Choosing Between Radial and Bias Ply ST175/80D13 Trailer Tires

Updated 04/16/2012 | Published 04/14/2012

Question:

I bought my camper new with the following tires Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D Now I need new tires. Is it better to get ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D - holds 115 lbs more or ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D - has a smoother ride I fill my camper to 3200 lbs less ~300 tongue weight = 2900 lbs on the axel / 2 = 1450 lbs per tire. Gross weight rating of my camper is 3500 lbs less 300 tongue weight = 3300 lbs on the axel /2 = 1650 lbs Thanks for your help!

asked by: Greg L

Expert Reply:

For best performance, it is always best to stay with the original tire size whenever possible. If the weight of the trailer plus its load will not exceed the 3220 lb capacity for two of the # AM10210 Radials (1610 lbs per tire) they would be my recommendation. The radial tires will provide superior ride quality, and will generally run cooler than a comparable bias-ply tire if not overloaded. Since heat is the enemy of tires, a cooler running tire will last longer.

For long life and better performance, keep your trailer tires inflated to the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Due to the stiffer sidewall construction of trailer tires, under inflating them can cause heat build up.

expert reply by: Mike L