Trailer tire weight rating questions

[timharper89]

So I recently bought a 1987 sundowner 195 on a single axle bass pro trailer. Guy told me it weighed 3400 lbs loaded. I took it to a cat scale, and it was just over 4200lbs. Current tires are st205/15 only rated for 1820lbs each. I'm looking at tires, and the best I can find in 205 are rated for 2150lbs. My question is is it a bad idea to max or close to max out tire weight ratings? How can I tell what my wheels we rated for? I was thinking of going to 225, but it would be close for my fender clearance. Also one the is bias ply, and the other is radial.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UFnePMWpkT9RYKrb6 here are photos. Does it look like there is enough room for a 225 tire?

 

[oldjeep]

You can get D rated ST 205/75R15 tires from e trailer that are good for 2150lbs a piece
Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire

 

[MTboatguy]

I just got new wheels and tires for my trailer about a month ago and they 205 D rated bias ply tires and they are great, were very reasonable as well. They are rated at 2150lbs each

 

[timharper89]

Yes I can get d rated locally as well rated for 2150. X2 = 4300. I thought my trailer was 4250 bringing the question of is it safe to push the tires to the weight rating limit. However, I just double checked ,and the trailer is 4360lbs.

 

[MTboatguy]

Same company that Oldjeep posted also offers a 205 E rated radial boat trailer tire that has a rated capacity of 2850lbs

I am sure there are many that offer E rated 205 tires for this application.

 

[oldjeep]

Yes I can get d rated locally as well rated for 2150. X2 = 4300. I thought my trailer was 4250 bringing the question of is it safe to push the tires to the weight rating limit. However, I just double checked ,and the trailer is 4360lbs.

Close enough. You need to subtract your tongue weight from that 4360 if you just parked the trailer itself on the scale. If that was the axle weight with the trailer attached to tow vehicle then you are really still good.

Most trailers come from the factory with tires that are well under the loaded weight that most folks tow at.

 

[Alumarine]

What's your axle rated for?

 

[timharper89]

Axle is rated to 6000 pounds. I can get the 2150 pound tires from discount tire for $76 a piece with a $30 mail in rebate. That 4360 is total weight of trailer, so I'd be barely within the limits .I'm just wondering if it's smart to push them to the limit is all. Will mostly be within 25 miles with occasional longer trips of 250-300 miles one way. Maybe 2-4 times a year.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your boat is severely overweight. boat should be 1600# based on all the specs I read. add 1000# for a single axle trailer and 400# for fuel and gear and you should be at 3000#

3600# if the hull weight did not include the motor. that is still 600# that your over.

http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Four_Winns_Boats__195_Sundowner__1987/bp/66b34256

suggest you do a test drill and check the foam.

 

[MTboatguy]

Hate to say it, but is sounds like the boat is waterlogged....

 

[timharper89]

Boat is 2500 dry according to four winns. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some extra weight after 30 years. I don't plan on owning it a long time. I got it for a good deal as a sort of test boat to see how much we use it and how much maintenance (not broken stuff) actually cost us before we invest a lot onto a newer boat. I don't really want to spend more on the tires than I need to because I probably won't have it long (and I need to buy a spare), but I don't want to temp fate either. I was hoping for some solid "yes ,it's ok to push the weight rating on your tires" or "no, weight rating on tires is like a tow rating on vehicle. Leave a good 10-20% breathing room."
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[MTboatguy]

After 30 years I can tell you, there is no solid yes in boating, things change all of the time, will you be okay towing to the lauch, most likely, are you in a good position, I don't think so.

 

[bruceb58]

Go to a 225/75/15, if it will fit and you can get an E load rating tire.

 

[MTboatguy]

Bruce, you can also get an E rated 205/14 tire