Choosing Between 13" 4-Lug Radial and Bias Ply Trailer Tires

Question:

I have a question about bias ply tires versus radial tires. I am building a small camping trailer and I am looking for a 4 on 4 lug pattern wheel and tire combo. I see there are two options in tires and I would like to know what is the difference since the bias ply tires are the cheaper option. I will be using the camping trailer on local roads 50, highway interstate35, fire roads10, and some off-roading5. Which tire type would be best for my application based on the usage outlined above? Also, do the wheel and tire packages come balanced? Is that something I need to worry about with trailer tires? Thank you for your time. have a great day.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

If the majority of the towing will be done on flat, level pavement at highway speeds then the best option is a trailer tire with radial ply's as they will last longer and run much cooler when compared to bias ply tires which are more designed for slow speed backroads or off-roading. It sounds like most of your driving will indeed be flat highway roads so I recommend going with a radial ply tire like the Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire part # AM10199 which has a load rating up to 1,360 lbs and a speed rating up to 81 mph. This can then be paired with a wheel like the Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel part # AM20222DX. These will need to be taken into a local tire shop for mounting but balancing is not required for trailer tires.

The wheel/tire combos we offer do not come machine balanced but again, this isn't needed. Unfortunately, we don't offer any pre-mounted combos in the sizes you need with radial ply's.

expert reply by: Conner L