Recommended Radial Tires To Replace Bias-Ply Tires On Jet Ski Trailer

Question:

Hello. I recently purchased a Karavan single-place jet ski trailer with 4.8 x 12 Eco Trail ST bias-ply tires. First, Im not familiar with this brand at all. Do you have any feedback on these tires? Second, Ive driven with the trailer about 400 miles now and it seems fine, maybe a little bouncy but handles fine. But I will be taking it to Branson later this month - about a 6 hour drive. Would you recommend I get radial ST tires for the trailer to replace the bias tires? Almost all of my driving will be highway driving. Thank you.

asked by: Dan M

Expert Reply:

We do not carry the brand tires you said you have on your jet ski trailer so I cannot provide much information about their performance. We do have radial tires that would work for your trailer if that is the way you want to go. You can expect a smoother ride if you would replace your bias-ply tires with radials.

I recommend the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 # AM10130. This is an 8-ply Load Range D tire that has a load capacity of 1,220 lbs at 65 psi. This tire is about 3/4 inches wider and 1/2 inch bigger diameter than the tires you have and will fit a 12 x 4 rim, which is what your tires are mounted on. You just want to make sure the added size is no issue on your trailer.

Radial tires will generally ride a bit smoother than bias-ply tires on a trailer. 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, and 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, which is better for carrying heavier loads.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L