Can a Mix of Bias Ply and Radial Trailer Tires be Used at the Same Time

Updated 06/02/2025 | Published 09/09/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2539)

$170.30

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(4005)

$96.89

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(7915)

$136.21

Question:

I own a Worthington Utility Trailer that came equipped with 175/80 D 13 C tires. The trailer capacity is 2010 lbs. Cold inflation of the tires is 345 KPA 50 PSI. The Rim is T 13x4.5 B. I am planning on buying a spare tire from your website today: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13inch Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D. I am wondering if in the event that one of my bias tires fails during a trip, would the radial tire be a suitable replacement? It is my understanding that radial tires have better traction and run cooler. Can I use a bias and radial tires at the same time? Eventually, I would like to replace them all with radial tires.

asked by: Victor M

Expert Reply:

For a short distance, you can use radial and bias tires at the same time, but you would not want to have the mix for long distances or periods of time. The problem is that the 2 different tires track and perform differently and this can affect ride quality and increase wear on the tires.

For a bias ply tire, load range D, 175/80-13, use # AM1ST77. For the same tire on a 5 on 4-1/2 inch galvanized 13 inch wheel use # AM31242. I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

Kurt

5/22/2025

So I have 4 radials on my boat trailer and looking at your AM3S450 Bias tire as a spare I hope to never use. If I had to use it for say 100 miles to get home before I fixed the radial , would I be okay with that?

Nick S.

5/22/2025

@Kurt Hey Kurt, in emergency situations, since it is your spare, you can use a bias ply to get to a location. It is never recommended to use it long term as the different handling characteristics of the two tires can cause unsafe driving conditions. In circumstances like you mentioned it would be okay for the time being. If you would rather be safe and just get the same we do have that same size radial tire, # KE65EV, just with a different rim.

Kurt

5/23/2025

Thanks Nick. I see you have a similar set up with a black wheel. This will be a spare mounted on the front of trailer so not dunking in the saltwater like rest of trailer. Which wheel will handle the elements better the # KE65EV or the Part Number: KE67WV

Nick S.

5/23/2025

@Kurt I recommend # KE65EV. There really is not a difference between the two rims, both are made by the same manufacturer, using the same finish so they are gonna compare equally. The black may look nicer, but I know the # KE65EV is something we have in our inventory ready to go. For something like a spare I imagine waiting a few weeks for stock is not ideal! It comes down to what you are going to want and what is going to look better on your trailer since the only difference is the color.