Which is Better to Reduce Trailer Sway, a Bias Trailer Tire or a Radial Trailer Tire

Question:

I am looking for replacement trailer tires for my 2009 Fleetwood Pop-up - size 5.30 12. I am considering the bias-ply AM10068 5.30 12 load range D - and - this radial AM10130 ST145/R12 load range D. I would like to know which one reduces trailer sway the most? In the past - bias ply tires were best at reducing trailer sway. Is this still correct?

asked by: Roger

Expert Reply:

According to our resident tire expert, a radial tire will track better than a bias ply tire so that would seem to indicate a radial tire would be less likely to allow sway. A radial tire is also going to last longer and the cost is pretty close to a bias tire of the same size. I would go with # AM10130.

Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi rating indicated on the tire. The radial tire mentioned above is rated for 1,220 pounds at 65 psi. I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you.

The best defense against trailer sway is proper loading of the trailer. Keep the tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight and keep heavier items at the bottom. Also make sure the load is even side to side.

If that is not enough to prevent sway then you would benefit from a weight distribution system with sway control. I have included a link to our weight distribution main page and a link to an FAQ article that may help.

expert reply by: Michael H