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Best Tires to Tow 14k Trailer, Radial vs.Bias Tire.  

Question:

I haul a 35 foot aluminum horse trailer with living quarters. Empty weight is 10K pounds and fully loaded weight is about 14K pounds. I need to replace all four tires. Tire size is 235/85/16. I dont really want radial tires because if they blow out, they tear up the trailer. Do you have any non-radial tires that you would recommend for my trailer? Thank you.

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you very much for your question and I will be glad to help. We don't have any non-radial tires (bias tires) in the size you requested. If trailer damage is your main concern, choosing a bias tire over a radial tire won't make too much difference. Actually, because of the contraction of the tires now, A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, it has 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.

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.

By recommending the proper tire that will be able to sustain the weight of the trailer we can hopefully avoid potential trailer damage. This recommended tire fits 16" wheels and has a maximum load capacity of 3,960 lbs at 110 psi. 3,960 lbs x 4 tires = withstanding 15,840 lbs of a fully loaded trailer in your example. The Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10501 special trailer tire design provides the strength of a bias tire, as well as the durability and stability of a radial tire. These tires are created specifically for trailers and not intended for use on other vehicles. These tires need to always be inflated to the maximum PSI as listed on the sidewall (just another tip to avoid future blowouts).

I have a help article and product video to provide more information on this product.

expert reply by:
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Timothy G

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