Will Switching 5.30-12 Bias Ply Tires for Radials Help Prevent Blowouts

Published 03/11/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range D

(3682)

$60.11

Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(275)

$114.68

Question:

I have a boat and motor combination that weighs 1500 gross lbs. on a trailer that weighs 350 gross lbs. I go through a set of bias ply tires LRC in less than two years. I keep the pressure at max. recommended so I think my problem is from over heating. I travel about 200 miles one way in temperatures that can exceed 100F. The sidewalls are always the cause of problems. The size of the tire is 5.30 x 12. I am open to any suggestion as to what is the best tire in that size range for my application. Naturally I have a tendency of pushing the speed at or above 65 mph so possibly a radial tire would be best. Question: If I stay with a bias ply tire will moving up to a higher load range help with the side wall blow out issues? I thank you for your help.

asked by: Jim S

Helpful Expert Reply:

A 5.30-12 Load Range C tire has a load capacity of 1045 lbs each or 2090 lbs per axle which is more than sufficient for a trailer/boat combination that weighs 1850 lbs.

Excessive heat build up is the number one cause of premature tire wear and failure. Exceeding the weight capacity, not correctly inflating the tires and exceeding the tires speed rating can all cause the temperatures of a tire to spike to unsafe levels.

First, I'd recommend you confirm the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of your boat/trailer to ensure it doesn't exceed the capacity of a Load Range C tire. This includes the weight of all the gas, coolers and other gear that's on the boat while you're towing it. It's very easy to underestimate the actual as-towed weight of a trailer. I know, because I've done it myself...

It sounds like you have your tires properly inflated, so that's not an immediate issue but you might consider adding a TPMS system like part # 372FX4K so you can use your smart phone to monitor the pressure and temperature of your tires in real time.

Most trailer tires of this size are speed rated to 60 or 65mph, so consistently running at 65mph or above can certainly elevate the temperature of your tires to a potentially harmful level.

Going with a higher load rated tire would really only benefit you if you're currently exceeding the capacity of your tires. For a solution, I'd go with a radial tire because they run cooler which would translate to longer tire life. We offer a 5.30-12 Load Range C tire in a radial as part # TT53012C. The tire has the same capacity as the one that you're using, but because they'll run cooler and have a high (81mph) speed rating, they'll work much better for you, as long as the weight of your trailer doesn't exceed its capacity.

I've linked to some videos that you might find helpful.