enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

Originally Posted by Run to Rund

My 24' has 15" wheels and 225-75-15 D rated tires. Each tire is rated 2500 lb, and the loaded trailer weighs 7000-7500 lb. I run the tires at 65 lb and haven't had trouble. I figured that if 16" trailer tires were the same chinesium, I wouldn't gain much since they aren't overloaded or close to it. Back in 2006 Goodyear published a bulletin saying if you go over 65, up to 75 mph, add 10 psi over what the load would require. They didn't say if you were at max load that you could add another 10 = 75 psi. Since I am well below max, I just run them at 65. It is very easy to add more weight than you think, and overload one or more tires. It is also easy to run too fast on a long trip. I'd say if you are close to max, 10,000 lb, then you would be pushing it to use 15" D tires. E tires might help, but you have also maxed out the axles. If your trailer is over 10,000 gvw, in some states you will need a CDL.

Thank you for the input. The trailer weighs 3500 and the car is 3200. We just plan to carry a small tool box and other than that no pit vehicle, generator, etc. so we travel light. I appreciate the response.

[Ronnie Smith Jr]

If you decide to run the 15" tires, do yourself a favor and a little insurance to last those nasty Texas summer heat on the roadways; change the rubber valve stems to the steel valve stems. The heat generated by the friction of the tires and the roads have caused rapid deterioration and cause tire failure as well.

FWIW, I had the 3500 axle and typical 15" tire and wheel combo. I went through 2-4 tires a year, irregardless of their age. I always carried 2 spares with me - and have used both on trips before. Ended up selling that trailer and bought a 28' 5200 lb axles with a 6 lug 15" wheel combo. Sold those wheels and put a set of 16" aluminum wheels and LT 245/16 without ANY issues over the last few years.

Originally Posted by Ronnie Smith Jr

If you decide to run the 15" tires, do yourself a favor and a little insurance to last those nasty Texas summer heat on the roadways; change the rubber valve stems to the steel valve stems. The heat generated by the friction of the tires and the roads have caused rapid deterioration and cause tire failure as well.

FWIW, I had the 3500 axle and typical 15" tire and wheel combo. I went through 2-4 tires a year, irregardless of their age. I always carried 2 spares with me - and have used both on trips before. Ended up selling that trailer and bought a 28' 5200 lb axles with a 6 lug 15" wheel combo. Sold those wheels and put a set of 16" aluminum wheels and LT 245/16 without ANY issues over the last few years.

Thanks for the response and that's a great idea about the valve stems. I checked today and the total price of the trailer with 5200# axles and 15" 6-lug wheels with 15" 225 D rated tires (2,540#) is $4899. I think I'm going to pick one up and run the tires until they go and then sell the wheels and go with 16" E rated.

[FED 387]

If you look around you might be able to find a D or E load range LT ruck tire in the 15 inch size----WATCH YOUR AIR PRESSURE keep em inflated to max all the time --- regardless what you might hear from other racers DO NOT drive over about 60 MPH or you're gonna have blowouts

[442OLDS]

I have a Haulmark 24 ft enclosed trailer with tools,extra trans,scooter,and a bunch of other crap and haul a 1970 442 convertible (not a light car) and maybe had ONE flat tire in about 7 years.Must be lucky I guess.I have been known to exceed 60 mph on occasion.lol

15 inch load range D 225-75-15 tires

[Aubrey N Bruneau]

Not to stir the pot... but I might as well be the one to approach this from a different point of view.
Now, my trailer isn't enclosed, so that may be some, or all the difference ?... or maybe no difference at all.
I approach car trailers with the "prime diective" first and foremost.
"Prime directive" : the lower the loaded deck is to the ground, the better the trailer... ;period.
I designed and built the trailer in 1992., uses a pair of 3500 pound "flexi-ride" axles, with the brake drums custom drilled for proper 4 3/4 Chevy bolt pattern.
Mine is a fifth wheel ( not a goofy gooseneck )... 20 ft deck surface, 6 ft over the truck.
Weighs 1900 pounds empty. Car is 3500, and I carry about 300 pounds of additional "stuff" on the trailer ( the HEAVY stuff... tools, floor jack, ect, are carried on my truck ).
With the car on, everything fueled, ready to go, the unit weighs:
front axle... 2850
dually axle... 4500
trailer axles... 4450
I have driven this unit seasonally, across the continent a number of times, through the BC rockies, often carrying a car that is 300-400 pounds heavier .
I have never done anything more to the trailer, other than maintain brakes and bearings ( yeah, light repairs too ! ).
The loaded deck ( surface that the car tires sit on ), is 12 inches off the ground.
Bought it's second set of tires about 7 years ago.
The wheels and tires ?
Stock 1964 Chevrolet 14" X 5" steel wheels, with 205 70 14 tires.
Do I "drive" it ?
If you've ever been behind me through Rogers Pass or around Golden... you'd know it's not driven like a farm truck !

[Joe Martens]

Do yourself a favor and go with a 16 in. tire. You will be glad you did!

[ALMACK]

I found some E rated 225-75-15's trailer tires last year. I didn't even know they existed until I saw them.
Best investment yet for my trailer.

I love the way the tires stand straight up....none of that bow-out at the bottom like a radial.