Recommendation to Replace 175R80D13 Bias Tires on Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 1997 ebbtide mystic deck boat. I am looking at tires for my trailer and wonder if radials or bias tire would be best and if C load tire as oppose to D will be strong enough to carry the load? My present tire size on my trailer is 175 R80 13. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks This is a follow up to my original questions about proper tires for my trailer to tow my 1997 ebbtide deck boat. The tires below are the ones I am currently viewing. Also, if space allowed under fender would putting a 14 or 15 inch tire on give a better towing experience or help in any way. Your advice asap will be appreciated as I am waiting to get my trailer ready!!!! I currently have 175/R80 D13 tires on my trailer that need to be replaced.

asked by: Cj

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Expert Reply:

When replacing the tires on your boat trailer, I do recommend going with radial ply units. Because of how the cords inside a radial tire run (at a 90 degree angle to the direction of travel), they will flex more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, and stability. A radial tire will also normally run cooler than a bias alternative, especially when under load. Since excessive heat is the primary cause of trailer tire failure, a tire that runs cooler will generally last longer.

We do have a nice selection of ST175/80-13 radial tires available. When determining if a Load Range C tire will work for your trailer, such as the excellent Provider ST175/80R13 # TTWTRTM1758013C, you will just want to make sure that the combined load capacity of the tires on the trailer exceed the trailer's loaded weight. The Load Range C tire features a maximum load of 1,360 pounds at 50 psi. If you have a tandem axle trailer, this will give you a combined load capacity with all 4 tires of 5,440 pounds.

If you went with the Load Range D Karrier Radial Trailer Tire # AM10210 instead, this would have a single tire load capacity of 1,610 pounds at 65 psi, for a 4 tire total load capacity of 6,440 pounds.

If you have the needed fender and trailer frame clearance (while also remembering to keep in mind the space between the two tires on the same side of the trailer), you can certainly upgrade to larger tires. The benefits of doing this will be raising the trailer just a bit to provide slightly better ground clearance, and also having the higher load capacity that a larger tire will provide, which likely isn't needed in your case. Otherwise, your actual ride and towing experience shouldn't change much with upgrading to larger tires. The more recognizable difference as far as your towing experience goes will come from switching to radial tires from your existing bias units.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on the tires mentioned, along with a couple of articles you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

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