Can I Use P Rated Tires on my Enclosed Snowmobile Trailer?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The reason that passenger vehicle tires shouldn't be used on trailers is because passenger (P) tires do not provide the load carrying ability that the reinforced sidewalls of the special trailer (ST); additionally, ST tires are rated for use at a higher maximum air pressure which helps with load support. It's not to say that you CAN'T do it, but it's not really the optimal solution for this application and trailers with passenger tires are far more prone to blowouts and wearing down quicker. I've linked one of our help articles on trailer tires that explains more about this.

As for switching to from 14" wheels to a 13" wheel like the Dexstar Conventional Steel Wheel # AM20214 , generally you're going to have clearance issues with the brakes; usually 14" wheels are the smallest wheels that will accept 10" brakes. There may be cases that you find some 13" wheels that work, but I can't say that it's a common thing to find and if you do the clearance between the drums and insides of the wheels is going to be extremely close.

It looks like the smallest tires we have for 14" tires are going to be ST205/75/14 like the Westlake # 274-000012 which are almost 3.5" taller and .75" wider than your current 185/60/14 tires- so the clearance may be an issue as you're already aware.

I would recommend measuring to find out exactly how much clearance you have from the top of your current tires to the fender, and from the inside of the tire to the frame of the trailer in order to determine whether or not you can switch over to ST tires like the Westlake # 274-000012 . If you can provide me with how much clearance you actually have to work with, I may be able to come up with an alternate solution for your enclosed snowmobile trailer.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

click to enlarge

click to enlarge