x8x10 load range D tires on a 5 hole rim. It seems you recommend replacing this old tire with a 205/65-10 - Load Range E tire. But this new tire is for a 6 inch rim. Will it work with my old 8 inch rims? Is the tire/rim package, AM3H480 a suitable replacement. The camper weighs 2000# Thanks

asked by: Herb S

Expert Reply:

The tire size 205/65-10 is a suitable replacement for the old tire size 20.5x8-10. I have not heard of a 20.5x8-10 tire mounted on an 8 inch wide rim. Your actual rim width should be 6 inches and the tire itself should be 8 inches wide. A 205/65-10 tire will only mount on a 6 inch wide wheel.

There are a few things that you will need to consider before replacing the tires and wheels on your old camper. First, we need to determine the weight capacity of your axle or the gross trailer weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow to select the correct load range tire. These tires come in 4 different load ranges, load range B that has a capacity of 910 lbs, load range C, capacity of 1,100 lbs, load range D, has a capacity of 1,330 lbs and load range E that has a capacity of 1,650 lbs. Add two tire capacities together to match your trailers axle capacity or gross weight.

The second factor to consider is the bolt hole pattern of your current wheels. Since your wheels have 5 bolt holes, they likely have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. I would recommend measuring to verify that this is your bolt pattern since it is an older wheel. The 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern is the only 5 bolt hole pattern that we offer for this tire size. I have attached a help article on how to determine the bolt hole pattern of your wheel.

I have attached a link to all of the tire and wheel combinations that we carry for this tire size. Once you determine your axle capacity and bolt hole pattern, you can select the correct replacement tire from the available options. The Kenda 205/65-10 Tire and 10 Inch Wheel, # AM3H480, that you referenced will work as a replacement tire and wheel as long as the bolt pattern on your hub is 5 on 4-1/2 inches.

expert reply by: John H