Replacement 13 Inch Trailer Tires for a 14 Foot Jayco Travel Trailer

Updated 07/28/2015 | Published 07/27/2015

Question:

I just bought a Jayco 14 foot single axle pull camper. It has 180 13 inch bias tires on it, C range. I dont feel comfortable pulling it with these tires. I also told I should try and find some D range and maybe the radials, since I drive in hot 90 degree weather and go on bad dirt roads in Montana. Wish they made E range, but I guess there is no such thing. Any help would be appreciated, Im too old to be changing tires at the side of the road. Also a snow type tire with more tread would be great also. I take the camper in the high country during hunting season.

asked by: Tess

Expert Reply:

The difference between bias ply tires and radial tires is how the belts are ran on the inside. Radial tires have belts that go across left to right. Bias ply tires have belts that go front to back or at an angle across the tire.

Radial tires do run cooler which is why they are great for pavement. Bias ply tires are better for off road applications but also work fine on pavement.

Since you will be going on some bad dirt roads I would stick with the bias ply tires. We have # AM1ST79 which is a 185/80-13, load range D, rated for 1,725 pounds at 65 psi. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire.

This is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires. If under inflated the thicker sidewall will cause excessive heat and tire failure. There aren't any different tread options so rain, snow, or shine, the tires are all-weather.

expert reply by: Michael H