Can 18.5 x 8.5 - 8 Tires be Replaced with 215/60-8 Tires

Question:

I have a snowmobile trailer that has 18.5x8.5 x8 on 4 hole wheel, and need a new replacement tire/wheel I see on your site that you offer a 8 ply a 215/60x8 is this the same tire, just a metric size or?? wil,it be a replacement and be the same size overall as the 18.5/8.5x8 I now have? and what is the advantage of a 4 ply to a 6 ply to a 8 ply does any of them have higher speed ratings?, as I would like to get the highest speed rating I can get and most durable overall tire too I appreciate your help and look forward to a reply

asked by: Stan

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the older tire size of 18.5 x 8.5 - 8 now translates to the current metric tire size of 215/60-8.

When it comes to 215/60-8 tire on a 4 bolt wheel, we have two options for you, the Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8 Inch White Wheel, # AM3H290, or # AM3H300 for Galvanized Wheel. Both are Load Range C, 6-ply, and have a 940 lb capacity at 50 psi.

As for a tire's ply rating, the higher the ply rating the stronger the tire but special trailer tires are all usually rated to operate at a maximum speed of 65 mph no matter what their ply rating. Exceeding 65 mph could cause heat build up in the tire and cause it to break down and fail.

expert reply by: Leah S