Can 185/80R13 Tire Be Replaced With 165/80D13 Tires On Small Camper

Updated 05/05/2016 | Published 05/04/2016

Question:

I have a 13foot camper with P185/80R13 can I use tires that are P165/80D13

asked by: Cole

Expert Reply:

If the wheels on your camper can work with the smaller tire you should have no problem.

The diameter of the 185/80R13 tire has an overall diameter of about 24.65 inches. The 165/80D13 tire will have an overall diameter of about 23.40 inches, so it will be a little over an inch shorter than the tires you have on your camper now. You are talking about replacing radial tires with a bias-ply tire. Radial tires flex more than bias-ply and will typically run cooler than a bias-ply.

You always want to keep the tire pressure at the maximum psi level and it should be checked and adjusted when the tires are cool. You will want to replace all of the tires at the same time on your camper so they wear and ride the same. You will also want to make sure the load capacity rating for any tires you put on your trailer is capable of handling the weight of the trailer.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L