Which Tires for 8500 lb 5th Wheel to Replace Existing ST245/75R-16
Question:
I am about to replace the four ST245 R75/16 tires on my 5th wheel. What load rating on tires for a 5th wheel weighing 8500 pounds should I be looking for? thanks
asked by: John H
Expert Reply:
You will want to choose tires whose individual load rating is greater than 1/4 of the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer weight.
For a dual axle 8500 lb trailer (assuming fully loaded weight), you would want each tire rated greater than 2125 lbs.
Since the typical capacity of 4 16 inch tires would be so much greater than the weight of your fifth wheel, the load rating is not really important. Any of the tires we offer for 16 inch wheels should have plenty of capacity for your needs, but I would recommend going with a radial tire. A radial tire would run cooler than a bias-ply tire, since excessive heat is the number one enemy of trailer tires, I would go that route. Be sure to keep your tires fully inflated to the pressure shown on the tire sidewall.
According to my calculations, a 245/75-16 tire would be around 30-1/2 inches in diameter and have a tread width of about 9-2/3 inches. The # AM10248 radial tire in ST235/80R-16 size Load Range E would have plenty of capacity at 3500 lbs per tire and would be very similar in size to your existing tires, at about 31 inches in diameter and a 9-1/2 inch section width. Since the size is only about 1/2 an inch larger in diameter and roughly an 1/8 of an inch wider. Because the size difference is so slight, you should not have any clearance problems.
I have linked you to some FAQ articles that contain more information about trailer tires.
Products Referenced in This Question
Karrier ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/80-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Are Trailer Tires Better for a Trailer than Light Truck Tires
- Q&A: Upgrade for 235/75-15 Tires on a Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Choosing Between ST and LT Tires for a 5th Wheel Trailer
- Q&A: Off Road 235/75-15 Tire Mounted on 15x6 Wheel with 5 on 4-1/2 Inch Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Replacement Wheel And Tire Options For 15 Trailer Tires
- Q&A: What Is The Construction of the Kenda ST235/85R16 Load Range E Trailer Tire # AM10295
- Search Results: disc brake conversion kit
- Shop: Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - 13" Hub/Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - 7K
- Shop: Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Black Powder Coat
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Shop: Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Black
- Shop: Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - Black
- Shop: Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Black
- Article: How to Install E-Track in 3 Easy Steps
- Article: What To Look For When Buying Ratchet Straps
- Q&A: Is it Okay to Have Different Size Tires on a Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: B and W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: dust cap
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 25580