I'm Overweight!

[Jennifer in Denver]

Hi Folks,
I bought a 13' Scamp this summer. The tires were old, so I replaced them with what I thought were the same tires. However, when I had to weigh the Scamp to register it in CO, it turned out to be approx. 1500 lbs, and the tires are only rated for 1350 lbs. Yikes. What tires do I need, and am I going to have to replace the wheels too?

Thanks!
Jennifer

[Carl Pa]

You have two tires carrying 1350# each = 2700# total... Carl

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Carl Pa

You have two tires carrying 1350# each = 2700# total... Carl

I expect that is correct although it would be good to know the exact make, model and markings on the new tires.

I was shopping tires this weekend for a 2000 lb GVWR utility trailer with 12 inch wheels, and did find some that were rated too low for that application, but the ones on it were rated at 990 lbs, or 1980 lbs. I would be amazed if you ended up with tires like that (on 13 inch wheels) however.

So please post the details on the tires if you are still concerned but I would bet a lot of money with long odds that Carl is correct.

[Jennifer in Denver]

Well that would certainly be a relief.

They are Goodride Super ST Steel Belted. ST175/80R13. Speed rating L, 75 mph

[Jon in AZ]

I don't think you need to worry. 1350 pounds per tire sounds about right for a 13", load range C, tire. I don't even think they make 13" tires rated higher than that.

Of course, your 1500 pound Scamp may not be perfectly balanced left to right. If your water tank is empty, you're likely a bit heavier on the street side. But not by enough to come even close to overloading the tire.

Just keep the air pressure at 45-50 psi and you'll be fine!

[Jennifer in Denver]

Phew! Thanks so much guys. I have a lot to learn.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Just keep the air pressure at 45-50 psi and you'll be fine!

I'd go with the Max Pressure that is printed on the tire you have, not with a general recommendation.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Jennifer in Denver

Phew! Thanks so much guys. I have a lot to learn.

Better safe than sorry so good to ask.. Also I would not plan in running them at 75 regardless of rating (at least not for more than a minute or two at a time). Sway is one reason but also please read this page: https://www.etrailer.com/question-29289.html

The weight rating is similar (or maybe the same, I forgot at the moment) for the tires on my 16 foot Scamp and I do come closer to the rating on the heavy side, but still under specs.

PS, they sound like darn good tires too... last suggestion would be a TPMS so you can keep an eye on temp and pressure while going down the road.