Should Radial or Bias Tires be Used for a 3500lb GVWR Pop Up Camper Trailer

Question:

Vehicle - 2011 Coleman Sun Valley pop up camper. Fully loaded - 3500lbs I cant seem to figure out which tire to get. It seems there is much debate on trailer tires, whether to get radials or bias ply. My stock tires are Kenda ST185/80D13-D and the sticker on the side of the camper says the same size. I have read and read and read and cant seem to find a definitive answer on which tires to buy to replace the originals. It seems radials today are better somehow? Than bias? I wont be doing any off-roading, just the usual gravel roads at state parks and the highways to get there. I believe Ive read that you dont carry radials in my size, but I have seen them available. So, in a nutshell, should I get radials or bias ply?

asked by: Ryan J

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can clear this up for you really quick. Radial tires run cooler and track better than bias ply tires. Bias ply tires are typically a little more heavy duty and better for rough terrain. But you can use either one provided that the size and capacity is enough for the trailer.

It is usually best to stick with the tires recommended by the trailer manufacturer. In this case it would be a bias ply tire. For just a tire in an ST185/80-13 we have # AM1ST79 which is rated for 1,725 pounds at 65 psi.

I have included a link to our help article on trailer tires for you that covers the difference between the two types of tires and more.

expert reply by: Michael H