Are Bias-Ply Tires for Off-Road Use Only

Updated 01/20/2021 | Published 01/18/2021

Question:

Hello, 1 Do you sell any tire/wheel combo packages....a set of two tires/wheels? 2 Please clarify the statement on your website that says Bias tires are only for off-road or Agriculture use, but that is the type tire that is being offered for snowmobile trailer use......I know there is a good explanation, but I wanted to make sure that I didnt need a radial tire for my snowmobile trailer. 3 What are the pros/cons of buying just a new tire for old rusted rims and mounting them instead of a new tire/wheel package? Thank you very much for your help Have a pleasant day.

asked by: Larry J

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do sell wheel/tire combos, that is a tire that is mounted on a wheel, but they're sold individually, not in pairs. For instance, the # AM3H325 you'd looked at is a 215/60-8 wheel tire combo. It features a 215/60-8 bias ply load range D tire moutned on a 8 x 7 galvanized wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. The tire is pre-mounted on the wheel. For 2 wheels/tires, you'd need to order 2 of that part number.

Bias ply tires have a stiffer sidewall, which makes them better for off road or agricultural use, but they can absolutely be used for an application like a snowmobile trailer without issue.

If your wheels are rusted, I'd recommend replacing them. If the portion of the wheel that's inside the tire is rusted, especially the bead seat, the tire's bead won't seal well against the wheel, and you'll eventually get an air leak.

I've linked to some articles about trailer tires that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L