14 inch Rim and Tire Recommendation for a 1971 Aristocrat Lo-Liner

Published 07/30/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2708)

$150.74

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

(1556)

$171.49

Question:

I want to replace the 13 inch tires on my 1971 Aristocrat Lo-Liner with a set of 14 inch tires and wheels. The current 13 inch tires are load range Dinch with a weight rating of 1660 LBS per tire @ 65 pounds pressure. The only 14 inchers I can find are load range C but have a rating of 1760 LBS per tire @ 50 LBS pressure. Also the 13 inch tires are 8 ply, while the 14s are 6 ply. Will the difference in weight carrying capacity make up for the 2 less plies?

asked by: Pete

Expert Reply:

Ply ratings and weight capacity are basically two different ways to say the same thing nowadays. As long as the weight rating is adequate for your setup you would be fine.

For a wheel and tire combo I would go with the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial with 14 in White Wheel part # over the part # AM3S440 since radials are preferred over bias plys.

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.

I attached an FAQ article on trailer tires for you to check out as well.