Are Radial Trailer Tires Better than Bias Ply Tires for a Pop-Up Camper
Published 10/12/2015
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have an older pop-up that has a 5.30 x 12 with the five bolt steel rims. I was reading that Bias tires arent as good as radial tires. Is this true? We are going to be doing some traveling this coming spring and summer and there will be some long tows as well. What would you recommend? I just need the tires as the rims are in great shape. The trailer weighs about 1300 dry not sure if this helps out.
asked by: Leon
Expert Reply:
Bias ply and radial tires are good at doing different things. Bias ply tires have a sturdier sidewall and are thus better for off-road and agricultural applications but still work just fine on pavement. Radial tires track better and run cooler than bias ply tires, especially on pavement, but can handle off-road applications as well. If there is an option in the size needed then I would go with radial tires.
But as far as a 5.30-12 the only options are going to be bias ply which again is perfectly fine. Based on the 1,300 pound dry weight of the trailer a load range C, # AM10066, should be fine (it ultimately depends on the loaded and ready to tow gross weight of the trailer).
Tire # AM10066 is rated for 1,045 pounds at 80 psi. I have linked a video review of this tire for you.
It just so happens that a 5.30-12 and a 145/12 tire will fit the same wheels. So if you want to go with radial tires you can use # AM10130 which is rated for 1,220 pounds at 65 psi. I have linked a video review of this tire as well.
Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire sidewall. This is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires to handle more vertical load. If under inflated the thicker sidewall generates excessive heat and can lead to failure.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 145/80-12
- 12 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
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