10 Jan 21:
Ah, a little trailer tire, seems pretty simple...
The ST designates Special Trailer, the tire is designed for trailer use only.
This tire is rated Load Range B, based on the number of tread and sidewall plies. Since they are new, we'll run them for a while, but when it is time to replace them we'll bump up to a C or D load rating, better tire that runs cooler. Believe it or not, not all rims are made the same, it is possible to have a high rated tire on a low rated rim, and if a heavy load is carried the rim may crack.
Speaking of temperature, it is important to keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation allows the sidewall to flex more and generate heat, which can cause a tire to blow.
Trailer tire should be replaced NLT every 6 years. This code is the Week Year (WWYY) date of manufacture, 33rd week of 2019. Old tires may look okay, but micro-fissures lurk in between the tread lugs and the sidewall are damaged by UV.
Information about trailer capacity and tire pressure can be found on the Manufacturer's tag. If you buy a used trailer and there is no tag, it would be good to have a trailer pro look it over, sometimes it might have the wrong size tire, wheel or even axle.
All hitch components need to be rated for the load towed. This ball is on the drawbar for our Subaru Outback, which has a maximum tow rating of 3500 pounds, so we're good. The drawbar and hitch pin must be rated for a minimum of 3500 pounds as well.
The trailer above weighs 700 pounds, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 2000 pounds, so it can haul 1300 pounds. The Subaru can haul 3500 pounds, but that includes internal cargo, people and fuel, so we can't top off the trailer AND overload the vehicle.
Stay smart out there!
Clark and Skipper
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