ST205/75r14 Trailer Tire Vs. a ST205/75D14

Updated 07/30/2014 | Published 07/28/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(3800)

$97.86

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2246)

$141.25

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

(1558)

$175.86

Question:

Can I replace my st205/75r14 tires and wheel with a st205/75D14 wheel and tire? What is the difference between them? Thanks!

asked by: Marcie T

Helpful Expert Reply:

Long story short, yes you can. But going with the ST205/75R14 would be a better replacement than a ST205/75D14 because the R in the first size means it is a radial tire whereas the D in the second size means it is a bias ply.

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.

For just a tire you would want the # AM10235, for a rim and a tire you would want the # AM32153.