Posted 2009-10-07 8:23 AM (#111536 - in reply to #111531) Subject: RE: Axles/Tires
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
The "official" GAWR will not change. It is printed on the ID plate, registered with the trailer's manufacturer, and has a bearing in the VIN assignment. Unofficially, if your tires were the limiting factor then yes, it has gone up. If you are stopped and weighed, the officer will use the plate, not whatever is on the unit now. For what its worth- I have seen the mfg issue a new VIN number and plate when a tire or axle upgrade is done. But it is apparently more involved on their end than simply printing up some new documents because it is an unusual occurance. Also be aware- the weight rating system from "D" to "E" is not parallel between LT & ST tires. I believe a "D" in the ST235/85R16 will have a higher weight rating than an "E" LT235/85R16. So moving "up" to an E in this case may reduce your capacity.
Posted 2009-10-07 10:59 AM (#111558 - in reply to #111548) Subject: RE: Axles/Tires
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Southern IL
The load rating on different brands of tires CAN be different. The ply's will be the same, but not necessarily the load rating. For example, you can have a Goodyear "E" rated tire and an Import "E" rated tire. They are both 12 ply, but one may be higher/lower rated than the other. It's common to find a "no brand" import tire rated higher than a name brand tire.
Regardless, changing your tires will not increase your axle's rating. Unless, it was under rated to begin with because of to light of tire. But you would have to have a new tag made to make it official.
Posted 2009-10-07 11:05 AM (#111559 - in reply to #111558) Subject: RE: Axles/Tires
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by rstall13 on 2009-10-07 11:59 AM
The load rating on different brands of tires CAN be different. The ply's will be the same, but not necessarily the load rating. For example, you can have a Goodyear "E" rated tire and an Import "E" rated tire. They are both 12 ply, but one may be higher/lower rated than the other. It's common to find a "no brand" import tire rated higher than a name brand tire. Regardless, changing your tires will not increase your axle's rating. Unless, it was under rated to begin with because of to light of tire. But you would have to have a new tag made to make it official.
An "E" rated tire is a name for the old 10 ply. Alot of the E rated tires now days are only 5-6 actual plys instead of 10.... The 12 ply you speak of is an "F" rated tire.... Some of the tires of "ASIA" are "F" rated 12 ply that only have 6 actual plys of steel and polyester/nylon cord..
Axles/Tires
