Should 205/75-15 Bias Trailer Tires be Replaced With Radial Trailer Tires for Highway Driving

Question:

Hello Kyle, My trailer has GVWR of 7000 lbs. dual axle max load of 4620 lbs so I'm assuming the trailer weighs about 2380 lbs empty Are the Load Range C (1,820 lb capacity at 50 psi): Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire = 7280lbs. is that considered sufficient? or do I need the Load Range D (2,150 lb capacity at 65 psi): Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire? Also, with either tire what wheel would be best for these load conditions? I would prefer a silver wheel if possible and would there be hub caps available for those? Thanks for your help!

asked by: Brad

Helpful Expert Reply:

I highly recommend switching from bias trailer tires to radial trailer tires for highway travel. The reason for that is radial trailer tires are designed for use on normal paved roads and highways because they flex more and run cooler than bias tires. The cords on a radial tire run at a 90 degree angle straight across the tire while the cords on a bias tire run at a 32 degree angle. That leads to the better flexing, traction and ground contact with a radial tire. A bias tire is best for things like agricultural or farm use where their stiffer sidewalls come in handy for bumpy, uneven terrain.

So I definitely recommend switching your 205/75-15 bias tires to ply for your long trip. My favorite are the Provider because they have automotive grade tread which has a deep tread depth that is going to give you superb handling. The right tire will depend on what load range you need.

- Load Range C (1,820 lb capacity at 50 psi): Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # TTWTRTM2057515C

- Load Range D (2,150 lb capacity at 65 psi): Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # TR20515D

I have added links to video reviews of both tires for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Brad

4/14/2020

Kyle S.

4/14/2020

Thanks for that great info and the rule of thumb with trailer tires is you want their combined capacity to exceed your trailer's GVWR. Which is a long way of saying you only need the Load Range C option, the Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # TTWTRTM2057515C. As for wheels, the first thing you need to know is your hub's bolt pattern, and if you are not certain what it is, I have added a link to a help article on how to measure it as well as a link to a handy printable template. The most common is a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern, which is likely what you have, and for a silver 15 inch wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern we have a number of options, depending on if you want a certain style. I recommend checking out the following: - Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2" - Silver Powder Coat # AM20436 with the Americana Rubber, Snap-In Valve Stem # AM20903, Lionshead Trailer Wheel Center Cap # LHCS102-SI60C and Trailer Wheel Lug Nut # 12CLN I have added links to video reviews of both options for you to check out as well.