Recommended Replacement Tires for Boat Trailer with 18x8.0-10 Tires

Question:

The existing 4 tires are Loadstar 18 X 8 – 10, no idea how old but OLD. The boat and trailer weigh ~4,000 pounds. What size American tire should I be looking for and what load rating. would you recommend? Can you also suggest a brand or two? Thank you! PS there is plenty of fender clearance

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

If you're wanting to stay relatively close in size then the next closest available tire size would be an ST205/65-10 tire, and the Kenda Loadstar K399 Bias Trailer Tire - 205/65-10 - Load Range E # AM1HP56 are a great choice and what I recommend if you're wanting to re-use your original wheels. You'll need to make sure that your wheels are at least 6 inches wide, but these are a Load Range E tire with a capacity of 1650-lbs per tire; with a tandem axle trailer you'll have more than enough capacity to cover the 4000-lbs you mentioned.

If you wanted to get new wheels and have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern you could get a combo like the Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E # AM3H490, which are a similar Load Range E tire with the same capacity but they come mounted on a galvanized steel wheel.

If you've got a different bolt pattern and want to switch wheels, let me know and I can help you locate a wheel that will work for you, but when it comes to the tires I do recommend going with the ST205/65-10 with a Load Range E and Kenda tires are generally what I recommend if Goodyear tires aren't available in that size, since they're the only tires made in the USA.

expert reply by: Erik B