Availability of Radial Tire/Wheel to Replace 185/80D13 Trailer Tire/Wheel

Question:

I currently have a Jayco Jayfeather Ultralite 228 2013. It has 13 inch rims and bias ply 8-ply ST185/80D13 load range D tires on it. Im hoping to switch away from bias ply tires in favor of radials for better tread wear and mileage. Under perfect circumstances Id find a radial in the same size and load rating, but I cant seem to find one. The closest tire Ive found on your site so far is the Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 LRD tire. Can you help me find a good combination rim / radial tire that will work for my trailer? Thanks

asked by: Ernest A

Expert Reply:

We offer the ST185/80D13 tire in bias-ply only, that part # is AM1ST79. For most camper applications bias ply tires are more than adequate. But if you are towing your trailer often and over longer distances the radial tire will perform better and last longer than the same size bias ply tire.

If you decide to go with the radial you can use the ST175/80R13 radial tire and 13-inch 5 on 4-1/2 wheel combination such as part # AM31985. Going to a smaller size tire like the 175/80-13 will not cause problems in terms of the tire interfering with the trailer or fenders, but you will have a lower capacity. However the radial tire will give you a smoother and more stable ride.

This tire is also Load Range D. It has an outer diameter of 24.1 inches and a width of 7 inches. The tire capacity is 1,610 lbs at 65 psi.

The rim dimensions are 13 inches diameter x 4-1/2 inches wide. The wheel has a capacity of 1,660 lbs at 65 psi.

As long as you replace the tires in pairs (and the spare) a tire/wheel like # AM31985 will work well with your trailer.

I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you to view.