All of these factors can play a significant role in how long it takes for your tires to show their age and need replacement. Do you know the difference? Trailer tires are constructed very differently so they can perform specific duties on the road and fit the needs of trailers, not cars. Because the Atturo ST200 tire is created to help pull heavy loads that are carried at a higher center of gravity, it’s a great choice for drivers who pull a variety of big cargo products on their trailers. The rigid construction means that bias ply tires do not conform to the road surface as efficiently as a radial tire. Although it comes at an economically friendly price, it can compete with many of the best qualities of other popular trailer tires. Be sure you’re looking into speed and load ratings to ensure they match the trailers specifications. Even the best-rated trailer tires can fail if they aren’t used properly. Ratings: The tire has an average review of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The bias ply tire is rated for 1,725 pounds at 65 psi. Can I change my tires from bias ply to radial or vice versa? Radial tires are manufactured very differently from bias ply tires. If you’re pulling big loads like boats, livestock and campers or RVs on the highway – get a radial tire. The stiffer sidewall can be an advantage in certain applications, e.g., as trailer tires where a bias ply tire may deliver less sway and bounce than a radial. Radial tires. Looking at their variations will help you in how to tell which tire you have and which one is the best in different situations. It is often a matter of what style you are trying to achieve. These tires give a pulling strength and durability so it can handle the rigors of an uneven road surface. Traction News spoke with an industry insider intimately familiar with both the LH and HD trailer tires and he told us that there really isn’t much difference between these two tires. Trailer tires are build differntly than car and truck tires and are specifically designed for trailers to minimize sway while maximizing safety. There are two distinct types of construction for tires--bias ply and radial ply. Without further ado, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of buying trailer tires. Boat and jet ski trailers, utility trailers, small campers, and ATV/UT and snowmobile trailers . Coming to the root of the radial tire vs. bias ply discussion, we will look at their differences. Ratings: The tire has an average review of 4.5 out of 5 stars. More often than not, trailer tires blow when they have experienced too much heat on the road due to a lack of inflation. This tire is constructed with modern tread designs for a smooth towing experience. Larger tires are typically radial tires meant for higher sppeds and longer hauls. Radial tires, however, do perform better than bias tires, and that performance is quickly noticeable. It is important to make sure you look at your trailer manufacturer’s manual before changing trailer tire sizes. Better for off-road use and less likely to have sidewall punctures General Trailer Tire Information. This construction provides a smooth ride and extends the life of the tire. Copyright © 2019 TrailersPlus All Rights Reserved. Greenball Tow-Master Special Trailer Radial Tires, 3. Now, let’s talk about bias-ply tires, the counterpart to radial trailer tires. Ride quality varies dramatically between radial and bias-ply tires. (Usually, 30° - 40° from the direction of travel.) Each unit listed for sale is a specific unit at the specific location, subject to prior sale, all prices valid until 07/06/2020. In general, trailer tires are designed to carry more weight than your average vehicle tire. Create an account for free on Tires-Easy.com and check out the discounted prices on a great selection of tires. The tread pattern on trailer tires helps with low rolling resistance to keep the tires rolling freely in the direction the trailer is headed. Considered a best-in-class trailer tire, this tire is an excellent choice for those pulling boats, horses, livestock, cargo, or towable RVs. This is typically when you reach between 10K or 12K in mileage. The easiest way to tell if a tire is radial is to look for the R on the tires sidewall  in the tire size, indicating it is a radial tires. That’s why we recommend replacing them after about 5 years, just to be sure they’re in good shape. Staying parked in one position for long periods of time. The Department of Transportation recommends replacing trailer tires every 6 years based on the date code on the sidewall of the tire regardless of its use or tread life. It’s not typical to switch back and forth. See the actual trailer for complete accuracy of features, options & pricing. 'version': 1, The bias ply Super Trail tires worked OK, but they had a narrow tread pattern that had a very simple design. You’ll experience a smoother ride and less sway, plus they last longer. The RVIA, which represents 98 percent of all travel trailer manufacturing, agreed. What is the load range on a trailer tire? We strongly recommend replacing trailer tires after five years – no matter how good they might look! Unlike vehicle tires, many trailer tires need to be replaced due to dry rot versus mileage. Camping trailers, jet ski, ATVand snowmobile triailers and boat trailers. Should I use bias ply or radial trailer tires? When you're considering the wheels for your trailer gear system it's incredibly important that the exact wheel size and maximum loads are selected to suit your needs. Most motorists believe radials are better (and they are for your auto). Radial trailer tires are typically a little bit more than their bias ply counterpart, but as previously pointed out, the radial will yield a smoother ride. Construction, livestock, and cargo utility trailers. This is common of bias ply trailer tires. Trailers come in many different sizes and there are many different trailer tire sizes to fit each spcific trailer. console.log('gtmPageType: ', window.gtmPageType); }); Each additional ply has the cords laid at an opposing angle. For all Oregon stores, debit / certified check price and sale price are equal; paying with certified check, debit card, or credit will receive the same price discounts. Radials provide a smoother ride, while bias-ply tires offer more stability in the sidewall for certain applications. The Goodyear Marathon is excellent for drivers embarking on long-haul drives with a trailer in tow, or travel on varied terrains. If you’re trailer tires are NOT wearing evenly, you are likely experiencing an issue with your trailer – and should get it inspected. It still provides great traction, especially when going in a straight line, but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. As is the case with most products, natural degradation is just a reality of life. Bias ply tires come in a wider range of sizes and can be put on small utitly trailers, farm trailer and boat trailerts. Two of the bias ply tires would provide 3,450 pounds capacity. These products are built with nylon belts that run at 30 to 45-degree angles from the center line – rather than 90-degree angles. Radial tires have plies that run perpendicularly across the tire and belts (often made of steel) running below the tread around the tire’s circumference. When you look at a radial tire, the plies’ special pattern should be clearly evident. Bias ply tires have their plies running at 30° angles (like the stripes on a candy cane). The major difference is that the LH is a bias ply tire while the HD is a Bias ply advantages include: Less complicated tire construction and, therefore, typically lower cost. '&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= Although they aren’t quite as comfortable as radial tires, they’re more affordable. The vehicle in the front does all the fancy work, while the trailer in the back mostly just rolls forward. A bias ply tire will be marked with either a dash  (-) or a D in the tire size where the R was on radial tire. RADIAL . You need the right kind of construction behind your trailer tires to get you from point A to point B safely – without putting extra wear and tear on your vehicle or the item you’re pulling. j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? It was the NFPA that suggested equipping all new RV trailers with radial tires, and no longer with bias-ply units. Ratings: The tire has an average review of 5 out of 5 stars. From work trailers, motorsport triailers to camping trailers, drivers pull many different kinds of cargo with this extremely reliable tire. Trailer tires have even begun to make the switch to radial, even in higher load capacities typically reserved for bias plies. var GTM_CID = 'GTM-KNSQ74D'; Dry rot: Also known as sidewall cracking, dry rot is decay in your trailer tire. Surprisingly, it also has a speed rating of M, meaning that drivers can pull the trailer at up to 81 mph. Read below to learn more about radial and bias ply trailer tires, situations that each tire type is best for, and general trailer tire information. © Tireseasy, LLC and tires-easy.com, 2021. Please see the dealer for details. However, they’ll also notice a bigger price tag that comes with these benefits. TRAILER TIRES: BIAS PLY vs. Radial Tractor Tires: Which Should I Choose? Ratings: The tire has an average review of 4.9 out of 5 stars. (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': Trailer tires are designed for free rolling axles. How can I tell if a tire is a radial or bias? Besides, the build type dissipates heat from the tires quickly, which helps them to cool down quickly. The trailer tire speed rating is conveyed through a letter code system. This means they do not control direction in any way and are meant to follow the tow vehicle freely. Of course, it’s not like radial tires are bad. The ply cords run in a 90-degree angle in relation to the bead. Dry rot can be caused from lack of … Radial tires are the most common on cars and trucks. You can’t always tell how worn a trailer tire is just from its appearance. They generally fall into two categories: radial and bias. Radial Tires: Preferred for higher mileage and consistent trailer use; Bias Ply Tires: Preferred for lower mileage and occasional use. The first thing many shoppers look for when reading trailer tire reviews is the average life expectancy of the product. If you will be towing on the highway, definitely use a radial tire. Tread Life: Radials have an estimated 3X longer life over Bias Ply, Construction: Radials have more durable construction, Sidewalls: Bias Ply have stronger sidewalls, Temperature: Radials run cooler than Bias Ply, Radial Tires: Preferred for higher mileage and consistent trailer use, Bias Ply Tires: Preferred for lower mileage and occasional use. Greenball TowMaster Special Trailer Bias Tires, 6. This buyer’s guide on trailer tires will help you find the right tire sizes, load rating, price, and style for your trailer so that you (and your cargo) can stay safe on the roads. })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-KNSQ74D'); There are two types of tires that a trailer could have: radial and bias ply. When you buy a car/truck tire, it’s built to help you maintain control on turns and handle high speeds on the highway from the seat of your car. We’ll get more into ply rating later in this article. History. The Greenball Tow-Master Special Trailer Bias Tires offer an excellent towing experience at a surprisingly low price. Be sure to check speed and load ratings, and abide by them. This creates a criss-cross pattern. Not responsible for pricing or typographical errors. window.gtmPageType = window.gtmPageType || window.location.pathname; Radial tires provide better flex than bias-ply tires. It will be 10mm wider and 15mm taller, so make sure your … This is 0.305 inches more narrow than the bias tire you have referenced. You’ll notice angles that make the tires flexible, as well as thick shoulders that protect the tire and the trailer cargo from shocks. The ride is smoother, the trailer does not bounce and sway as much, and radi… 'pageType': window.gtmPageType, Typically, bias-ply tires are less expensive than radial tires, which makes some drivers more likely to buy those than radial options. Their company became a leading producer of auto tires. The number one safety tip we can give you is to pick the right tires for your needs. Boat trailers, horse and livestock trailers, or towable RVs. They are a good option for drivers who aren’t towing at highway speeds, or lomg distances. Farm trailers, utility & cargo trailers and boat trailers. Sale price reflects the price when paying with credit. Your trailer tires should never be used at speeds greater than 80 mph. Some drivers even use this tire to pull utility trailers or construction trailers – the durability allows for both. This advantage reduces the dangerous trailer sway, offering more stability for trailers that are carrying heavy loads. However, if you’re pulling precious cargo that weighs a lot, radial tires do perform better on a noticeable level. Radial trailer tires are better at cornering, tend to bounce and sway less for a smoother, quieter ride and offer less rolling … The main benefit for the Bias-Ply design is that the sidewall is more rugged and bruise resistant, plus Bias-Ply tires are usually less expensive. Horse trailers, boat trailers, travel trailers, or other big loads of cargo. That’s why a trailer tire with shock absorption qualities is important – your tires will last longer if they are built to handle rough roads. A bias ply is layered around the tire, and a radial tire is layered from sidewall to sidewall with steel belting. This wandering is not hazardous, but it definitely requires … Some trailer images shown are stock photos and may not reflect your exact choice of vehicle, color, trim and specification. The first use of pneumatic tires on an automobile was by the Michelin brothers, André and Édouard. Perhaps the biggest benefit that come with bias-ply tires are their ability to maintain good traction at slow speeds. Travel trailers and pop-up campers, boat trailers, utility trailers. Additionally, bias tires typically have thick sidewalls to resist cuts, bruises and punctures. When building a Bias Ply Tire, reinforcing cords are laid diagonally across the tire. It really depends on what you need from a trailer tire, as well as what you plan to pull and how much you can afford to spend. As a shopper, you need to pay the most attention to the load-bearing capabilities of the tires you evaluate. Bias trailer tires tend to be less expensive, and are dependable when going in a straight line. Bias ply tires are also better at low speeds because they’re made from a softer, more malleable material that conforms better to the trail. Greenball Towmaster Trailer Bias Tires, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Drivers who often tow large, heavy loads (like campers, livestock, boats or cargo trailers) typically choose radial due to these factors. If you’re looking to pull boats, horses, or stock trailers, the Carlisle Sport Trail tire might be a perfect fit. However, the lifespan of your tire can depend on several aspects. Drivers often compliment radial tires for their smooth ride and superior handling. Bias ply tires are more prone to flat spotting when parked for long periods, howerver they can be stronger than radial tires in some instances due to the numerous ply layers, and they resist sidewal … Always consult your trailer manual to ensure you are using the proper type of trailer tire. Some trailers shown with optional equipment. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Tireseasy, LLC and tires-easy.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. The difference between a bias ply and a radial tire is the way the rubber is layered. Your trailer tire can become damaged from both excessive UV rays from the sun and freezing temperatures. Bias ply tires are more prone to flat spotting when parked for long periods, howerver they can be stronger than radial tires in some instances due to the numerous ply layers, and they resist sidewal damage better. Please verify the actual measurements of any unit prior to purchasing it. Storing near electric motors, battery chargers, generators, welding equipment, or any other item that creates ozone. The differences here affect many functional aspects of the tire. A tire rated L can be operated up to 75 mph while a tire rated M can be operated up to 81mph. Radial tires are usually built to take on heavier loads, and therefore can be more expensive. Fun fact: It was even dubbed the official Trailer Tire of the 2012 American Bass Anglers tour. This creates a “wandering” sensation, as the tires tend to follow the ruts and breaks in the pavement. It offers better traction on the road, noticeably better stability, and tread wear. Dry rot can be caused from lack of use, under inflation, and excessive heat exposure. Better for off-road use and less likely to have sidewall punctures. The bias ply tire is better for heavy loading haulers which is why tractor tires, trailer tires and heavy equipment are often bias ply; Radials are also available with high load ratings but it requires many more plies for the weight carrying capacity. Generally, buyers go with a bias ply tire if they are looking for a lower price than radial tires. Maybe it is just the goofy sizes of radial tires I always see, but it seems to me like the bias-ply flavor of a given size will knock some coin off the buy-in price. Other tips for staying safe while pulling an item with trailer tires: What many don’t realize is that speed is hugely important when it comes to driving with trailer tires. The Endurance also features a polyester cord body, giving the trailer that smooth ride that so many drivers seek. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Since both radial tires and bias-ply tires have been available and used on the market for a very long time, they obviously are both good tires. If you’re a total rookie to tires, be sure to check out our Motorcycle Tires 101 guide. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Which do you have on your trailer? A radial trailer tire is constructed with steel belts of the tire running at a 90 degree angle of the tread center line. You should always check the load range in your tire’s description to ensure that it has the capacity to carry whatever you plan to tow on your trailer. You’ll need to determine exactly what you need to purchase in order to safely (and comfortably) tow your cargo. But for now, know that your tires will state the maximum load per tire. If you like taking your boat out to the lake or pulling your camper behind you on adventures you want to ensure you have good trailer tires so your trip ramains enjoyalbe. The Velocity WR078 is great for drivers pulling travel trailers, pop-up campers, boat trailers, and even utility trailers. Using the right trailer tire can reduce fuel consumption, reduce roughness and pull on your tow vehicle and ensure your cargo gets where you desire to go in great shape. There isn’t necessarily a black and white answer to this question. Over exposure to environmental conditions can compromise the rubber compounds in your tire. Radial Tire vs. Picking the right type of tire for both your vehicle and your trailer is extremely important when it comes to staying safe on the roads. Storing tires at extreme high temperatures. Ratings: The tire has an average review of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); As a special purpose trailer tire, and for a surprisingly low price, the Greenball Towmaster Trailer Bias Tire provides excellent reliability and a high-level of performance, as well as a long life. 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. This is ideal for pulling a boat in or out of the water – or pulling a heavy farm trailer out of a field. You see How can I protect my trailer tires from dry rot? You should always change a tire that has excessive cracking and ozone damage. Should you buy them for your trailer? Trailer dimensions, weights and measurements will vary due to manufacturing and production changes. Other than that, they will perform the same. The difference is just how the layers of rubber are laid. Bias Ply and Radial Trailer Tire Information. The load range rating can be found on your tire’s sidewall and will indicate how much weight the tire is designed to carry. NTS Tire Supply Team. If your towing needs change drastically, you may want to change tire types. Bias ply tires are strong, but the rigidity offers some interesting handling characteristics if you’re accustomed to driving on radial tires. In terms of load rating, exceeding the range is another way to increase wear – and can easily cause a blowout! It has been placing radials on all new trailers manufactured since September 2017 with wheels 13 inches in diameter or bigger. The difference between radial and bias ply tires is the way the plies are laid in relation to each other. The Power King Boat Trailer II LP tires are made to pull small to medium-size trailers. Trailer tires don’t need the same aggressive traction that your car/truck tires do. Obviously, you want to purchase a tire you know you can rely on for years to come. If you’re looking for a smooth ride, this tire’s sidewall makes it extra durable, long-lasting, and steady. What is the difference between the two designs and how can this impact you? 7. min read "Old-fashioned” bias-ply tires still hold a significant corner of the agricultural tire market. Ratings: The tire has an average review of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Temperature: Radials run cooler than Bias Ply Which Tire is Best For You? You’ll likely want to choose a radial trailer tire if you’re looking for low rolling resistance, stability, long tire lifespans, and better fuel economy. A trailer tire load range indicates how capable the tires are to pull heavy loads like boats, trailers, campers, livestock or even other cars. The more you know about the specifics of driving safely with your tires, the better. They also are typcally cheaper in cost than radial tires. The typical radial trailer tire will last an estimated 18,000 miles with consistent use, maintenance, and even load distribution. We do have a 225/75-15 that you could probably use. Generally speaking, trailer tires are built with circumferential grooves and ribbed treads. Additionally, good trailer tires give you a smoother ride and are better at protecting the cargo in-tow. You may think the only real difference between these constructions is age. This creates a more rugged design, with greater puncture resistance in the sidewall. When it comes to the bias ply vs. radial trailer tires debate, bias ply tires have long been viewed as holding a load-carrying advantage, but today’s ST radial tires are built specifically for heavy loads. This could be an important consideration in a trailer application because many trailers are used infrequently, minimizing some of the Radial’s benefits. Additionally, you should always ensure that you’re not overloading the tire or surpassing the speed rating, both of which can lead to blowouts. Even when you’re purchasing top-rated trailer tires, it’s important to take a look at the products’ sidewalls. Always inflate the trailer tires to the correct inflation indicated by the trailer specs. Essentially, radial trailer tires are unique in that the plies start at the center, then run “radially” (hence the name) around the tire. Looking for a trailer tire that’s great for pulling boats, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, and even camper trailers? Please call or arrive in-store to have the debit / certified check price applied. This is where you’ll see indications that clue you in to the tire’s specifications, as well as its load-bearing capabilities and whether or not it’s radial or bias ply. *If a buyer is comparing bias-ply vs radial trailer tires, the biggest benefits they’ll notice with radial tires are the higher levels of protection, better durability, and improved comfort. Avoid going over the tire’s maximum speed rating, Understand that the load-bearing capabilities will decrease at higher speeds, Store your trailer tires in cool, dark areas at max inflation, Consider using covers to protect the tires from sunlight when not being used. Used for: Long-haul towing: travel trailers… The higher the ply number, the heavier-duty the tire. You need to know how the speed of your travel and the weight of your cargo specifically affects the lifetime of your tire. Now, the specifics of a trailer tire’s construction also depend on whether it’s a radial or bias-ply tire – we’ll get more into that later on. Knowing which ones are best for your needs may require a bit of research and reflection. Whether you need to haul your RV or your favorite camping accessories, the tread’s extra rubber protects you from flats on the road and increases your stability. Work and utility trailers, camping trailers, cargo trailers. Overall, trailer tires typically lose one-third of their integrity after three years. Known for its reliability and high level of performance, this is certainly one of the most popular bias trailer tires on the market. The difference is the way the tires are constructed as well as the materials used. From their respective descriptions, you realize that they are very different. June 15, 2019 . They must be able to handle the sway that comes with being towed, keeping the load and the trailer right behind the tow vehicle, following steadily. Bias Ply Construction. All specifications and measurements are subject to change. Also both tires will have the full word radial or bias ply written somewhere on the tire sidewall. Yes, in certain applications. To reduce the weathering of the trailer tires’ sidewalls, try to avoid the following: Why do my trailer tires keep blowing out? For any further questions on trailer tires, please contact our team at Tires Easy. The trailer pictures on this site may not match your vehicle exactly; however, it will match as closely as possible. Radials are a newer, more modern design that is best for high-performance riding, but While it’s hard to argue with the many benefits of radial tires, such as less soil compaction and more traction, there’s a reason that bias tires are still rolling strong. Bias ply tires have the plies (layers of rubberized nylon or polyester mesh) laid in at a 30 – 45 degree angle to the centerline of the tire and in alternating directions. Radial or Bias Ply Tires? A radial tire will be more stable and will yield better ride quality. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], The smaller radial tire also has a lower capacity at 1,610 pounds at 65 psi. } Trailer tires wear evenly, meaning they do not typically need to be rotated. If you’ve ever pulled a trailer behind your vehicle, you know that bumps in the road can pose a serious threat. But not all trailer tires are created equal. Let’s start by addressing the question, “What is a radial tire?” If you’ve never shopped for trailer tires before, you may not have heard the term. As most trailer tires have a 65mph speed rating – towing at higher speeds creates excessive heat, causing the tire to wear down faster. These products are built with nylon belts that run at 30 to 45-degree angles from the center line – rather than 90-degree angles. No matter which type of trailer tire you choose – radial or bias-ply – make sure you don’t mix them on your trailer. This high-quality trailer tire features optimum highway patterns and can be used to pull a variety of heavy trailer loads. If you’re mainly towing at low speeds off the pavement, a bias is the better choice. Trust us – the difference between regular vehicle tires and trailer tires is significant. Bias-ply tires are built with plies that are layered so they crisscross over each other. The trailer photo displayed may be an example only. Pay attention to what kind of road conditions, distances, weight, and terrain your trailer tires can feasibly handle. Dry rot: Also known as sidewall cracking, dry rot is decay in your trailer tire. dataLayer.push({ The exposure to high ozone concentrations, changes in climate, and general misuse can be huge contributors to dry rot. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Make sure you’re maintaining good air pressure in your tires. As a result, many construction companies and farmers choose this trailer tire for their towing. Currently we do not have a 215/75-15 size tire. If you will mainly be towing at low speeds or off the beaten path, go with bias. But they need to be sturdy enough to carry heavy loads without losing control, as well as resist wear and heat buildup. Radial tires have stiffer sidewalls. Radial Ply tires on a drag car Milestar MX932 XP+ Radial Ply tires on a Nissan 370Z NISMO For off-road, radial tires offer better flex and more grip on the rocks and sand. In some cases, you might have heard these ratings referred to as “ply ratings,” the older term for indicating the strength of a tire.