How to Switch to Radial Trailer Tires From 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tires

Updated 05/30/2024 | Published 05/23/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Taskmaster Steel Modular Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 4 on 4 - Silver

(584)

$61.51

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(561)

$73.57

Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized Finish

(722)

$49.72

Taskmaster Steel Modular Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Silver

(584)

$53.28

Question:

Im planning on trailering two jet skis about 1500 miles this summer. Currently the tires on the trailer are Loadstar 205/65/10 I believe they have an E rating ...it says max load 1650Lbs. The skis weigh about 600lbs apiece. From what Ive been reading, it appears I may be better off with radial tires for this long haul. I dont see any radial tires on your site with the same 205/65/10 size. How do I switch to radials? Dan

asked by: Dan M

Expert Reply:

Hi Dan,

You're right that radial trailer tires are a much, much better option for highway driving than bias tires because radials run cooler. This means they flex more for better traction and less chance of a blowout on long trips. And you can switch from 205/65-10 bias tires to radials, but you'll need a different size tire and new wheels because there aren't 205/65-10 radials.

A 205/65-10 measures 20.5" in diameter and 8.1" wide, and a close option is a ST145/R12 tire which is 5.7" wide and 21.3" in diameter. The width won't be an issue but they will add about 3/8" of height to the top of your tire, so make sure you have enough fender clearance. The highest rated ST145/R12 tire is a load range E, which has a 1,520 lb capacity, the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10140.

A pair of these will have a 3,040 lb capacity, so your loaded trailer just needs to be less than that weight for the tires to work. Then you need to know your wheel bolt pattern for new wheels, and I have added a link below to a printable bolt hole template and help article for you which shows you how to measure.

For example if you have a 4 on 4" bolt pattern you would use the Taskmaster Steel Modular Trailer Wheel # TA99RR; for a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern you'd use part # TA79RR or # AM20134.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Dan M.

5/30/2024

Thank you very much for your reply......the existing wheels are a five bolt pattern. I havent bought the skis from the private seller yet, but the current owner has sent me pictures of the tires...showing a 5 bolt pattern on the wheels. Do all five bolt wheels have the same pattern or are some different than others. Regards Dan

Kyle S.

5/30/2024

@DanM Some are different than others, there is a 5 on 5" and 5 on 4-1/2", with the latter being way more common. If possible you may want to have the owner use the measurement help article or printable template just to verify.