This is not Olds related but it is wheels / tires related.

I recently put brand new tires on my 18' all steel open car hauler. I chose to upgrade to load range D (8 ply) instead of the stock load range C (6 ply). Same tire brand and size (Carlisle ST205/75/15) but in the D load range 2150lb in place of the C load range 1820lb). I don't plan to load the tires more than the trailer load capacity. The only reason I chose the 8 ply was because they have stronger side walls. This is very helpful when you back in the trailer and turn into tight parking space and the tires experience a little more side load.

What I forgot to consider is the width of the stock wheels. I found out later that most D load range tires use 6" wide wheels to distribute the load. The stock wheels on my trailer are only 5" wide. Again, I don't plan to load the trailer more than its capacity.

When I went back and asked the tire shop about this, they said it won't make a difference. The 5" wide wheels are probably fine for the load D range since the tire size is identical to the ones that came off the stock wheels.

Looking to hear a couple of more opinions on this. Any one cares to share their thoughts on this?

 

You will be fine with the 5" wide wheels, your new tires may need a higher operating pressure than your old ones.

 

I concur with (other) Eric, except imo leave the tires at the pressures recommended for 6 ply tires.

Roger.