E vs. D rated trailer tires
We are moving back to WI after 4 years of living in Miami and I'm making my list of items to address since my unit is 5 years old. One of those is tires. I still have the stock 'Trailer King" D rate...
Forum Discussion
schlep1967 wrote:
You will need to do some math. Look at the sidewall of your current tires for max weight capacity. It will look something like 2500 @ 60 max inflation. Take the Max number times the number of tires. In the example above 2500 x 4 = 10,000 lbs. If your trailer GVWR is less than the total amount you don't need a higher rated tire.
One thing missing from the above is the hitch weight isn't riding on the tires.
A 12k GVWR 5th wheel with 2500lb on the pin, is fine with 2500lb tires. as there will be at most 9500lb on the 4 tires (assuming you don't exceed GVWR).
Moving up one notch on the tire ratings, is generally going to be fairly harmless. Jumping up multiple notches will do exactly what the OP is concerned about. There's going to be very little give in the tire and that will transfer to the suspension, frame and rest of the trailer.
To give you an idea: If you've ever rode in a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup that's empty. The ride is very jarring over bumps (tires/suspension are very firm). Load up 1500-2000lb in the back and the ride smooths out a lot because the tires and suspension are absorbing rather than transmitting the forces.
