Yes, when it comes to making important decisions about your trailer, the size of the tires is one of the most essential aspects to consider. Changing tire sizes can have a significant impact on performance, reliability, and even legal compliance.
In this article, we will explore the differences between 13 vs 14 inch trailer tires to help you make an informed decision for your vehicle. We’ll discuss key considerations such as main contrast, Comparison, load capacity, diameter and more.
However, the 13″ and 14″ trailer tires provide heavy-duty performance for professional trailers. Let’s find out the difference between these two tires from the following.
Difference between 13 vs 14 inch trailer tires
You will agree that larger tires provide the best safety margin for their extra weight loading capacity. A 13-inch tire comes with a great cross-section area to offer maximum grips. It also provides a greater weight-loading capacity rating than the smaller tires.
On the other hand, a 14 inch trailer tire is a bit taller than a 13-inch tire. It features a great cross-section area to offer maximum grips and control of traction. In addition, it runs cooler and makes the bearing spin slower than usual.
It is becoming difficult to find 13″ trailer tires nowadays, that’s why upgrading to a 14″ can be a smart option.
main contrast between two tires (13 vs. 14 trailer Tires)
A 13-inch trailer tire size is more commonly used for trailers. It offers great traction grips and a smooth ride for carrying heavy cargo. Moreover, it can tackle extra weight and provide maximum support for the safest drive. You need less space for backspacing than the 14, 15, 16″, or more trailer tires.
On the contrary, a 14″ trailer tire becomes more popular because it is more easily accessible than a 13″ tire. 14-inch tire size is suitable for ensuring the safest transportation for heavier trailers. However, it will be a smart investment if you need to carry exceeding loading capacity than a 13″ tire can.
Comparison table between 13 vs 14 inch trailer tires
| Trailer Tire Size | Metric size | Letter size | Rim Width Diameter | Loading capacity | Total width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13″ | 175/80-13 | A78-13, B78-13 | 4-½”, 5″, and 5-½” | B- 1100 lbs requires 35psi, C- 1360 lbs and requires 50 psi, D- 1610 lbs requires 65 psi | 24.1″ |
| 13″ | 185/80-13 | C78-13, D78-13 | 4-½”, 5″, and 5-½” | C-1480 lbs & requires 50 psi, D- 1725 lbs & requires 65 psi | 24.4″ |
| 14″ | 205/75-14 | F78-14, G78-14 | 5″, 5-½”, 6″, & 6-½” | B- 1430 lbs & requires 35 psi, C- 1760 lbs & requires 50 psi, D- 2100 lbs & requires 65 psi | 26.3″ |
| 14″ | 215/75-14 | H78-14, J78-14 | 5-½”, 6″, 6-½”, & 7″ | C- 1870 lbs and requires 50 psi | 26.7″ |
Comparative difference between 13 vs 14 inch trailer tires
Let me explain the comparative difference between 13 vs 14 inch trailer tires for your better understanding.
Trailer tire size
First, there is a clear comparison between these two tire sizes. One came in 13″ size while the other one features 14″ size.
Metric size
Second, you can see a huge dissimilarity in their available metric sizes. A 13″ trailer tire can come in either 175/80 or 185/80 metric sizes. On the contrary, a 14″ trailer tire comes in 205/75 or 215/75 metric sizes.
Rim Width Diameter
You can see the difference between 13 & 14″ tires based on their rim width and diameter. For example, 13-inch trailer tires feature 4-½”, 5″, and 5-½” rim width diameters. In contrast, 14 inch trailer tires feature 5″, 5-½”, 6″, 6-½”, and 7″ rim width diameters.
Weight loading capacity
A 13″ trailer tire can carry from 1100 to 1610 lbs and requires 35-65 psi air pressure. In comparison, a 14″ trailer tire can carry from 1430 to 2100 lbs and requires 35-65 psi air pressure.
13 vs. 14 inch trailer tires – Which size trailer tire is best for your needs?
You have known the details of all probable comparisons between 13-inch and 14-inch tires. Now comes this question: which one should you get – a 13″ or a 14″ tire? Continue reading to make your decision crystal clear.
If you want to replace the old tire because it wears off over time, go for 13″ tires without any doubt. A spare 13-inch tire with the same load capacity will provide the same ground contact as the older one.
On the contrary, if you want to upgrade your tire with a 14″ for more clearance and heavy load, go for it. It will carry heavier loads smoothly with excellent stability and comfort.
What are the benefits of using 13 vs. 14 inch trailer tires?
Larger trailer tires give various advantages over smaller trailer tires. Let’s find out what benefits you can enjoy for your vehicle with 13 or 14 inch trailer tires.
A 13″ trailer tire offers several benefits for your trailer truck.
In contrast, a 14″ trailer tire lets you experience the following benefits.
How do 13 and 14 inch trailer tires compare in terms of performance?
In terms of performance, both 13 and 14-inch trailer tires provide maximum stability against heavier trailers. But they have some dissimilarities as well. For example, 13-inch tires offer great traction and maximum ground clearance for trails. Their strong built-in structure with superior quality materials ensures durability. You can easily transport your cargo or other deliveries without causing any damage.
The 13″ trailer tires require less backspacing than the bigger tire sizes. However, 13-inch radial trailer tires suit seasonal campers, travelers, and more users. They are available at a cheaper price range than the larger tires.
On the other hand, 14-inch trailer tires provide more traction and ground clearance than 13-inch tires. They are designed for trailers to perform heavy-duty professional transportation with safety. Although 14″ tires come at a higher price than 13″ tires, they are worth your investment.
You will get a minimum one-inch higher clearance and 4-½” wider ground contact. So upgrade your trailer tires to 14″ to ensure stability against heavier trailers if your wheels have enough space.
Pros and cons of using 13 or 14 inch trailer tires
Both 13″ and 14″ trailer tires have pros and cons based on their structure and performance. So, let’s check them out to understand these tires better.
13-inch trailer tire
Pros
- Suitable for small trailers.
- Requires less space for storage.
- It is cheaper than the 14 inch trailer tires.
Cons
- Less common, that’s why it isn’t easy to find.
14-inch trailer tire
Pros
- Suitable for heavier trailers.
- Safe and durable for heavy-duty performance.
- A 14″ trailer tire offers added loading capacity than 13″ tires.
Cons
- Costly than the 13″ trailer tires.
Also Read: 14 vs 15 Trailer Tires – Which One Would Be Best?
to consider before choosing the right size trailer tires?
Choosing the right trailer tire size is always challenging if you are not experienced. However, consider the following aspects while choosing your desired trailer tire. You will find the best-fit tire size for your vehicle by considering a few things. These are:
Tire’s design/ type
The special trailer (ST) tire design is divided into two groups: radial trailer tire and bias trailer tire.
Radial trailer tires
The radial trailer tire is constructed with an inner steel belt layer. A 90° angle is made between the tread center line and an internal steel belt layer. However, radials have substantially lower ride quality than their bias ply equivalents. It provides better heat dissipation and longer tread life.
Their decreased rolling resistance offers better fuel efficiency. It’s also important to note that radial trailer tires don’t typically experience flat spots after prolonged sitting, unlike bias ply tires. This is why radial trailer tires are popular among seasonal trailers like travel trailers and campers.
Bias ply tires
Compared to radial trailer tires, the bias ply tires are constructed with cross-hatched steel and nylon thread. This thread is located at a 30-45° angle from the cord center line. In addition, it provides stronger sidewalls for your bias ply tires. That offers less trailer sway and great stability to ensure straighter roll down.
Tire’s load capacity
Make sure you check the loading capacity of your desired trailer tire. The loading range controls how much weight you can transport without any risk. Always choose a tire size that meets or beats the recommended weight limit. However, the loading capacity range may vary from B to F for both tire types.
Tire’s size
Next, determine the tire size according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Try to match the exact tire size for optimal performance. In addition, the loading capacity can vary for the same trailer tire size based on their brands, models, and types.
Tire’s speed rating capacity
Your trailer tire’s speed rating capacity states the maximum speed limit for safe transportation. Make sure the tire you choose will fit the required top speed for your travel. Choosing a tire with an exceed speed rating will wind up your vehicle on the road.
Trailer’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating)
Always look for the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating when choosing the correct tires (GVWR). The trailer’s total weight and the most payload it can hold are both included in the GVWR. Split the trailer’s GVWR by the number of tires to get the required minimum load-bearing capacity. Fortunately, trailer makers usually have tires that, once combined, are larger than the trailer’s GVWR.
Trailer’s weight
The next thing you need to consider is your trailer’s weight. For example, a heavy trailer requires bigger tires to drive extra weight. Moreover, larger tires will provide maximum stability against heavy weight loads. You can choose a medium-range tire size for your trailer if you transport less weight.
Available space around the wheel
Don’t forget to determine available space around the wheel while choosing a new tire size. Pick a bigger tire if you have more space around the wheel. Otherwise, stick to the small trailer tire size in case of limited extra space available.
Tire width
Consider the tire width before making a purchase. You can enjoy great traction control and easy grips while driving with a wider trailer tire. Furthermore, a narrow tire can be more agile than a wider tire in terms of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I pull a trailer with 13-inch tires?
Answer: The trailer pulling speed is decided by your 13″ trailer tire vehicle. Suppose you are inquiring about towing a trailer using 13″ tires. The speed will depend on your trailer. Your vehicle’s power and size ensure how fast 13″ tires can tow a trailer. For example, a truck will tow a trailer faster than your car. However, your small car with 13″ tires can tow a lightweight trailer slowly without facing problems.
Can I Upgrade/ Replace 13-Inch Wheels With 14-Inch Wheels?
Answer: Yes, you can replace your 13″ tire/ wheel with a 14″ tire/ wheel. But you have to make sure your older tire has extra space around it to go for a bigger one. You can find two common 13″ trailer tires in available sizes. One is 175/80-13, and the other 185/80-13.
However, you choose a 205/75-14 to upgrade your vehicle. It will be a bit taller and wider than the above two 13″ tires. For example, it will be 2-1/4″ taller and 1-3/16″ wider than 175/80-13 inch trailer tires. On the contrary, it will be about 2″ taller and 13/16″ wider than 185/80-13 inch tires.
So, upgrade to a 14 inch trailer tire if you have a spare room. A 5 on 4-½ bolt pattern will let you replace the wheel with AC14R45SM.
Are Bigger Tires Better For Trailers?
Answer: The answer to your question, “are bigger tires better for trailers” is “it depends.” Let me explain it in detail for your clear understanding. Trailer tires have a specified load range or ply rating and are made to bear a set amount of weight.
For example, a tire’s load rating is 1,820 pounds at 80 psi. That indicates that at 80 psi of tire pressure, it can transport 1,820 pounds of weight without risk.
So what will happen if you are attempting to tow a 3,500-pound trailer? Determine your trailer’s tire size from the manufacturer’s placard. After knowing your tire size now, you can easily replace or upgrade your tire size.
However, the advantages of upgrading to a bigger tire size also depend on your current tire size. It will be worth your investment if you are using a 13″ tire and want to upgrade to 14″ trailer tires. Bigger tires provide stability as well as a smooth ride for your vehicle.
You can upgrade to 16-18″ trailer tires if required. If you think in terms of benefits choosing a 18+” or more tire size may not be a smart choice for you.
Conclusion
You have already gone through our full guide on “13 vs. 14 inch trailer tires“. We hope you have a specific idea about which trailer tire size will fit your needs from these two tire sizes. Both tires offer maximum grips and stability against heavier loading capacity.
However, they are suitable for regular or seasonal professional trailers. They offer great traction and maximum ground clearance for towing, camping, traveling, and heavier deliveries. So, pick the right trailer tire size that will fit your needs.
