TRAILER TIRES & WHEELS
IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Trailer tires and wheels carry the full weight of your trailer and cargo while enduring heat, road impacts, long storage periods, tight turns, and sustained highway travel. Selecting the correct tire and wheel combination is essential for dependable towing, proper load support, stable handling, and long service life.

Deer Valley Trailer stocks a wide selection of trailer tires, steel wheels, aluminum wheels, mounted tire-and-wheel assemblies, replacement rims, heavy-duty trailer tires, wheel center caps, hub covers, valve stems, lug nuts, wheel studs, and related tire service components. Our inventory supports utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, dump trailers, equipment trailers, landscape trailers, car haulers, gooseneck trailers, boat trailers, horse trailers, RV trailers, tow dollies, and commercial trailers.

Whether you need a complete mounted assembly, a replacement tire, a trailer wheel, or help identifying an unusual bolt pattern, our experienced parts specialists can help you compare the tire size, load capacity, wheel dimensions, and mounting requirements for your trailer.

WHY TRAILER TIRES & WHEELS MATTER

Trailer tires and wheels are part of the trailer’s complete load-carrying system. Their capacities must work together with the axles, hubs, wheel bearings, suspension, and trailer frame. A higher-capacity tire does not increase the rating of the axle, wheel, hub, or trailer, and the complete system is limited by its lowest-rated component.

Proper tire selection and maintenance can help reduce heat buildup, irregular tread wear, handling problems, and unexpected tire failures. NHTSA emphasizes the importance of using appropriately sized and load-rated tires, maintaining proper inflation, and inspecting tires regularly for wear and physical damage.

TRAILER TIRES, WHEELS & MOUNTED ASSEMBLIES WE CARRY

Deer Valley Trailer carries tire and wheel products for applications ranging from small utility trailers to heavy-duty equipment and commercial trailers. Available inventory changes, but our selection commonly includes complete mounted tire-and-wheel assemblies, replacement tires without wheels, and replacement trailer wheels without tires.

COMMON TRAILER TIRE SIZES

Our trailer tire inventory includes many popular sizes used throughout the trailer industry, including:

4.80-12
5.30-12
ST175/80D13
ST175/80R13
ST205/75D14
ST205/75R14
ST205/75D15
ST205/75R15
ST225/75R15
ST235/75R15
ST235/80R16
ST235/85R16
235/75R17.5

We also carry and source additional sizes for specialty, commercial, off-road, marine, and older trailer applications.

COMMON TRAILER WHEEL SIZES

Our wheel selection includes common trailer rim diameters and widths for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty applications. Depending on the application, available options may include:

12-Inch Trailer Wheels
13-Inch Trailer Wheels
14-Inch Trailer Wheels
15-Inch Trailer Wheels
16-Inch Trailer Wheels
17.5-Inch Heavy-Duty Trailer Wheels
Dual Trailer Wheels
Open-Center Mobile-Home-Style Wheels
Specialty Trailer Wheels

The wheel diameter, width, bolt pattern, pilot opening, offset, load rating, and stud compatibility must all be verified before installation.

COMPLETE TIRE & WHEEL ASSEMBLIES

Mounted trailer tire-and-wheel assemblies combine a compatible tire and rim into one ready-to-install unit. These assemblies can simplify replacement when both the tire and wheel are worn, damaged, corroded, or no longer suitable for the trailer.

Deer Valley Trailer stocks mounted assemblies in several tire sizes, bolt patterns, wheel finishes, and load ranges. Our team can help confirm compatibility with your hubs, wheel studs, fenders, axle capacity, and existing tires.

TRAILER TIRES WITHOUT WHEELS

Replacement tires are available separately for customers whose existing trailer wheels remain in serviceable condition. Before installing a new tire, the wheel should be inspected for cracks, distortion, corrosion, damaged lug seats, an incorrect bead profile, or a load rating that does not support the intended application.

TRAILER WHEELS WITHOUT TIRES

Replacement trailer wheels are available separately in several diameters, widths, bolt patterns, finishes, and designs. Deer Valley Trailer carries steel modular wheels, steel spoke wheels, aluminum trailer wheels, heavy-duty wheels, dual wheels, and other specialty configurations.

A replacement wheel must match the tire size and meet or exceed the required load capacity while fitting the trailer’s hub, studs, lug nuts, brakes, and available clearance.

SPECIAL TRAILER TIRES VS.
PASSENGER & LIGHT-TRUCK TIRES

Many trailers use tires marked with an ST, meaning Special Trailer. ST tires are engineered for trailer service and are labeled with their tire size, construction, maximum load, and maximum inflation information.

Some specialty and commercial trailer applications may use other tire classifications when permitted by the trailer, wheel, axle, and tire manufacturers. Tire classifications should not be substituted solely because the physical dimensions appear similar. The load capacity, approved rim width, inflation requirements, clearance, and intended service must all be considered.

RADIAL VS. BIAS-PLY TRAILER TIRES

Trailer tires are commonly available in radial and bias-ply construction. Both designs can provide dependable service when properly selected and maintained, but their internal construction and operating characteristics differ.

RADIAL TRAILER TIRES

Radial tires use body cords that extend across the tire from bead to bead with reinforcing belts beneath the tread. They are commonly selected for trailers that experience regular highway use because they generally provide good tread contact, heat management, and ride characteristics.

Radial trailer tires are identified by an R in the tire size, such as ST205/75R15.

BIAS-PLY TRAILER TIRES

Bias-ply tires use body cords arranged diagonally across the tire. Their construction can provide a firm sidewall and durable performance for many utility, agricultural, marine, and lower-mileage trailer applications.

Bias-ply trailer tires are commonly identified by a D in the tire size, such as ST205/75D15.

CAN RADIAL & BIAS-PLY TIRES BE MIXED?

Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on the same trailer can create differences in sidewall flex, handling, and load response. For the most consistent towing performance, trailers should generally use matching tire sizes, constructions, load ranges, and similar tread conditions across the same axle system unless the trailer or tire manufacturer specifies otherwise.

UNDERSTANDING TRAILER TIRE SIZE

A trailer tire size provides important information about the tire’s intended service, width, aspect ratio, construction, and wheel diameter. Understanding this information helps customers identify the correct replacement and avoid installing a tire that interferes with the trailer frame, fender, suspension, or neighboring tire.

EXAMPLE: ST225/75R15

In the tire size ST225/75R15:

ST identifies a Special Trailer tire.
225 is the tire’s nominal section width in millimeters.
75 is the aspect ratio, describing the sidewall height as a percentage of the section width.
R identifies radial construction.
15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.

The complete size must be considered. Matching only the wheel diameter does not confirm that a tire is suitable for the trailer.

UNDERSTANDING LOAD RANGE, PLY RATING & TIRE CAPACITY

A trailer tire’s load range indicates its load-carrying and inflation category. Common trailer tire load ranges include C, D, E, F, G, and H, although the available ranges depend on the tire size and manufacturer.

Terms such as 6-ply, 8-ply, 10-ply, 12-ply, 14-ply, and 16-ply are commonly used as ply-rating descriptions. They indicate a strength category and do not necessarily describe the literal number of fabric plies inside a modern tire.

The tire’s actual maximum load capacity and inflation information are molded into its sidewall. Capacity should be verified using the tire manufacturer’s specifications and the trailer’s certification information rather than relying on load-range lettering alone.

THE TIRE CAPACITY MUST SUPPORT THE LOAD

The combined capacity of the tires must be sufficient for the load carried by the trailer axles. Tire capacity should include an appropriate operating margin, but installing tires with a higher rating does not increase the trailer’s GVWR or axle ratings.

The axle, hubs, wheels, wheel studs, tires, and suspension must all remain within their individual ratings.

THE WHEEL MUST ALSO BE PROPERLY RATED

A heavy-duty tire must be installed on a wheel designed for its size, load, and inflation requirements. A wheel with insufficient capacity or pressure capability can become the limiting component even when the tire itself has a higher rating.

This is especially important when upgrading from one load range to another. Before increasing tire capacity or inflation pressure, the wheel’s rating and the trailer manufacturer’s requirements should be verified.

TRAILER TIRE INFLATION

Correct inflation is one of the most important factors in trailer tire safety and service life. Underinflation can increase sidewall flex and heat buildup while reducing the load the tire can safely support. Overinflation beyond the approved specification can also affect performance and may exceed the limits of the tire or wheel.

Tire pressure should be checked with an accurate gauge when the tires are cold. NHTSA recommends checking all tires, including the spare, at least monthly and before important travel. The proper cold inflation pressure should be determined from the trailer certification label, owner information, and applicable tire manufacturer guidance.

WHAT DOES COLD TIRE PRESSURE MEAN?

Cold tire pressure is measured before the trailer has been driven long enough for the tires to heat up significantly. Tire pressure naturally rises as the tires warm during travel, so air should not normally be released solely because the pressure is higher after driving.

CHECK THE SPARE TIRE

Trailer spare tires are often forgotten because they may remain unused for years. The spare should be included in regular pressure, tread, sidewall, valve stem, mounting, and age inspections so it is ready when needed.

TRAILER WHEEL BOLT PATTERNS

The bolt pattern identifies the number of wheel studs and the diameter of the circle formed by those studs. A replacement trailer wheel must match the hub’s exact bolt pattern.

Deer Valley Trailer carries wheels and mounted assemblies with many common trailer bolt patterns, including:

5 on 4.5
5 on 4.75
5 on 5
5 on 5.5
6 on 5.5
8 on 6.5

We also carry and source specialty wheels for less common applications.

HOW TO MEASURE EVEN-NUMBERED BOLT PATTERNS

For a 4-lug, 6-lug, or 8-lug wheel, measure from the center of one wheel stud directly across the hub to the center of the opposite stud. This measurement identifies the bolt-circle diameter.

HOW TO MEASURE A 5-LUG BOLT PATTERN

A 5-lug pattern is measured differently because no stud sits directly opposite another. Begin at the outside edge of one stud. Moving clockwise or counterclockwise, skip the next stud and measure to the center of the third stud.

For example, five wheel studs measured across a 4.5-inch bolt circle are identified as 5 on 4.5.

WHEEL STUDS, LUG NUTS & LUG SEATS

The wheel studs and lug nuts secure the wheel to the trailer hub. Correct stud diameter, thread pitch, lug-nut seat style, and wheel-hole design are all essential for proper wheel retention.

Light-duty trailer hubs commonly use 1/2-inch wheel studs, while heavier applications may use 9/16-inch, 5/8-inch, metric, or other heavy-duty stud configurations. Stud size should always be physically verified rather than assumed from the number of lugs.

LUG NUT SEAT STYLE

Trailer wheels may use conical-seat, flange-style, clamp-ring, or other lug-nut systems depending on the wheel and hub design. A lug nut that threads onto the stud is not automatically correct for the wheel. The seating surface must properly match the wheel to develop the intended clamping force.

PROPER WHEEL TORQUE

Trailer lug nuts should be tightened evenly using the correct pattern and torque specification for the wheel, stud, and hub assembly. Lug nuts should also be rechecked after a wheel has been installed and according to the trailer, wheel, or axle manufacturer’s instructions.

Impact tools can assist with removal and installation, but final tightening should be verified with an appropriate torque wrench rather than relying only on the impact setting.

STEEL VS. ALUMINUM TRAILER WHEELS

Steel and aluminum wheels are both used throughout the trailer industry. The correct choice depends on the trailer’s load requirements, bolt pattern, desired appearance, operating environment, and wheel specifications.

STEEL TRAILER WHEELS

Steel trailer wheels are widely used because they are durable, practical, and available in many common sizes and capacities. Deer Valley Trailer carries modular and spoke-style steel wheels in several finishes, including white, gray, black, chrome-style, and other application-specific options.

ALUMINUM TRAILER WHEELS

Aluminum trailer wheels provide a distinctive appearance and corrosion resistance while often weighing less than comparable steel designs. Aluminum wheels must still match the required bolt pattern, load rating, pilot diameter, width, offset, lug seat, and tire specifications.

Because aluminum and steel wheels can use different lug-nut or torque requirements, the correct mounting hardware and installation procedure should always be confirmed.

WHEEL OFFSET, PILOT DIAMETER & CLEARANCE

Two wheels with the same diameter and bolt pattern may still fit differently. Wheel width, offset, backspacing, pilot opening, brake clearance, and center-cap clearance all affect compatibility.

An incorrect offset can move the tire inward toward the trailer frame or outward toward the fender. It can also alter the load applied to wheel bearings and suspension components. Replacement wheels should match the original geometry unless a properly evaluated change is being made.

HUB-PILOTED VS. STUD-PILOTED WHEELS

Some wheels center primarily on the hub’s pilot surface, while others center through the tapered lug nuts and wheel studs. The hub, wheel, lug nuts, and mounting system must be compatible. This becomes especially important on heavy-duty, dual-wheel, and commercial trailer applications.

SINGLE & DUAL TRAILER WHEELS

Most trailers use a single wheel at each hub, but some heavy-duty and specialty trailers use dual-wheel assemblies. Dual wheels require compatible hubs, studs, wheels, offsets, pilot dimensions, and mounting hardware.

Dual-wheel components should not be selected solely by wheel diameter and bolt pattern. Even similar-looking wheels may use different pilot openings, offsets, stud lengths, and mounting systems.

TRAILER TIRE & WHEEL ACCESSORIES

Deer Valley Trailer carries a range of related components to complete trailer tire and wheel repairs.

COMMON SIGNS A TRAILER TIRE NEEDS REPLACEMENT

Trailer tires should be inspected before travel and throughout their service life. Tread depth is only one part of the inspection. Tires can become unsafe because of physical damage, age, heat exposure, overloading, underinflation, or long periods of outdoor storage.

NHTSA advises replacing tires that show excessive tread wear, cuts, cracking, bulges, irregular wear, or other physical damage. Tire age can be determined from the DOT Tire Identification Number molded into the sidewall.

COMMON WARNING SIGNS

Sidewall Cracking
Bulges or Blisters
Exposed Cords
Cuts or Puncture Damage
Tread Separation
Uneven Tread Wear
Flat Spots From Storage
Repeated Pressure Loss
Excessive Vibration
Heat Damage
Weather Checking
Damaged Beads
Tires That No Longer Match Across the Axle

COMMON CAUSES OF UNEVEN TRAILER TIRE WEAR

Uneven trailer tire wear is often a symptom of another problem rather than a tire defect. Possible causes include incorrect inflation, overloading, bent axles, worn suspension components, improper axle alignment, loose wheel bearings, damaged wheels, braking problems, or mismatched tires.

Replacing the tire without identifying the cause may allow the same wear pattern to return. Deer Valley Trailer can help customers evaluate the tire, wheel, axle, hub, and suspension information involved in the application.

TRAILER TIRE AGE & THE DOT DATE CODE

The DOT Tire Identification Number contains information about the tire’s production. The final four digits identify the week and year of manufacture. For example, a date code ending in 2425 indicates that the tire was manufactured during the 24th week of 2025.

Tires age even when the trailer is stored and the tread appears lightly worn. Heat, sunlight, storage conditions, inflation history, load, and maintenance all affect tire condition. NHTSA notes that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend tire replacement based on age even when usable tread remains, so the applicable manufacturer’s guidance should be consulted.

DEER VALLEY TRAILER EXPERT TIP

One of the most common mistakes we see is choosing a tire or wheel using only one specification. Matching the tire diameter or wheel bolt pattern is not enough. Tire size, load capacity, load range, construction, inflation requirements, wheel width, wheel rating, pilot diameter, offset, stud size, lug-nut style, fender clearance, and axle capacity must all work together.

Bringing us the existing tire and wheel, clear sidewall photographs, bolt-pattern measurements, axle capacity, and trailer information gives our parts specialists the best opportunity to help identify the correct replacement.

TRAILER TIRES & WHEELS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA