Correct Replacement Trailer Tire Size for 1-1/2 Ton Utility Trailer That Uses 215/75R/15 Tires  

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Expert Reply:

The tire size currently on your trailer, 215/75R/15, is a light truck/passenger tire and not a trailer tire. You will be better off with tires made specifically for use on a trailer and rated appropriately for the axle. Keep in mind that the load your trailer can carry will be limited to the lowest rated component in the system - either the wheels/tires, the axles or the trailer frame itself. Increasing the capacity of one component, such as the tires/wheels, does not necessarily increase the weight carrying limit for the trailer.

I have provided links to several articles; one provides a trailer tire sizing chart with load ratings and overall diameters, another answers many common questions about trailer tires, and a third one explains how to determine the wheel bolt pattern used on your trailer. If you choose a replacement tire/wheel combination be sure to match the bolt pattern on your trailer hubs.

You also want to be sure that an alternate tire size will still provide enough clearance for your trailer fenders and other components. Your current tires are 8.36 inches wide and 27.7 inches in diameter (subject to minor variances due to inflation pressure and tread depth). Keep this in mind as you consider alternate size tires to ensure adequate clearance. You can refer to the chart in the included article to confirm the diameter of alternate-size tires.

If you typically carry heavier loads, or if you tow off-road much of the time (such as agricultural applications), you may want to stay with a bias ply type trailer tire due to its stiffer sidewall construction. If you do most of your towing with lighter loads and/or primarily for long distances on the highway then you may want to consider a radial trailer tire, which will typically run cooler than a bias ply tire.

The tires you were looking at, Kenda part # AM30020, are bias ply tires on a 5-on-4-1/2 wheel with a B load range rating. Each of these is rated for 590 lbs maximum at the rated inflation pressure of 60 psi. A pair of these would be suited to a 1000 lb axle. Since your trailer is 1-1/2 ton it most likely has a 3500 lb axle, meaning that you should use a higher capacity specialty trailer tire/wheel to match your axle. I suggest Load Range C tires, which are typically rated for a maximum load of at least 1820 lbs. I have included a product link that will show you all available Load Range C (bias ply and radial) trailer tires with a 5-on-4-1/2 bolt pattern. We offer painted steel, galvanized steel and cast aluminum wheels pre-fitted with tires.

expert reply by: Adam R

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