Moving from Load Range C Trailer Tires to Load Range D Trailer Tires and Radial versus Bias Tires

Updated 09/28/2016 | Published 09/27/2016

Question:

Hello. I have a kendon single motorcycle trailer that weighs 300 pounds and has a max load of 1000 so the heaviest weight it could ever be would be 1300 pounds. I am looking at c rated tires but I have also seen d rated tires for not much more in price. I understand the the c rated tire is more then enough to do the job but I have always believed that it was better to go bigger so you work the product less and it will last longer. If I go with a load c I would be working the tires at half of what they are rated for but a load d would only be a 3rd of the working load. So here is my question... Is there something that I am missing that may make running load range d tires on such a light load a bad idea. Thanks

asked by: Eric T

Expert Reply:

The load range has to do with the horizontal and sidewall strength of a trailer tire. The C range tires are 6 ply and the D range tires are 8 ply. Because you are operating at half of the spring capacity of your trailer, bumping to a higher load range won't adding much of a benefit other than giving yourself greater peace of mind. You will adding a stronger tire which can technically create a more rigid ride for the trailer, but this isn't very noticeable when moving up one load rating.

You may also want to consider what style of tire. For a motorcycle trailer, I would assume you would be looking at trailering long distances of highway or primarily on paved roads. If this is the case, a radial tire would be preferable over a bias tire. Bias tires have greater strength by design for more industrial use at lesser speed, but radials are designed for better traction and highway wear. Radial tires normally run cooler than a bias ply tire, especially when the tire is under a load. A tire that runs cooler will last longer.

I've added a link to all of our radial tires for you. If you give me your tire size, I'd be happy to make a specific recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jason S