tires, car and truck

[denise 20352]

   What is the difference between car and light truck tires?  If the size is correct, is there any reason why a highway or all-season light truck tire could not be put on a car?

thanks

-denise

[Lou 19058]

The difference has to do with the load rating on the tire. The sidewalls are stiffer on trucks so they can carry a load without having the side walls bulge. The tires will work on a car but the ride will be compromised.

[Rhino 21150]

Light truck tires are also noisier as a rule. Does anyone know what makes a trailer tire different? I have car tires on my trailer and I was told they wouldnt last 2000 miles. They have been on for 18000 and the trailer doesnt act funny in tow.

[Mike #19861]

 Trailer tires typically have stiffer sidewalls to help prevent sway in crosswinds. That is why bias ply tires stayed so long on trailers because of their inherant sidewall stiffness.

 Most trailer tires now are radials, but they have extra belting to increase sidewall stiffness.

 Car tires will work just fine on some trailer applications, and last a long time because of their comparitively light loading. But with trailers that are suceptible to crosswinds, such as campers, specific trailer tires are highly recommended.

  Mike

[Rhino 21150]

Thanks! My personal trailer is 4 tall, 5 wide and 6 long, weighs 450 pounds, all steel box. It has electric brakes and routinely carried 2,300 pounds on 195/75R-13 used Cavalier tires.
I rarely put over 500 pounds in it these days. I could easily transport a few V-8s for a fee if the tow car didnt need a transmission.