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What is the Difference Between 235/80-16 and 235/85-16 Trailer Tires  

Question:

Is there much difference between 275-80-16 and 275-85-16 that could cause fit issue on my fifth wheel having tandem axels its a 2008 Montana 38.5. Thank you

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Expert Reply:

Do you by any chance mean 235/80-16 and 235/85-16? Because there isn't a 275 trailer tire size that I have seen. If so then the widths are the same between the two 235 sizes. The difference is overall diameter. The 235/80-16 is 30.9 inches in diameter. The 235/85-16 is 31.7 inches in diameter.

A difference of 0.8 inches but only half of that, 0.4 inches, applies to above the tire. It is unlikely that 0.4 inches will cause a fit issue but you can check to make sure there is space enough above the existing tires for the larger size.

Capacities are different too. The 235/80-16 top out at 3,500 pounds for a load range E whereas the 235/85-16 top out at 3,960 pounds for a load range F. I have included a link to all of the 235/85-16 tires that we carry.

expert reply by:
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Michael H
Bryant P. profile picture

Bryant P.

5/13/2020

What if my trailer has one of each on one side? Is that an issue? Will the suspension make up for it?

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

5/16/2020

If you absolutely HAVE to keep these tires on (until you're able to get new ones) I suppose the orientation you described would be the best setup. However, I do still highly recommend that you change two of the tires out as soon as possible so that all 4 are the same size. The longer you keep your existing tires on the higher the chance of problems coming up (tire failure, suspension issues, etc).
FrankS profile picture

Frank S.

9/25/2021

@ChrisR I have a kaufman triple axle car trailer that has 235 80's on.2 tires are shot so I ordered 2 new ones off the internet and ended up receiving 235 85's if I put them on the front axle am I going to run into suspension issues? Probably just run them for a few weeks til I can get it straightened out
LesD profile picture

Les D.

10/20/2021

@FrankS I would not run different size tires on a trailer. In your case, one pair of wheels is 1 inch taller than the others. First, will your new pair fit in the wheel wells and next to the other tires? Second, these taller tire are going to be forced to support more of the trailer weight and wear faster. Third, although very little, the taller tires may create a teeter totter effect that could potentially add to sway issues and porpoising.
Eric D. profile picture

Eric D.

7/6/2020

How much height would I expect to gain on my trailer if I went from 235/80-R16 and upgraded to 235/85-R16?

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

7/9/2020

The 235/85R16 tire is just about 1" taller in diameter than your existing 235/80R16 tires, but only half of this difference will actually affect the trailer height (since the other half is above the axle). This means the new tires will only raise the trailer about a 1/2" at most.
Marshall D. profile picture

Marshall D.

4/13/2024

Can I use a 16 85 trailer tire for a steering tire

JerredH profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

5/12/2024

@MarshallD So long as it is on a trailer then yes.

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