Trailer tires, better than "E"

RPM Motorsports

smokinum
May 13, 2008
3,271
10
38
Central Valley Ca.
I hate worrying about trailer tires and seems they always let go when least expected. What options are available for tires higher than an E rating. Is there an extreme load rated tire/semi type tire that will fit standard rims? I just picked up a 42' triple stacker 18,000 GVW goose neck and Kodiac 5500 conversion, and trailer has the same "E" rated tires the 18' flatbed has. 235-80-16's on it now
 

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ALLY Fox

Old Man Truck
Dec 14, 2010
434
0
0
Oregon 7S5
You would have to go to a Rickson or similar 19.5 to get tires over "E" load, if they fit.. Be prepared to spend some $$$$, but the peace of mind might be worth it.
 

IdahoRob

New member
Jun 5, 2007
1,151
0
0
Congrats Russ. I have battled this for years. My 30' stacker with the truck and car and other things like golf cart and tools was a challenge to keep tires under it. I bought 10, 12, and 14 ply trailer tires and ran "e" rated truck tires and nothing lasted long. Basically with the 25k weight and rolling down the road at 70+/- MPH they just over heated and blew up. Perfect tread, just couldn't handle the heat. I don't like driving 55mph when you have 2500 miles to go.

So I did some research with the hot shot guys and different tire stores which lead me to these;

Goodyear G614 RST Load range G truck tire 235/85/16.

They are not cheap but so far I haven't blown a tire. I've only put about 3500 miles on them so not conclusive but I for sure would of popped one of the others in this small amount of miles.
 

Awenta

Active member
Sep 28, 2014
4,090
2
38
CT
Lt tires are usually more durable. A half inch sized rim will have stronger tires. 19.5 is best but even 17.5 will work. Those are more expensive than 19.5 though.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
Oct 16, 2008
948
12
18
Idaho
Lots of options in 14 and 16 ply radials in 17.5" diameter. You'll be buying new wheels initially but they shouldn't give you the issues a 10 ply truck tire might.
 

Al's max

Member
Jul 29, 2014
103
0
16
Texas
As Rob said, I have had good luck running G rated tires. When I trade for my next gooseneck it will have 17.5 on it. PJ dealer said it would be a $100ish upgrade per tire.
 

malibu795

misspeelleerr
Apr 28, 2007
8,244
550
113
42
in the buckeye state
On 215/75/17.5 I pay ~170.00 roadmaster rm170(cooper) each I get ~130-150,000 miles out of them easy
Quick Google for 17.5 wheels..
https://www.trailerandtruckparts.co...s_c_353.html?gclid=CLjt4KCCyMcCFY81aQodcY0Njg
These guys are an OEM provider of wheels for steel wheels and sell to public
http://taskmasterproducts.com/products/heavy-duty-wheels/

The problem with torsion axle trailers... If its not level you over load one of the axles. They Only have ~2" or so of travel verses spring is more than double that

Plus 17.5"s pull easier than 16" s
 

GeorgiaDieselGTO

Wants to drive his truck
May 12, 2010
102
0
0
Crossville
For 16" bridgestone duravis all the way. Never seen a sidewall in a 16" tire like they have.
But I vote 17.5 as well they are a lot tougher than any 16" on the market
 

RPM Motorsports

smokinum
May 13, 2008
3,271
10
38
Central Valley Ca.
Is the rollout of the 17.5 the same as the 16" I'm running now? It would be nice to be able to do two at a time if they are. I noticed the back two tires are worn, while the middle and fronts are still new (all replaced in 14). Guessing they traveled with the load shifted to the back. If the 17.5" rollout isn't the same, I'm going to try out Robs setup and see how they last.
 

jollybuildingmover

New member
Apr 21, 2015
37
0
0
If you go to the 17.5 you will have to most likely replace your hubs. Those wheels use a larger stud. You may be able to have the larger stud pressed your hubs, but i think it is a significantly larger stud. On that axle setup, you are going to just have problems with tires. Sharp turning manuevers what will cause tire problems, but they may not manifest their weakened state until going down the road. The 14 ply trailer tires are a great option on a 16" rim. You need to check your clearance though, becausethey are slightly taller, 235/85/16, whereas the 10 ply trailer tire just an 80 series. I can also tell you from experience that you don't want mix them. Not a rating issue, but the height difference has caused an issue with my equalizers and shackles. I had a load of 2 buildings on my trailer a couple of weeks ago and lost a 10 ply tire on my front axle. The 14s are on the axle. I was loaded pretty heavy and the only sign i had that i had last a tire was some excessive sway on a bumpy road. I stopped at a tire shop and the 14 ply on the back was not the last bit pinched or showing any sign of overloading.

04 3500 LB7 C&C
We move Portable Buildings!
 

justindavis38

New member
Jun 18, 2015
189
0
0
30
Hickory, NC
You can get 14.5 wheels for tralers with a 12 ply rating for a trailer that size I would look at 16.5" wheels probably with a 16.5 you can get 10,12,14 ply tires rated up to 120 psi but as far as how long the tire will last mileage or age wise none are better then the other.
 

justindavis38

New member
Jun 18, 2015
189
0
0
30
Hickory, NC
Not to mention 16.5" will be an easier/cheaper tire to find I worked in a tire shop for two years and put a ton of 16.5" on never once saw a 17.5" and 19.5 wouldn't fit they only make certain sizes for 19.5 none small enough to fit under your fenders.