Question about tires on new trailer

Tom in TN · Mar 31, 2014

I just bought a used 14 foot, flat-bed trailer. It has dual, 3,500 pound axles with brakes on two of the wheels.

Here's the question - I know it isn't right, but will it cause a problem - - the two front tires are P235 size. The two back tires are P215 size. They're all four in good shape, but I'm wondering if the difference is size will create any handling problems.

What do you think?

Tom in TN

jCarroll · Mar 31, 2014

I would e more concerned that you have type ST tires than the difference in sizes.

Stephen Newell · Mar 31, 2014

It wouldn't cause a handling problem. It would cause the axle with the 235 tires on it to carry more weight than the other. I would put them on the rear axle. Obviously it would be better if all four wheels matched so I would pick one size or another as your standard size and go with that when replacing them.

farmer boy · Mar 31, 2014

You really shouldn't have P tires on a trailer. On a light trailer it's likely OK, but you should really have LT tires, or if you're brave, ST tires. (Have heard many bad stories about newer ST tires)
If you're going to use two different tire sizes, you want the same size tire on a given axle, not on a given side of the trailer. Don't think it should matter which axle the smaller tires are on.

mkirsch · Mar 31, 2014

If the 235's were on one side, and the 215's were on the other, it would cause a handling problem.

Front to back, it will only cause a slight imbalance in the way the axles are loaded. Not sure if it makes much/any difference which axle which tires are on.

D beatty · Mar 31, 2014

I would put larger tires on braking axle. Does your state require brakes on all axles on a trailer over 3,000lbs ? Here if you buy a used trailer you have to put brakes on the axe with no brakes.

showcrop · Mar 31, 2014

I think that I would limit my loads to about 60% of the total of the four tires load limits

crawlerjohn · Mar 31, 2014

If the rockers are working properly and one axle doesn't bottom out it should equalize the weight. Don't load over the capacity of 4 of your smallest tires.

Tom in TN · Mar 31, 2014

D Beatty,

Fortunately, Tennessee does not yet require brakes on all four wheels. They are on and working on two wheels, but for now, that"s all that"s required.

tom in TN

Tom in TN · Mar 31, 2014

Thanks Guys for all of your responses and suggestions.

I plan to replace those two P215's very soon, but I need to haul some hay about 30 miles within the next couple of days, so I guess I'll use the trailer as it is.

I'm sort of conflicted about whether or not to change to ST (trailer) tires. The stuff that I've read on the internet seems to indicate that they really aren't needed on trailers with 3,500 pound axles. Apparently, the sidewalls on ST's are stiffer than regular auto tires, but on lighter loads, the stiffer sidewalls aren't really needed.

Also, the ST's are limited to lower highway speeds and apparently wear out faster than regular tires. I guess I'll ask my tire guy for his advice, too.

Thanks again,

Tom in TN

uncle henry · Mar 31, 2014

ya"ll have good highway patrols went through there a few years ago running between 70-85 mph down the interstate they just stayed in the ditch 18 wheelers was running that fast too

Leroy · Mar 31, 2014

If you would set all 4 wheels each on a different scale I dought you would come up with anything more than the difference in individual tire weight between sizes. Things are made to balance out.

Question about tires on new trailer

Tom in TN

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jCarroll

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Stephen Newell

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farmer boy

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mkirsch

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D beatty

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showcrop

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crawlerjohn

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Tom in TN

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Tom in TN

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uncle henry

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Leroy

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