Will Radial Trailer Tires Bounce Less than Bias-Ply Tires

Updated 03/19/2014 | Published 03/18/2014

Question:

Looking for a tire that would ride softer than the normal bias that came on my Aluma motorcycle trailer. when I hit a bump, I can feel the trailer bounce like a ball. loaded weight is 500Lbs. speeds up to 80MPH

asked by: Larry B

Expert Reply:

A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. With that being said, a radial tire should flex more and not bounce as much as a bias-ply tire, but you should also note that unless otherwise noted trailer tires are not rated to exceed 65 miles per hour.

If you exceed 65 mph, heat could build up in the tire and cause it to break down and fail. If a tire is rated to run at a higher speed, this information should be listed on the trailer's sidewall.

If the tire you are looking to replace is the size ST145/D12 then the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10130 would work as a replacement and should be less bouncy.

I attached an FAQ on trailer tires for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C