Using Bias-Ply Tire as a Spare Tire on Trailer With Radial Tires

Updated 05/30/2015 | Published 05/29/2015

Question:

I have a trailer tire with a 215/75/R14 rating for the two tires, and I want to know if I can use a tire with a 215/75/D14 rating rather than a radial tire as a spare. Total weight of the boat and trailer is about 2,800 pounds. Thanks

asked by: Ed R

Expert Reply:

It's recommended that all tires used on a trailer are of the same type, either all radials or all bias-ply for the best performance. Radial tires have more flexible sidewalls, mixing the tires can cause handling problems. If a bias-ply was used strictly as an emergency spare and was immediately replaced as soon as the radial was fixed you'd be ok, but the best practice is to keep your spare rotated with the other two tires.

Using a # AM32181 ST215/75R-14 radial tire as a spare would be my recommendation.

I'll link you to our trailer tire FAQ article, which you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L