Recommended Replacement Tires for 1985 13 Foot Scamp Camper

Question:

We need to replace the tires on our new acquisition, our 1985 13foot Scamp camper. The current tires are ST165-80D-13, load 1250 lbs. at 50psi cold. We are looking at a Kenda ST 175-80?-13, load range D. 1 Will these fit? 2 Are bias or radial more advisable for us? We will going on long-distance trips, keeping the max speed at 60-65 mph. 3 What do you advise? We are most concerned with safety, then mileage. Thanks!

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

Are you sure about the 165/80-13 tire size? I don't show that as a currently available tire size, could you have meant a 185/80-13?

In any event, a 175/80-13 tire measures 24 inches tall x 6.9 inches wide which would be slightly shorter at about 3/4 of an inch and roughly 1/2 inch narrower than your existing tires, assuming that they're a 185/80-13.

So, the tires should work fine for you, once again assuming your current size is 185/80-13. I'd recommend going with a radial tire, as they do a better job shedding excess heat which makes them a better choice for highway use.

Another consideration is the loaded weight of the trailer. You'll want to use tires with a combined weight capacity that exceeds the fully loaded weight of the trailer. For a combined capacity of 2720 lbs, I'd recommend the load range C Kenda # AM10199, which is a 175/80-13 radial tire. For a combined capacity of 3300 lbs, use the load range D radial tire, part # AM10210.

Both tires carry an 'M' speed rating, which is good for up to 81 mph, although it's much safer to run at the 60-65 mph speeds you described.

I'll link to product description videos for both tires mentioned above.