Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Douglas
Tires are an essential part of your trailer. There are different types of tires that you can choose from according to the type of trailer you have and the type of terrain you will be driving on. Some people prefer using a standard tire, while others like using a bias ply tire for better traction.
There is also a wide variety of options when it comes to size and load capacity, so make sure to pick the right one for your needs.
What is the longest lasting trailer tire?
Radial tires are constructed with belts running at a 90 degree angle of the tread centerline. Radial tires tend to last longer overall and are less likely to develop flat spots when parked for extended periods of time (some trailers are parked over the winter).[1]
Which is better D or R trailer tires?
A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. A radial tire will normally run cooler than a bias ply tire, especially when the tire is under a load. A tire that runs cooler will last longer. For those reasons I would recommend an R tire over a D tire.[2]
What’s the difference between load range D and E?
Load range D and E tires have different weight capacities. For example, a load range D tire can handle 1,220 lbs at 65 PSI, while an E tires carry loads at 80 PSI. If looking at their load durability, load range E tires are better, but that is the only difference between them.[3]
What is the life expectancy of an RV tire?
The common rule of thumb for changing your RV tires is anywhere between three and six years. If you are on the road often, and you think your tires need to be changed, then it may not be possible to last as long as six years.[4]
Is 10 ply or 14 ply better?
A tire in the same size but with a higher ply rating would be able to combat some of that but can eventually have the same issues. So when inflating trailer tires be sure to go to the max psi. With that said the 14 ply tires will definitely hold up better than the 10 ply.[5]
How often should trailer tires be changed?
Generally trailer tires should be replaced every 5 to 6 years regardless of mileage and use. This “clock” can be started once the tires are mounted to your trailer, assuming they were stored in a controlled environment between the manufacturer date and the day they were mounted.[6]
What’s better radial or bias?
Radial tires dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires, which allows them to travel at higher speeds for greater distance. “Due to a rigid tread, single steel body ply construction and the absence of multiple nylon plies, radials are much more effective at reducing heat,” says Mills.[7]
What does R mean in trailer tires?
This percentage compares the tire’s section height with the tire’s section width. For example, this aspect ratio of 60 means that the tire’s section height is 60% of the tire’s section width. R indicates the construction used within the tires casing. R stands for radial construction.[8]
What’s the difference between bias and radial trailer tires?
A radial trailer tire is constructed with steel belts of the tire running at a 90 degree angle of the tread center line. A bias ply trailer tire is constructed with nylon belts of the tire running at a 30-45 degree angle of the tread center line.[9]
Is load E or F better?
F-load range tires allow for higher carrying capacity at a higher inflation pressure compared to tires of the same size with an E-load range.[10]
Are E rated tires good for towing?
At a minimum, Load Range E tires are capable of safely supporting about 3,000 pounds. So, in the case of a dualie (six wheels), the tires collectively will provide more than sufficient grip for safely towing 18,000 pounds.[11]
Do I really need Load Range E tires?
A Load Range E tire is recommended, and we would be very careful about airing down too much if traveling at more than crawling speeds. There is still value to running a Load Range E tire on a lightweight off-road vehicle.[12]