Are Radial Trailer Tires Better than Bias Ply Trailer Tires for a Travel Trailer

Question:

Hi, I have a Travel Star 3500 lbs dry and was wondering if I should upgrade to a steel frame wheel from a 14in al. Then going to a D size tire. Do the Radials perform that much better on a travel trailer than a Bias tire.

asked by: Dmooney

Expert Reply:

Steel and aluminum trailer wheels of the same size and bolt pattern will have the same rating. One is not better than the other in that regard. Aluminum is superior for corrosion resistance but tend to be more expensive.

The D is not a size indication but a load range indication. Any given tire will usually have more than one load range option in the same size. The deeper the letter in the alphabet the higher the weight capacity. However higher capacity wheels and tires do not increase the amount of weight a trailer can carry.

Radial trailer tires run cooler and track better than bias ply tires. But if you are going off road frequently then a bias tire is the way to go. I have included a link to our help article on trailer tires for you.

expert reply by: Michael H