Deciding Between Trailer Tire and Larger Passenger Tire for New Camper

Question:

Hello, were considering buying a new camper and the manufacturer offers two tire sizes, either a 13inch radial tire or a 15inch low profile car tire. I tow with a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited and Im not sure which tire size to go with or what reasons Id have to pick one over the other. Any advice?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

I definitely recommend going with the 13 inch radial ply tire, assuming it is a special trailer tire. I am not sure why the manufacturer would offer or consider putting vehicle/passenger tires on the trailer, but this is not something we ever recommend.

Special trailer tires (which will have "ST" in front of the tire size) feature a stiffer sidewall that is designed specifically to better support the weight of a loaded camper/trailer. Even if the passenger car tire is larger the smaller 13 inch trailer tire will be better suited to handle the weight of the camper. I have attached a great article on trailer tires that you might find helpful along with a link that will take you to our available selection of 13 inch tires just in case they are needed.

expert reply by: Chris R