Are Bias Ply or Radial Tires Better to Pull 9 foot Pop-Up Camper

Question:

I am comparing the Kenda 12 x 5.3 bias ply D range and the radial S, E range My question is will the radials handle 70 mph? I know the spec says 60-65. Are the bias a better choice at that speed? I have been using 4.8x12 4 plys running them at 55lbs on my 9 foot pop up, that is what the dealer told me back in 99 when I bought it. The original tires went until they where bald. Since then I cant get one long trip out of the new ones with out a major blow out. Have I been running under inflated all these years?

asked by: Hartley

Helpful Expert Reply:

When pulling a pop-up camper, I would pick radial tires over bias ply tires mainly because they run cooler and because of their flexibility they have better contact with the road.

Neither of the types of tires are rated to run at 70 mph. Trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph. When you run a trailer tire for more than an hour at higher speeds, the heat build up can cause the tire to break down which will lead to tire failure.

When you fill your tires, you should always fill them to the maximum air pressure that is noted on the side of the tire. If you have been only filling your previous tires to 55lbs and the manufacturer states something else higher, the reduced air will contribute to a reduced weight capacity for your trailer and more quickly wear your tire down.

One reason you may not be able to get more life out of recent tires is, since, camping is kind of a seasonal event, your camper may be sitting in the elements for months on end without use. During that time, tires tend to leak a bit and if the camper isn't moved at all for a period of time, the tires could actually flat spot where they are sitting and you may not find out until you are already on the road for your new trip. It is a good idea if this is the case to either a: keep your tires covered to shield them from the weather elements or b: do not let your trailer rest unmoved so your tires do not have the time to flat spot in one specific area or c: raise your camper on jacks to remove the flat spot issue possibility.

I have attached a FAQ article regarding trailer tires.

expert reply by: Lori W