Difference Between 205/75D15 and 205/70R15 Tires

Question:

My deceased fathers trailer has a Right tire that is 205/75/D15 and the Left is 205/70/R15. Im not sure why its like this. Will it ride or tow ok? And another question is, that the left 205/70/R15 is wider than the 205/75/d15. Could it be a car rim and tire as compared to the skinnier right side? How can the tire size be almost identical but the two rims are vastly different. I cant wrap my head around that.

asked by: Jared C

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the 205/70R15 tire is not a trailer tire. This tire is 26.3" in diameter, 8.1" wide and fits a 15" wheel with 5-7" of width. Your 205/75D15 tire has an overall diameter of 27.1" and fits 15" wheels with 5-6.5" width. Tires are able to fit on rims of different widths to a certain extent so that is probably the difference you are seeing. Since these are a different height I would recommend replacing the 205/70R15 tire so your trailer is level.

Since I do not know what wheel the 205/70R15 tire is on I will assume it is also being replaced. Another piece of information you will need is the bolt pattern. The most common for a 15" wheel is 5 on 4-1/2. Also, I would recommend replacing both tires so you have the same tread pattern, speed rating and load range on both.

Assuming you have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, I would recommend the Loadstar ST205/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire w/ 15" White Spoke Wheel # AM3S640DX. This tire has a capacity of 2,150 lbs with a speed rating of M (81 mph).

If you have a different bolt pattern let me know and I would be happy to make a recommendation. I have also attached some helpful articles on tire sizing as well as a review of the tire and wheel for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H