Which is Better to Reduce Trailer Sway, a Bias Trailer Tire or a Radial Trailer Tire
Updated 08/17/2011 | Published 08/16/2011
Question:
I am looking for replacement trailer tires for my 2009 Fleetwood Pop-up - size 5.30 12. I am considering the bias-ply AM10068 5.30 12 load range D - and - this radial AM10130 ST145/R12 load range D. I would like to know which one reduces trailer sway the most? In the past - bias ply tires were best at reducing trailer sway. Is this still correct?
asked by: Roger
Expert Reply:
According to our resident tire expert, a radial tire will track better than a bias ply tire so that would seem to indicate a radial tire would be less likely to allow sway. A radial tire is also going to last longer and the cost is pretty close to a bias tire of the same size. I would go with # AM10130.
Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi rating indicated on the tire. The radial tire mentioned above is rated for 1,220 pounds at 65 psi. I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you.
The best defense against trailer sway is proper loading of the trailer. Keep the tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight and keep heavier items at the bottom. Also make sure the load is even side to side.
If that is not enough to prevent sway then you would benefit from a weight distribution system with sway control. I have included a link to our weight distribution main page and a link to an FAQ article that may help.
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
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: dexter 010~019~00
- Search Results: st 205/75r14
- Search Results: dexter 3500 brakes
- Shop: Lippert Grease Seals - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" for 3,500-lb to 4,400-lb Axles
- Shop: Replacement Brake Wire Retaining Clip for Electric Trailer Brakes - Qty 1
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Brakes BP01-110 Review
- Q&A: What is Meant by Triple Lip Seal of Dexter Grease Seal # DX49CR
- Q&A: Will Switching From Radial To Bias Ply Tires Help With Trailer Bounce?
- Q&A: AL-KO 7230 Hub and Brakes Replacement Parts
- Q&A: Replacement Magnet For Dexter 3,500 lb Electric Brakes
- Shop: Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet Kit for Dexter and Hayes / AL-KO 10" Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet for Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
- Q&A: Replacement Grease Seal for 3,500 lb Dexter Axle on Forest River Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Disc Brake Rotor/Hub For a 1990 Ranger Trail Boat Trailer
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
