Stupid newbie question about tires

[novotm]

I have a trailer rated at 2000 pounds. The tires read "load class B/ 740 lbs." Why are tires rated at 740 lbs sufficient? I was expecting them to be rated at 1000 lbs or 2000 lbs. Is there something I don't know or did the previous owner use insufficient tires?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Cobotr]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

You add all the load ratings together for total load capacity. Example 740# times 4 tires equals total load capacity of 2960#. Or 740# X 2 tires = 1480# capacity.<br /><br />Are these trailer tires or passanger tires? Generally trailer tires will have an ST in the tire size formula. Example, ST205/75D14

 

[novotm]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

I believe they are trailer tires. They are 4.80 x 12 which actually have a rating of 780 lbs (I made a mistake in the original post.) I should note that the trailer only has 2 tires.<br /><br />So from what you are saying am I to presume that the tires are insuffcient for a 2000 lbs trailer? The load on the trailer is probably only 1400 lbs, but shouldn't it have tires to support the max load?<br /><br />Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[tscott]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

better safe than sorry. You should probably get load range C tires for your trailer.Without knowing your boat and weight I would just say it will give you peace of mind knowing they will handle more weight than you can put on the trailer.Sounds like the ones you have are maxed out weight wise and that leads to sidewall blowouts which can be nasty.

 

[novotm]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

Thanks for the info. I will upgrade to tires rated at 1000 lbs each. I prefer overkill than an accident. <br /><br />Anyone think this is too much?<br /><br />THanks again.

 

[novotm]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

okay, new stupid question. It looks like if I upgrade to load class C, I will have to use a larger diameter tire. What effect will that have if any? There appears to be plenty of clearance between the fender and the tire so I don't expect that to be any problem.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

Can you get a 4.80 x 12 in a load range c?<br />You may have to go to a 5.30 x 12.<br /><br />The only way to know for sure is to buy one and see if it will fit.

 

[jomac]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

Better safe than sorry but the 2000# rating just tells you how much the trailer can hold, you need to find out your boats--- full weight (loaded and ready to go)

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

Don't forget to add the tonge weight to the over load capacity, 780 x 2 + 156 = 1716 for total load capacity. Check the load before going through all the trouble replace the tires.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

I have the same problem, just bigger. My boat/trailer weighs 3600#, but the tires are rated for 1700# each, single axle trailer. If I want more load rating I'd have to go up to 15" tires...which won't fit.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

chris in va<br />You might want to check your axle. I'd be surprised if it's rated for more than 3,500#. Don't forget the springs also.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Stupid newbie question about tires

Wave Hopper, forget tongue weight. Tongue weight is on the hitch not on the tires. John