What is the Speed Rating for Loadstar K399 Bias Trailer Tire - 205/65-10

Question:

Would like to build a boat trailer that could also work as a car trailer too. My metal boat doesnt need the conventual supports of a normal boat trailer. However, Id like to use the 20.5 tires to make the trailer as low as possible. Getting mixed reviews on this plan but not many facts. Would like to haul long distance once in a while. If I maintain a 30 weight reserve, will these tires hold up at freeway speeds. I built a 4 axel boat trailer 15 years ago that have these tires and it works great. It doesnt see the highway though.

asked by: Bart D

Expert Reply:

The trailer tires that we carry are rated for 65 miles per hour. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire. Trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall. A thicker sidewall can generate more heat but an under inflated thicker sidewall will generate excessive heat and cause a tire to fail. Trailer tire # AM1HP50 should be inflated to 35 psi.

Having a trailer low to the ground makes the center of gravity lower and could be beneficial and lessening the likelihood of sway. There are other problems though inherent with having a trailer low to the ground such as ground clearance and getting all the correct parts with the proper weight capacity to make the trailer both lower and still have the same capacity.

How you go about making a combination car hauler/boat trailer I am not sure but always stay with the weight capacity of the axle(s) when loaded and make sure that the tires you do end up using have the proper capacity as well. If the tires are rated higher than the axle you still have to go by the lower rating. I have included a link to our FAQ article on trailer tires for you.

expert reply by: Michael H