Recommendation for Replacing 20.5 X 10 X 8 Trailer Tires with Radial Tires

Published 02/04/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" Vesper White Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LRC

(501)

$138.66

Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(1094)

$91.95

Question:

Thanks for the response Chris. Could you tell me a little bit about the difference between the items listed below? How many miles or years should each be good for. Contender ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C Item # AC13R45WSQ Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C Item # A13RWSQ

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

Upgrading your existing 20.5 x 8.0 x 10 (modern equivalent 205/65-10) bias tires to radial alternatives is a great idea, especially since you mentioned traveling through hot climates and presumably highways with the distance you mentioned. Radial tires will do a better job of flexing on the road, thus running cooler than bias alternatives to ensure a longer lifespan.

There aren't any radial ply 10" trailer tire options available, so you will need to upgrade to a larger size as well. The closest option that also features the kind of load capacity you need will be an ST175/80R13 size tire and wheel. This will be about 3.6" taller in height/diameter but 1.3" smaller in width than your existing tires. You will just need to make sure you have the fender clearance available for the increased height.

In this size for your pop up trailer I specifically recommend the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Tire # TTWTRTM1758013C. This tire is also available in a tire and wheel combo with part # TTWA13RWS that will work great as long as you have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern.

This particular tire has a Load Range C, which in this size provides a maximum load of 1,360 pounds at 50 psi. This will give you a combined capacity of 2,720 pounds that's more than enough for the trailer's 2,000 pound GVWR. You could potentially go up to an even higher load range without any harm, but after a certain point you aren't actually getting any benefit out of it. Depending on how much you have the camper loaded up, a higher load range tire might also create a bouncier ride during travel.

I have attached a short video review on this tire that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R

Todd

2/4/2020

Chris R.

2/4/2020

Out of the three options you listed I definitely recommend either the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ w/ White Spoke Wheel # TTWA13RWS. These combos use the same Provider Load Range C tire but with a different style wheel - the best option between the two will just depend on your personal style preference. The Provider tire line is essentially the upgraded version of the Contender options from Taskmaster. If you are concerned with overall lifespan it's definitely the way to go, as it features a greater tread depth along with siping that is cut into the tire's rubber to channel water away for better road contact and traction during wet weather. I'm not able to provide an actual mileage/year number for the tire since this is just too dependent on a number of factors (trailer weight, average speed, weather, storage, etc). Your best bet to get the most life out of your trailer tires is to just always be sure you are adhering to its load capacity (1,360 pounds at 50 psi) speed rating (81 mph), and maximum psi (50 psi). I have attached a couple great articles on trailer tires that you might also find helpful.