Differences Between Radial and Bias Ply Trailer Tires
Updated 07/28/2014 | Published 07/26/2014
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a tent trailer, the tires that are on now are ST175/R13 . What is the difference between R13 and D13, can I use a D13 as a spare tire. thx
asked by: Gordon S
Expert Reply:
The difference is that D stands for bias-ply and R stands for radial.
The main difference between a radial ply and a bias ply tire is how the tire is constructed. The cords inside a bias ply tire run at a 32 degree angle to the direction of travel, and the cords on a radial tire run at a 90 degree angle to the direction of travel, or across the tire from wheel lip to wheel lip.
A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear.
A radial tire will normally run cooler than a bias ply tire, especially when the tire is under a load. A tire that runs cooler will last longer.
A bias ply tire has a stiffer sidewall than a radial, a feature that might be useful for off road applications like farm use.
At one time radials were more expensive than bias ply tires, but now they are closer in price. This makes radials a much better value.
To answer your question though yes, you could use a bias ply as a spare in an emergency situation to replace a radial. However, I would still recommend you use a radial just to keep everything consistent. For that I would recommend the # AM31985.
I attached an FAQ on trailer tires for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Karrier KR03 ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Search Results: 13 inch trailer tires
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Q&A: Can a 175/80-R13 Tire Be Used in Place of a 175/80-D13 Tire on a Trailer
- Q&A: Choosing Between Kenda Karrier and Kenda Loadstar ST175/80-13 Tire
- Q&A: Recommended 5 on 4-1/2 Lug Nut Pattern 13" Wheels for a Boat Trailer
- Shop: Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Shop: Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Q&A: Difference Between a ST175/80D13 and a ST175/80R13 Trailer Tire
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
