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Old 01-05-2016, 09:07 PM   #1
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Match tires to GAWR or GVWR?

I know there is a lot of discussion about tires (ST or LT), LRD or LRC, and run PSI at max or just under, most of which I have read through/over.

My question is a little different...we have a '14 Viking 16FB (single axle) that we purchased in October of '13. It came with Load Star Karrier ST175/80R13 tires (1610 load at 65 psi). The GAWR is 3220 (matches combined tires) but GVWR is 3538. One tire blew on a recent 2000 mile trip which has me thinking...

Should the rated load of the tires be matched to the GAWR or GVWR?
Either way, is there a better tire I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance to the Load Masters and Weight Engineers.
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Old 01-05-2016, 09:12 PM   #2
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GAWR as part of the camper's weight is carried by the tow vehicle/truck.
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Old 01-05-2016, 09:45 PM   #3
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tires (and the rim itself, though usually not an issue) should be match to a minimum of the GAWR.

That being said, its usually not an issue unless you run at max load or overweight regularly. Also, road conditions come into play(potholes and bumps), especially if your near or above max weight, it wouldnt hurt to find a heavier tire if your popping them regularly and the only thing its going to hurt is your wallet
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Old 01-05-2016, 09:52 PM   #4
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Don't know what options you have for 13" tires, but IF you have the option, go up at least one load range, two if possible. This won't change the max load of your trailer, just help carry what you have. I went from LRDs to LREs and still had a blow out due to junk quality tires.
13s may be hard to go up on. Good Luck
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Old 01-05-2016, 09:56 PM   #5
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yea, not familiar with 13" stuff. might not have too many options but id definitely shop around as much as possible. dont be scared to spend good money on a good tire, i dont know too many people that have had good luck with cheapo trailer tires!
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Old 01-06-2016, 01:02 PM   #6
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Any possibility of going to a 14 inch rim?
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Old 01-06-2016, 01:27 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Valhalla View Post
I know there is a lot of discussion about tires (ST or LT), LRD or LRC, and run PSI at max or just under, most of which I have read through/over.

My question is a little different...we have a '14 Viking 16FB (single axle) that we purchased in October of '13. It came with Load Star Karrier ST175/80R13 tires (1610 load at 65 psi). The GAWR is 3220 (matches combined tires) but GVWR is 3538. One tire blew on a recent 2000 mile trip which has me thinking...

Should the rated load of the tires be matched to the GAWR or GVWR?
Either way, is there a better tire I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance to the Load Masters and Weight Engineers.
Hi Carlisle Sport Trail ST 185/80D13 1760 LB at 65 psi Stock # 5193531
This is a bias ply trailer tire not a radial tire

Hope this helps Tim
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Old 01-06-2016, 01:27 PM   #8
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If possible, match or exceed the highest weight, which is your GVWR, even though the tow vehicle carries some of that weight. Better to have more rating than less.

Now, don't take this as the opportunity to overload the unit, and check the PSI rating of your wheels. In other words, if the next higher rating comes at 80PSI while your wheels are only good for 65PSI, then stay with a tire whose max rating and PSI match the wheel.
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Old 01-06-2016, 07:34 PM   #9
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Check out e-trailers tire section. It has lots of info for load rating, weight rating, diameter, bolt pattern and size, rims, plus good prices.
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Old 01-07-2016, 11:09 AM   #10
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Higher Speed Rating

I agree with going over the GAWR, but I'd also recommend getting an 81 mph speed rating instead of the standard 65 mph. The load on both axle and tires increases on rough roads, and hot desert highways are very hard on tires. The only tires I've found that have an M speed rating are here.

Taskmaster ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C Taskmaster Tires and Wheels TTWTRTM1758013C

The bias ply tires are rated for 65 mph, so stick with the radials.

There's no reason for a trailer tire to blow out any more often than your car tires.
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Old 01-07-2016, 11:16 AM   #11
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I just realized that the link I sent was for a load range C and you need a D. I do recommend that you spend some time looking for a higher speed rating. I believe that is the biggest issue with trailer tires (they're designed for 65 mph).
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Old 01-07-2016, 01:27 PM   #12
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Westlake trailer tires have a ST185/80R13D rated at 1709# at 65 psi. Westlake has won a couple of OEM contracts and have vastly improved their radial trailer tires. This size is about 1/2" taller than the tires you now have. Westlake has increased the speed restrictions on all of their radial trailer tires to 75 - 81 MPH.

Please remember. I don't do recommendations for brand names. This is just one of the few options available for much needed load capacity reserves and the extra speed needed for interstate hauling.

STZC
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