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egoblast · 06-13-2006, 07:43 AM

We have just upgraded from a Pop up to a
1994 Komfort 20LB. The question about the tires is this. The tires on it now are P165R13's and I want to upgrade to a true trailer tire. The issue is that both the Carlisle and Marathons only come in a 175R13. I am reasonably confident that the clearance in the wheel well is there (there is approx. 1 in between sidewall and trailer well), but I would like some reassurance from other members in the know. Any advice on whether to just stick with a radial Passenger tire or which brand to switch to would be appreciate.
Sorry for the long read.
Thanks

egoblast · 06-13-2006, 07:43 AM

We have just upgraded from a Pop up to a
1994 Komfort 20LB. The question about the tires is this. The tires on it now are P165R13's and I want to upgrade to a true trailer tire. The issue is that both the Carlisle and Marathons only come in a 175R13. I am reasonably confident that the clearance in the wheel well is there (there is approx. 1 in between sidewall and trailer well), but I would like some reassurance from other members in the know. Any advice on whether to just stick with a radial Passenger tire or which brand to switch to would be appreciate.
Sorry for the long read.
Thanks

charliez · 06-13-2006, 07:58 AM

You need to get the P tires off. They are not for trailer use. There are many diffrences. Keep looking. The size you need is there. What does it say on the camper label? It should have the right tire size printed on it. You may be looking for the wrong size.

egoblast · 06-13-2006, 02:10 PM

Charliez, thanks for the response. You were right about the label. The problem though is this is what it said

P165/80R/13 B

So, according to Komfort, it is appropriate to be using passenger tires. LOL

Not really much of a help. I think I might have Discount Tire test fit one of the 175 80 13s to see how much clearance there actually is between the tire and the well.
Thanks again.

Hitchhiker · 06-13-2006, 02:27 PM

Egoblast,

Walmart carries a Douglas Xtra-trac tire in that size for $29.36.

egoblast · 06-13-2006, 03:26 PM

Hitchhiker, thanks for the link. The load rating on that particular tire is not very clear though. I will keep exploring my options. Any further advice is appreciated.

V10 man · 06-14-2006, 12:18 AM

try a ST185x80R13C Goodyear Marathon @ WalMart for $63.56 1480 pounds @ 50psi. The ST175x80R13C's are 1360 pounds @ 50psi. ST175x80R13B is 1100 pounds @ 35psi. The P165x80R13 has a 1069 pound rating at 35psi.

185 = 24.7"
175 = 24"
165 = 23.4"

charliez · 06-15-2006, 06:51 AM

As long as you don't have a heavy rig and you have a single axle, you can get away with P rated tires. The St sidewall are built to handle the times when the tire wants to roll off the bead when cutting it hard. one tire can always roll but the other must slide sideways. Another diffrence is the P tires are built to be rolled all the time and tend to flat spot more easily.

If I were you, I would get it weighed, fully loaded, with all your stuff before I bought any tires. I'd also look for band on the axle to see what it's rated for. You can look at the Sams website and check out the Goodyear trailer tires. They have alot of sizes available.

i would put tires on that were ratedf or more than the axle is rated for. I like a little breathing room. The drawback is they will be a firmer tire and tend to ride a bit rougher.

egoblast · 06-15-2006, 07:05 AM

Charliez, thanks again. The trailer is in fact a tandem axle. The manufacturers tag say to use P rated tires. The only concern I have with the larger (175 vs 165) 80 13 is the section width. The 175 is approx .4 inches wider. The clearance between the sidewall and and the inside wall of the wheel well is now just a little over an inch. The larger tire would reduce the clearance to less than an inch. The load rating of the ST Tire I am considering is 1360 each which is way more than I need. The trailer does not weigh over 4000#'s fully loaded.
Thanks for all of your advice. What are your thoughts on the inside clearance issue?