Have Questions? We are Here to Help You!
Selecting the proper wheel size is crucial for trailer performance and safety. This comprehensive guide examines 14″, 15″, 16″, and 17″ trailer wheels, comparing their applications, benefits, and ideal use cases. As a leading manufacturer at Ningbo BRS Auto Parts Co., Ltd with over 20 years of experience, we’ll share professional insights to help you make the best choice for your towing needs.
Table of Contents
- 14″ Trailer Wheels: Compact and Lightweight
- 15″ Trailer Wheels: The Versatile Standard
- 16″ Trailer Wheels: Heavy-Duty Performance
- 17″ Trailer Wheels: High-Capacity Solutions
- Key Differences Between Wheel Sizes
- How to Choose the Right Wheel Size
- Tire Compatibility and Options
- Maintenance Tips for All Wheel Sizes
- Premium Trailer Wheel Recommendations
- Expert Consultation Services
14″ Trailer Wheels: Compact and Lightweight
14-inch wheels are commonly found on:
- Small utility trailers
- Boat trailers for smaller vessels
- Lightweight cargo trailers
- Pop-up campers
Advantages:
- Lightweight construction improves fuel efficiency
- Lower cost for both wheels and tires
- Easier manual handling during maintenance
- Sufficient for loads up to 1,500 lbs per wheel
Our 14-inch wheel options feature galvanized steel construction for corrosion resistance in marine environments.
15″ Trailer Wheels: The Versatile Standard
15-inch wheels represent the most common size for medium-duty trailers:
- Travel trailers
- Horse trailers
- Medium-duty equipment trailers
- Larger boat trailers
Why choose 15″ wheels:
- Wide availability of tire options
- Excellent balance between load capacity and ride quality
- More sidewall flex than larger wheels for better shock absorption
- Typically rated for 2,000-2,500 lbs per wheel
Explore our 15″ steel wheel buying guide for detailed specifications.
16″ Trailer Wheels: Heavy-Duty Performance
16-inch wheels are ideal for:
- Large travel trailers
- Gooseneck trailers
- Equipment haulers
- Commercial trailers
Key benefits:
- Increased load capacity (typically 2,800-3,500 lbs per wheel)
- Better heat dissipation for long-haul towing
- More stable at highway speeds
- Compatible with higher ply-rated tires
Our 16″ wheel series features reinforced designs for maximum durability.
17″ Trailer Wheels: High-Capacity Solutions
17-inch wheels are designed for the most demanding applications:
- Fifth-wheel trailers
- Heavy equipment transporters
- Commercial semi-trailers
- High-end RV trailers
Premium features:
- Maximum load capacities (3,500-5,000+ lbs per wheel)
- Improved braking performance with larger rotors
- Enhanced stability at high speeds
- Often include advanced safety features
Discover our 17″ heavy-duty wheel options built for professional use.
Key Differences Between Wheel Sizes
| Size | Typical Load Range | Best For | Average Weight | Tire Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14″ | B-C | Light-duty | 18-22 lbs | Good |
| 15″ | C-D | Medium-duty | 22-28 lbs | Excellent |
| 16″ | D-E | Heavy-duty | 28-35 lbs | Very Good |
| 17″ | E-F | Extra heavy-duty | 35-45 lbs | Good |
How to Choose the Right Wheel Size
Consider these factors when selecting trailer wheel size:
- Trailer GVWR: Match wheel capacity to your trailer’s weight requirements
- Towing Frequency: Frequent highway towing benefits from larger sizes
- Terrain: Rough roads need more sidewall (smaller wheels)
- Budget: Larger wheels typically cost more initially but may last longer
- Spare Parts: Consider availability of spare tires on the road
Our wheel selection guide provides additional decision-making criteria.
Tire Compatibility and Options
Each wheel size offers different tire options:
- 14″: Typically ST175/80R14 or ST205/75R14
- 15″: Common sizes include ST225/75R15 and ST235/75R15
- 16″: Often ST235/80R16 or ST245/75R16
- 17″: Usually ST235/80R17 or larger
View our tire size guide for complete compatibility information.
Maintenance Tips for All Wheel Sizes
Proper care extends wheel life regardless of size:
- Clean regularly with mild detergent to prevent corrosion
- Inspect for cracks or damage before each trip
- Check lug nut torque periodically
- Store trailers with weight off wheels when possible
- Consider wheel covers for long-term storage
Learn more in our wheel maintenance guide.
Premium Trailer Wheel Recommendations
BRS Standard Trailer Wheel Series
- Available in 14″, 15″, and 16″ diameters
- Hot-dip galvanized finish
- Load rated for various applications
- Budget-friendly without compromising quality
BRS Heavy-Duty Trailer Wheel Series
- 15″, 16″, and 17″ options available
- Reinforced steel construction
- Powder-coated finishes
- Ideal for commercial and high-stress applications
BRS Premium Alloy Trailer Wheels
- 15″ and 16″ lightweight designs
- Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
- Modern styling options
- Reduces unsprung weight for better towing
Browse our complete trailer wheel catalog for all available options.
Expert Consultation Services
Ningbo BRS Auto Parts Co., Ltd has been manufacturing quality trailer wheels since 2002. Our 100,000 square meter production facility utilizes advanced technology to produce durable wheels for global markets.
For personalized assistance selecting trailer wheels:
- Email: trailerwheels@brsrim.com
- Phone: +86-574-8765-4321
- WhatsApp: +86-135-1234-5678
- Factory Address: Ningbo Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang, China
Request a custom wheel quote for specialized trailer applications.
