Posted 2012-02-01 10:47 AM (#140480) Subject: Another trailer tire question
Member
Posts: 7
Sorry to ask another trailer tire question. I tried to search but couldn't find what I was looking for. I have an older steel 3 horse slant gooseneck that needs new tires. This is a rehab'd trailer and the weight tag was painted over so I don't know the actual weight. Currently it has 7.0 15's, when I called the local tire store they told me those weren't made anymore. Can anyone here tell me what similar sizes I can look for?
Posted 2012-02-01 12:05 PM (#140483 - in reply to #140480) Subject: RE: Another trailer tire question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
one thing you might want to check is if the rims are made for tubeless tires some of the older ones are not, I had a similar stock trailer and if you look around you can get the 225x15's in a 12 ply tire which would help.
Posted 2012-02-01 4:39 PM (#140492 - in reply to #140480) Subject: RE: Another trailer tire question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
FWIW- While the 225/70R15 is probably a direct dimensional crossover, tires in that size are normally either sport oriented or luxury touring. Look at a 225/75R15 for a more passenger oriented unit and there is a trailer tire ST225/75R15 available in a Load Range D. You'll also find that there is a good selection in basic 235/75R15 tires that are resonably priced and should have enough load to carry the trailer.
Remember- when using a "P" tire on a trailer or light truck, reduce the loading number by 10% from what is on the sidewall, as trucks and trailers affect a tire differently than a passenger car. Higher center of gravity contributes to more weight shift in a turn.
RTSmith
www.SelectTrailer.com
Posted 2012-02-02 10:18 AM (#140513 - in reply to #140492) Subject: RE: Another trailer tire question
Member
Posts: 7
RTSmith - so I could possibly use a regular P tire on my trailer if it is a 235/75R15 size? I will probably be selling this trailer later this year and will only be using it occasionally for short trips until then.
Posted 2012-02-03 11:58 PM (#140536 - in reply to #140480) Subject: RE: Another trailer tire question
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Personally...I would avoid a P designated tire for just one reason...if you were to be involved in an accident...you might find yourself defending your choice of tires...especially if your trailer manufacturer specifically said to avoid the P types because of the softer sidewall construction...
Posted 2012-02-04 1:38 PM (#140538 - in reply to #140480) Subject: RE: Another trailer tire question
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
P metric tires barely do their job on the cars they're designed for. I would avoid them at all costs on a trailer application. We've ruined 2 of them just driving down gravel roads. The rocks were found inside of the tire when taken apart. Just too light!
Posted 2012-02-06 8:57 AM (#140575 - in reply to #140538) Subject: RE: Another trailer tire question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Originally written by 301duster on 2012-02-04 1:38 PM
P metric tires barely do their job on the cars they're designed for. I would avoid them at all costs on a trailer application. We've ruined 2 of them just driving down gravel roads. The rocks were found inside of the tire when taken apart. Just too light!
This is an issue more to do with tread design, than the fact they were "P" tires. "All season" tires are not designed for gravel, nor do they hold up well in that situation, be they "P", or "LT". Some fairly famous tire failures came on the Michelin XCH4 (a LT tire) which was a nice all season tire, that proved to disentigrate (sp?) when run on gravel.
The typical P235/75R15 tire is rated at 2039#, which is very sufficient for the typical older trailer that has it mounted on 3500# axles. But yes-one needs to be aware of the particular tread pattern for the use intended. Unfortunately, most tires today are all season designed.
And yes my preference would likely be a quality ST225/75R15 tire. The Load Range C is 2,150#, the D is 2540#. Either can technically overload a 3500# axle.
Another trailer tire question
