Comparing Bias and Radial Tire Measurements on 1956 Zollinger Vakashunette Trailer

Question:

I have a 1956 Zollinger Vakashunette trailer. The tires that were on it are st205/70/r15 I have a hard time getting them off I have to let some air out of them they are too wide. The trailer has no wheel cutouts should I get bias ply tires ? How much narrower are they versus radial tires and are they any taller?

asked by: Jerry D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The section width and outer diameter will be similar on the same size tire whether it is bias ply or radial. Some of the variation comes from the design and the manufacturer. If you compare the Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10244 to the Loadstar ST205/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire # AM1ST92, the radial is slightly wider but shorter. Still, there is only a difference of .4" in width and .1" in height.

If you have so little clearance that they are rubbing you will need to get a smaller tire size which will also require new wheels. If that is the case, I would measure to see how much clearance you need to gain before choosing a new tire. Typically you want at least 3" of clearance on the top of the tire and 2" on the side.

If it is simply difficult to remove them because of the trailer design with the side covering the wheel and tire, but they are not rubbing, then I would not worry about replacing the tires.

expert reply by: Robin H