Can 1973 Travel Mate Camper Use ST175/80D13 Tires

Question:

Hello! We have a 1973 vintage tow behind travel mate camper. 7’x15’. The camper came with tires 165/80/13. These tires are “thinner” than a regular tire. We had a tire shred over the weekend and the only replacement we could find in a trailer tire we got from Lowe’s. ST175/80D/13. This tires fits the rim and the wheel well. Can we run these tires on the pull behind? Do we need to replace? Thank you for any suggestions. If we cannot run them, do you have suggestions on a tire that will fit a 13” rim? Again many thanks. Dee

asked by: Dee V

Expert Reply:

The ST175/80D13 tire you added shouldn't be a problem. It will be slightly larger in width by about 1/4" and diameter by about 1/2" but that is unlikely to cause clearance issues. However, if you want to keep running that tire on there you should match it with the same size on the other side. The only thing I would personally do differently is switch to radial tires like the # AM10199. These are a lot better for most purposes, especially on the road, and will last longer.

expert reply by: Robin H

Dee V.

4/16/2024

Robin. Can we run the trailer tires we have on there and replace them eventually? Or do we need to replace them now. Thanks so much for your help and time. Dee

Robin H.

4/16/2024

@DeeV if you replaced both you're good. I wouldn't run two different sizes if you only replaced the tire that shredded.

Dee V.

4/16/2024

@RobinH we did replace both. We were told by the reps at the store that those ST trailer tires were for utility trailers ONLY and could not be run on a small camper. We know that we will need to replace them eventually, but wanted to make sure we were safe to run them. Thank you for your help with this! Have a great day. Dee

Robin H.

4/16/2024

@DeeV they probably said that because they're bias ply and not radial. As long as you don't exceed the speed rating, which is likely 65 mph unless listed otherwise, and they have the capacity to hold your trailer you're fine.