When people buy trailer tyres, they tend to have similar questions. Here are some of the most common and what you need to know before stocking up on your trailer parts and tyres.
1. Do they need to be balanced?
Do trailer tyres need balancing to perform properly? The short answer is no, although you can have them balanced at a garage if you wish.
You need tyres balancing on a passenger vehicle because you feel them vibrating at high speeds without this service. The tyres are dynamically balanced using weights and a machine. But trailer tyres exist to support a following load, rather than provide a smooth passenger drive, so most people won’t bother.
2. What is the trailer tyre load range?
You’ll see this written on the tyre and it will tell you what that tyre’s load capacity is. The code begins with a letter, followed by a number. The higher the letter, the higher the weight capacity. The load range will vary between different sizes of tyres.
For example, a load range B tyre can have 1,100 lbs of capacity or 1,430 lbs of capacity. A mechanic can help you to establish the load limit if you aren’t sure. It’s important to choose tyres which have the same load capacity as the ones that were originally fitted with the trailer.
If you choose higher load bearings, remember that they won’t necessarily translate into the ability of the trailer to carry more. This is because other trailer parts, including wheels, have an effect on the load. Load capacity is only as good as the weakest component in your trailer setup. Bear in mind too that higher-load tyres are usually more expensive.
3. Can I switch trailer and car tyres?
Usually not – trailer tyres are made specifically to support the needs of trailers, while passenger tyres are made to be more flexible and with steering and passenger comfort in mind.
These trailer tyre facts will help you to pick the right tyres and make the best use of them.
