205's or 215's?

[pmclemore]

I have a question about my tires:

My ID plate refers to ST205 tires; my manual (such as it is, refers to ST215). The trailer came with 205s. I replaced them with 215s, thinking the manual was the way to go.

When I needed a replacement in BC, couldn't find 215s, so had to buy a 205 and matched it on my trailing axle with a 205 I had as a spare (215s on front, 205s on rear).

So - if I need tires again (and I do), should I buy 205s or 215s?

Thanks - Pat

[Beginner]

Pat
What rims do you have on your trailer?
14 inch or 15 inch.
Beginner

[bhayden]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

When I needed a replacement in BC, couldn't find 215s, so had to buy a 205 and matched it on my trailing axle with a 205 I had as a spare (215s on front, 205s on rear).s - Pat

Yikes! The 205 vs 215 refers to the width but it also affects the height of the tire. This means your 215s are going to be carrying a dispropotional amount of the load. Sounds like either will work but you shouldn't be mixing the two. That's a BIG no no.

FYIW the trailer came with the 205s because they're cheaper. Sometimes the smaller tire has a greater load capacity (sometimes not). I'd lean toward the 215s but that's just me.

-Bernie

[RUSSELL]

Hi,
Any tire as long as it is radial type. When I put radials versus bias ply. I gained about 1 mile per gallon. They roll so easy and tow very well. One item I would do is get an aligment on the axels, they do go out of aligment when you hit bumps and chuck holes.
Russell in rainy Tucson Az.

[pmclemore]

Beginner - my rims are steel 14s.

bhayden - I agree, it is not optimal to do this, but the most important dimension was the width. However, I was in Watson Lake YT getting ready to go down the Cassiar. Not recommended, I agree, but I was glad to get away with it.

So I think I will buy a set of 205s or 215s. And likely not Marathons

Pat.

[Beginner]

Pat
In my mind the Goodyear Marathons will give good trouble free service IF:
1. You never run over 55 MPH (it is a ST tire and speed rated at 65MPH).
2. You keep the tire pressure at the max allowed by the sidewall (this will keep sidewall flexing/heat generation to a minimum.
3. Get a Good Tire Pressure Monitering System.
However, if you plan to keep up with traffic, I would recommend a higher speed rated tire.
I do not know what is available in 14 inch in other types of tires as I did not have to look my self.
If you decide to go to a larger wheel (15 or 16 inch) and different tire there are a number if things you must consider to prevent damage to your trailer (caused by lack of wheel/tire clearance).
Beginner