Comparing Bias Trailer Tires with Radial Trailer Tires for an Enclosed Snowmobile Trailer
Question:
i am going to do some work to my 4-place open snowmobile trailer over the summer. it has 20.5-8.0-10 on it now and needs new tires. the trailer is used on highway for 300+ mile trips 3 or 4 times a season. all enclosed trailers around here have 13 inch radial tires. my trailer will allow up to 15 inch tires as an option. seems like radials are an upgrade. being used for highway primarily should i go up to 13 inch radial. would 13 inch be less wear on bearings than the 10. only used for highway in wisconsin winters.
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
The benefit of going to a larger tire is that you will have less revolutions on a larger tire than on a smaller one meaning that the larger tire will not wear out as fast. The additional weight of a larger tire is not something to be concerned about as far as the bearings go as long as the trailer is still under its gross capacity.
As long as the trailer can accept the larger size without interference with the trailer body and frame there is no reason not to go to a larger size.
There is one possible issue and that is if you go to a tire that raises the height of the trailer, which is likely if you go from a 10 to a 15, then that raises the center of gravity on the trailer making it more susceptible to sway.
Radial tires track better and run cooler than bias ply tires so they are ideal for highway travels. I have included some links on tires and wheels for you. If you go to a larger size make sure you get the right capacity and bolt pattern for the wheel.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range D
- 185/80-13
- 13 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Optronics Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Turn, Tail - Submersible - Incandescent - Oval - Red Lens
- Shop: CE Smith Offset Spare Tire Mount - Galvanized Steel - 4- and 5-Lug Wheels
- Shop: CE Smith Spare Tire Mount for Trailers - Steel - 4- and 5-Lug Wheels - 8-3/8" Long
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Dutton-Lainson Square Swivel Jack w/ 3" Wide Wheel - Sidewind - 12" Lift - 1,700 lbs
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Q&A: Why Do Bias Ply and Radial Trailer Tires of the Same Size have Different Measurements
- Q&A: Comparing Radial Trailer Tires and Bias Ply Trailer Tires
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Can a 8 inch Trailer Rim and Tire get Replaced by a 10 inch Rim and Tire
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range C and D ST175/80D13 Trailer Tires
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Search Results: spare tire carrier
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: lug nuts
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: lug nut
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range B and C Trailer Tires
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
