Should I Switch To Radial Tires From Bias On Boat Trailer That Travels On Highway

Updated 06/06/2019 | Published 06/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(606)

$76.15

Loadstar K399 Bias Trailer Tire - 205/65-10 - Load Range C

(3945)

$65.52

Question:

I have a single axle boat trailer running two Loadstar 205/65-10 tires that need to be replaced. I was considering upgrading to radial tires. I generally have about a 30-45 minute drive to the water, most of that being on the hot Florida highway. Would you recommend the upgrade to radials or just stick with the bias ply? And if so would a 12inch or 13inch radial tire be best? Im looking for a load range of around 3000 lbs.

asked by: Jason H

Expert Reply:

I definitely recommend to switch over from bias tire part # AM1HP52 to radials if you are traveling on a hot Florida Highway. Radial tires cords are positioned to flex easier than the stiffer sidewall of the bias tires. Bias tires create more friction while going down the highway because of their stiffer sidewall which creates heat and can lead to blow outs.

I recommend the Kenda Karrier S-Trail part # AM10130 which is a ST145/R12. The diameter of the tire is only 1.3" larger than your current tires so you should not have an issue with clearance. We do recommend 4 inches of vertical clearance above the top of the tire tread for normal travel of your trailer's suspension. We also recommend at least a 1" between the sidewall and the trailer frame. They are also built with short sections of tread instead of long continuous ribs of tread on some tires that can cause hydroplaning. With these tires you would have a combined capacity of 2,440 lbs.

If you decide to upgrade to the larger tire, you need a 12 inch wheel. I recommend the same Kenda tire on a Aluminum wheel for rust prevention part # AM31215. This wheel has a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern which is most likely what you have now with the Loadstar 205/65-10. If you happen to have another bolt pattern like 4 on 4 you would need to get different hubs to fit the new 5 on 4-1/2 wheel. If you do have a different bolt pattern besides 5 on 4-1/2 if you tell me your bearing numbers I can recommend a new hub.

expert reply by: Heather A