Help deciphering my Trailer Tires?

[SeacretSailor]

I'm a new Trailer Sailor & I'm wanting to understand my trailer's tires, mainly so I'll know they are appropriate. Your replies might be helpful to other curious new TS's out there too.My 26' Sailboat sits on a single-axle galvanized trailer with an approx total weight of 2,800#. Both tires carry the following info:SHIELD (Brand)7.00 15LTJL3223 ply ratingLoad Range: D"Single Load: 2,040 lbs at 60 psi""Dual Load: 1,820 lbs at 60 psi"Question: Could someone please give me a brief translation? These are trailer tires, right?Are these OK in your opinion?Should the operating air pressure be 60 psi? I haven't moved the boat yet, but their psi is currently at 45 psi.Thanks for your help,Kevin B.

 

[Pete]

trailer tires

these sure sound like trailer tires to me. Shield is a large manufacture of trialer tires.The single load means that the tire is rated at 2040 pound capacity at the specified pressure (60psi) Duel load would be if there were a second axle or a "duel" wheel set up (like on a tractor trailer). You total weight should fall with in the rated capacitys of trailer and tires and well as the tow vehicle. At 2800 pounds you will have no problem. This assumes you are towing with a vehicle capable of this weight,see manufactures spec(towing capacity) to be sure. the 60 psi rating is the max rating and I would set the pressure at 55 to 60 as the tire rating suggest. I have a boat and trailer that total weight is 3100 lbs and put 55 psi in the tires. If the tires are to low in pressure the trailer will tend to sway more and the tires will build up to much heat on a long drive. You want the trailer tires to be harder rather then softer. Also might want to think about putting air the tow vehicles tires (at least the back two) there should be a maximum pressure on the tire sidewall with info,or at least add another 5 psi this will help with the extra "toung" weight on the tow vehicle as well. As a comparision the big tractor trailer tires run 110 psi in them. All in all you set up on the trailer sounds good just add some more air to the tires.

 

[Dan]

I would say they are not trailer tires

My trailer tires are marked ST, meaning Special Trailer. LT stands for Light Truck. Single load and dual load might be refering to single wheel or dual wheel arrangment. Call a tire dealer in your area and they will know for sure.

 

[Big Windy]

Tires

Trailer tires should be LT or ST, but not P rated.The max inflation pressure listed on the sidewall should be used when carrying the max weight. If carrying less weight, use less pressure. You should never put more pressure in the tire than listed on the sidewall.

 

[Brian]

Trailer Tires

Hi Kevin, The way I understand it is the tires for single axel would be your 2 tires,rated at 2040lbs. each X 2 or 4080 total pounds for the whole load at 60 lbs. inflation provided the tires are in good shape! This would include the weight of the trailer, boat, motor, and all gear aboard. Brian

 

[SeacretSailor]

Thanks!

Thanks Guys. You confirmed my thoughts, I wanted to be sure and safe. It's a big boat, although light for its size, but sitting on only 1 axle and 2 tires made me want to double-check.Stay safe! _/)~~~~~~~~~~`