Trailer Tires Load Range Chart

All About Load Range E Tires

A tire’s load pressure durability and tire ply rating go hand in hand. When looking for new tires, often getting the higher load capacity tire might seem like a good idea. But, is that really the case?

Often purchasing the old reliable load range is better. This is where Load Range E tires come into play. They are popular, they offer good performance, and the load range E weight capacity is nothing to sneeze at.

E-rated tires are perfect for wheels handling heavy loads daily. They ensure the durability, controllability, and performance of the vehicle.

How Much Do Trailer Tires Cost

Like most products, the price of trailer tires can range based on the tire size, type, quality, and brand. However, most trailer tires will range between $70 and $150. When you buy trailer tires online from Tire Agent, we include shipping to most addresses within the U.S. for free. Because we don’t install tires , we don’t charge for tire installation. We ship to any residential or commercial address, plus we offer a number of easy payment plans. If price is a concern, these payment plans can spread your cost over several months, to help you defer a bit lump-sum expense.

Trailer Tire Load Range

All tires, from passenger, to trucks and heavy equipment, have a load range and trailer tires have them as well. To find the load range of your trailer tire, look at the sidewall and on there you will find the lowest and highest end of the load ranges. You will find a Load Range value of either B, C, D, or E. Load Range B is the lightest load the tire can carry and Load Range E is the heaviest load it can carry. On trailer tires, the load range relates to the highest measure of weight of a boat and trailer that it can carry.

Generally speaking, trailer tires have a Load Range of either B,C, or D. For example, a trailer tire with a load range C can hold 1,820 pounds. This means that if you are hauling a boat on a trailer with a single axle then the total load capacity is 3,640 pounds* . Keep in mind that this number includes total weight, not just the boat or the load you are hauling. So, this includes the trailer, the boat, the engine, gas in the gas tank and anything else that is on-board.

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Is There A Load Range Chart For Trailer Tires

Question:

Is there a chart listing the various load range letters for utility trailers? This chart would show each lettered load range and the second column would show the actual load range in pounds for each letter. This is a very simple question, but I cannot find anything like this on your site or on the entire internet!

asked by: Stephen S

Expert Reply:

The reason that you cannot find a list of all load ranges and the weight capacity for each in regards to trailer tires is because it will be different for each size. For example, a 205/75-15 tire like part which has a load range D rating is rated for up to 2,150 lbs whereas a 225/75-15 tire like part which also has a load range D rating is rated for up to 2,540 lbs. We currently offer load ranges from B-J in a variety of different seizes which I have attached for you below. In order to make sure you get the correct load range you will need to find out the GWVR of the trailer and then select the load range that covers this.

What Vehicles Require Trailer Tires

Because of the unique, purposeful design of trailer tires, it’s imperative to use an ST tire if your vehicle requires it. How do you know if you need trailer tires? One good measure is if ⦠it’s a trailer, such as:

• Small utility trailers
• Heavy-duty trailers

Here’s one good rule of thumb: Special trailer tires are only intended for trailers. These tires are not suitable for wheels that steer or drive. You cannot use trailer tires on a truck, and you should not use truck tires on a trailer, for example.

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Considering Load Index When Tire Shopping

As you can tell, the tire load index is massively important when youre shopping for new tires. When its time to select new tires for your vehicle, you must select tires that can support your cars Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . This number can be found in the owners manual. To determine if a set of tires will work on your particular car, use the tire load index chart to see how many pounds each tire can support. Multiply that by four . As long as that number is greater than the GVWR of your vehicle, those tires should work. If you think that sounds like a lot of math, dont worry. Sit back, relax, and let the expert of Tires Plus do the hard work for you. Schedule your appointment for brand new tires today!

When To Buy Boat Trailer Tires

Unless youre buying a brand new boat and trailer off the dealer lot, you are more than likely going to be in the market for some new boat trailer tires. If you dont know how old the boat trailer tires are, you can check the DOT code on the side of the tire. The last set of four numbers in the tire DOT code indicates the precise week and year of manufacture. In the example below, this tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2007.

Now that you have an idea of how old your boat trailer tires are, you need to evaluate the condition of the tires.

This tire is due to be replaced because all of Lincolns head is visible.

An easy way to check if you need new tires is by the depth of the tread. To do this, you can use the Lincoln penny trick. All you do is set the penny, with the head facing down, into one of the grooves in the tire tread. Best to pick a couple of spots on the tire. If you can see the top of Abes head with the coin in position, then its time to start looking for some new tires.

Cracks in the sidewall of the trailer tire should be inspected by a tire expert.

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Trailer Tire Width Size

The trailer tire width refers to the distance from the widest point of a tires outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall this distance is measured once the tire is mounted on the wheel it is going to be used with.

• Metric: A three-digit number follows the letters that identify the service type. This number designates the width of the tire in millimeters. For example, if a tires size was ST175/80-R13 LRD, the 175 identifies the section width as 175 millimeters.
• Numeric: The first set of numbers identifies the section width in inches. For example, if the tire size is 4.80 X 12B, then you know the section width is 4.80 inches.

Light Truck Tire Load Range Chart

The tire load range or for short tire ply rating recognizes the most extreme burden the tire can convey at its predetermined air pressure. All in all, it characterizes how much air the tire can hold and how much weight it can convey. Tire load range is utilized to separate tires with same size, however different strength because to internal construction. The stronger the tire development, the more air pressure it can hold and more weight it can carry.

Check tire load index chart for tire load indexes and their corresponding maximum weight a tire can support when properly inflated.

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How To Determine Tire Load Capacity

The determination of Tire load capacity is based on Ply Rating, Load Index and Load Range.

The amount of air a tire is capable of holding determines the amount of weight the tire can carry. Therefore to achieve a higher tire load capacity, a tire must hold more air. In addition, the tire must be strong enough for it to hold more air volume and pressure.

Consulting the original equipment tires and manufacturers suggestion for tire load ratings will ensure the correct tire load capacity.

Tires continue to improve, especially with the use of steel ply materials and radial construction. This makes the Ply Rating Number less effective in determining a tires load carrying capacity. Load Index, on the sidewall of a tire, is a newer guide that more accurately provides the tires load carrying capacity.

What To Buy If You Need New Boat Trailer Tires

Dedicated trailer tires are marked as ST. This will be marked on the tires sidewall along with the size of the tire. The tire may also say, trailer use only. ST tires have stronger sidewalls that allow them to carry a heavier load that standard Passenger car tires or Light Truck tires. There are two kinds of ST tires bias-ply and radial. Which kind of tire you buy will depend on what came on the trailer originally, how you use your trailer, and your budget. In short bias-ply trailer tires are cheaper and are recommended for infrequent short haul applications that include off-road or heavy loading. If you plan on long highway driving trips you should consider replacing those bias-ply tires with radial tires. Radial trailer tires are made to run cooler for longer hauls, and to have a longer tread life. Never replace radial tires with bias-ply tires without consulting the trailer manufacturer or a tire professional.

Tires-easy has a user friendly search selection box to allow you to find the trailer tires available in your size, while allowing you to choose between bias ply and radial trailer tires .

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Great Ways To Get The Most From Your Trailer Tires

Maintaining trailer tires whether they are ST or LT isnt always the same as what you do for passenger vehicle tires. Here are some basics on getting the most out of your trailer tires.

1. Maintain the Right Trailer Tire Pressure.

Running your ST or LT trailer tires under-inflated is a sure way to quickly wear them out and invite tire failure. Keeping them at the proper air pressure is key for longevity, load-carrying capacity, and the ability for the tire to dissipate heat better.

The best way to tell if your tires are properly inflated is to check them with an air pressure gauge. In some cases, an under-inflated tire may not appear low. Trailer tires can look fully inflated and be below the safe air pressure.

Find the maximum tire pressure by looking at your tire sidewall. Look for the small notation Max. Load followed by a PSI number .

Trailer tire pressure should always be checked when the tire is cold, ideally before being driven that day. Driving generates heat and heat generates pressure, which will throw off your measurement. Heres how to do it yourself.

2. Figure Out the Maximum Load for Your Trailer Tires.

Its really important not to overload trailer tires. Overloading tires can cause premature wear and increase the risk of tire failure.

Be aware: If your tire pressure is lower than whats recommended, the tires carrying capacity will be lower, too.

3. Determine the Actual Weight of Your Trailer.

4. Get the Right Trailer Tire Size.

Which Type Of Trailer Tire Should I Choose

In terms of choosing the best trailer tire, best fifth wheel tire, best camper tire, etc., it’s all about what’s most important to you as the driver. Our advice: Go with whatever your trailer manufacturer specifies. Never “downsize” trailer tires. In other words, whatever size, speed rating and load index is indicated on your trailer, don’t try to save money by purchasing smaller or lower rated tires. And, never buy used tires for any type of vehicle.

If you are considering all terrain trailer tires or mud terrain trailer tires, these do offer more protection against punctures than trailer tires that have been designed for highway usage. A/T and M/T trailer tires are indicated for people who haul fifth wheels and tow-behind RVs over rugged terrains. They might also be used for horse trailers and other types of trailers that are driven on rugged surfaces.

Susan Vineyard | Dreamstime.com

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Stick With The Same Tire Size

Regardless of whether or not you choose radial or bias ply trailer tires, its best to stick with the trailer manufacturers recommended tire size. To this extent, keep the load range the same . Also refrain from mixing and matching different tires. Different brands, models and types may wear differently and have varying load carrying ability. Also make sure that your spare is the same size and has an identical load carrying capacity. If you need the spare and it cant handle the same weight as the others you could wind up on the side of the road again.

Trailer Load Range Chart

Each Special Trailer service tire has a rated load range. The appropriate load range is represented by a letter within each tire size B, C, D, and E. Each letter correlates to the ply rating and load pressure for each ST and LT tire. That tells the maximum weight load tire can handle at its full rated PSI pressure.

• B 4 Ply Rating, 35 psi
• C 6 Ply Rating, 50 psi
• D 8 Ply Rating, 65 psi
• E 10 Ply Rating, 80 psi

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One Of Your Tires’ Biggest Enemies Is The Sun

The life of a trailer tire is a hard one. Unlike the tread fitted to your car or truck which may spend most of its time in a garage, trailer tires are typically exposed to the elements year-round. On top of that , many trailers perpetually have weight on them, such as with enclosed box trailers and travel trailers. In our experience, the most destructive force your tires face is prolonged exposure to sunlight. After extended time soaking up its UV rays, the sun dries out the oil present in the tires compound, leading to dry-rotting and corrosion. The best way to preserve the life of trailer tires is to get them out of the sun, be it by parking the trailer under shelter or shielding them with tire covers.

On the hunt for fresh tires for your tow rig? Check out the long-term test were conducting with Nittos Ridge Grappler here.

What Is The Most Common Trailer Tire Size

A common trailer tire size is ST225/75R15, commonly used for travel trailers, boat trailers, pop-up campers and all high-load carrying trailers including utility. ST stands for special trailer and indicates that this tire is designed to be used on a trailer. 225 is the width of the tread in millimeters. 75 is the height of the sidewall represented as a percentage of the tread width. 15 is the size of the rim this tire mounts on. In the case of a 225/75R15, the tire is roughly 9 inches wide, 28 inches tall and mounts on a 15 inch rim.

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Are Load Range E Tires The Most Popular Light Truck Tires

When it comes to light truck tires, and even some trailer tires, models with the tire load rating E are among the most popular ones. There are good reasons for this!

The E ply rating offers the necessary maximum load pressure durability for LT tires. This optimizes vehicle performance, the tire load-carrying capacity, and versatile surface grip, all without hindering the tire’s durability.

Combine with their wider range of speed rating options and tire sizes, E-rated tires offer all desired characteristics light truck owners are looking for. Just remember, it is important for all four tires to have the same load range for the vehicle to securely perform.

Is A Wider Tire Better On A Trailer

Wider tires = more road resistance = more power required to pull = lower MPG while towing. Trailer builders use smaller tires to save weight and cost. The larger your tire, the more of a grip your trailer has on the road. As a tires width increases, it covers more surface area on the road.

Picture by Benjamin Zanatta on Unsplash

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Where To Find Ply Rating On The Tire

The ply rating on tires can be found on their sidewalls. They are near the load range, as they are often interchangeable. This is because the tires load range correlates to its ply rating as well.

Just be sure you are not looking at the tire load index rating, as that is completely different from these two.

Differences In Trailer Tires

A trailer tire is subject to the same TRA standards as all tires for trucks.

Operators should carefully consider the weight rating of a trailer tire and whether it can safely support the maximum weight that might be placed over their trailer axle, cautioned Keller of Continental. In many cases, trailers are not loaded with perfectly even weight distribution over each axle. Unlike a steer axle, where the weight distribution is mostly fixed, coming primarily from the weight of the truck itself, the trailer axle tends to support the variable weight of hauled goods. This weight can tend to shift, especially when hauling bulk goods or if the goods are not properly secured.

The total weight of the cargo cannot be evenly divided by the number of trailer tires, so it is best to assume the weight is the maximum that each tire would carry. Trucks should weigh each axle in a worst-case scenario and should plan for uneven weight distribution, in which one trailer tire carries more weight than another.

Tire load information is vital when trailering.

As the weight of the vehicle increases the tire rating should be accounted for to ensure the tires can safely support the load, said Williams of Hankook Tire.

The TRA also includes a load and inflation pressure table for trailer tires in its annual yearbook.

For example, in cases where the trailer placard specifies an LT tire, Toth noted the LT size is acceptable for use.

But its always best to follow specific OEMs recommendations.

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