switching the trailer tires over to radials

[bajaman123]

When I bought my rides last month, the previous owner threw in two extra painted rims and bias-ply 5.3 X 12 tires. I got to checking the date codes and the newest tire was 2005 manufacture date, one was Load Range C, the other 3 were Load Range B. So I decided to switch over to radials; I'd done this a few years back on my big boat trailer and was impressed with the difference. Got them with some aluminum alloy wheels...which KIND OF match those on my F-150.
These are Load Range E, and high-speed rated.

Can't wait to put them on!

 

[racerxxx]

They look good, but I'm partial toward them.

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[SaltyBones]

Absolutely look good!

 

[69boss]

Are the new tires for a trailer or a car?

 

[bajaman123]

The Sea Doo trailer.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Radials are for sure the way to go...

 

[racerxxx]

Are the new tires for a trailer or a car?

http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/

There is a hot 99 Speedster on the main page with the same wheels, wonder why I like those wheels so much, LOL. These guys have great prices and most combos will ship the same day.

 

[LouDoo]

Maybe I'm old school but I always thought you shouldn't use radial tires on trailers because: one they can't carry the load bias ply tires can and two because they increase trailer sway.

Lou

 

[racerxxx]

These are trailer tires and are constructed different from car tires. My Speedster trailer came from the factory with radials. I ran them from 99 to 14, then got these after a blow out and a trip coming up I figured I better not have any issues on the trip. Didn't need to pull a Ralphie on the side of the road "Oh, Fuuuuudge" with the family chewing me out.

 

[donkey]

hey,LOU,i have heard that too.
last summer,i put 2 radials,and 2 bias tires on my trailer( a total no no,but for info purposes,i did it)i drove to parker with 3 skis on trailer,(113miles) ambient air temp 118deg,the radials ran 34deg avg cooler than the bias.i run radials now.

 

[bajaman123]

It is actually just the opposite these days, less sway and equal or better load-carrying. On small trailers the radial reduces the 'bounce' that bias-ply tires often impart to the load. I was always like...against...radials on a trailer for many, many years. I just had this idea in my head about them, I guess. I kept bias-ply tires on my Baja's trailer for over 18 years. When I went to replace them, the tire store technician sold me on the benefits of radials, and at least in my experience with my boat trailer, he was 100% correct. Granted, 5300 lbs is much different than 1500 lbs...but it really is a noticeable improvement.

 

[thomps33]

Racer, does that place ship for free?

 

[racerxxx]

Yep free shipping

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[69boss]

Are the new tires for a trailer or a car?

What I meant to ask are these trailer tires? I work at a tire shop and using car tires on a trailer is a definate no no. We will never do it for liability reasons.

 

[bajaman123]

Yes, trailer tires. ST 145R12 Load Range E.

 

[racerxxx]

Looks pimp! Now break down and buy some carpet for those bunks.

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[bajaman123]

Looks pimp! Now break down and buy some carpet for those bunks.

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It's got these nylon looking glide thingys...the P.O. said they were much better than carpet...?

 

[racerxxx]

Gotcha. I'm used to carpet, never had a problem, even with the boat. Everybody has their own likes. Those wheels, they bring that whole package up to date.

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[thomps33]

Thanks Racer, this sight has too many good ideas and I don't have enough money! haha
I'll be ordering up a set soon. :thumbsup:

Yep free shipping

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[Spimothy Leary]

radials rock, I have them on mine, and I love the smooth ride !!

the glides do work well, I just don't like the look of bare wood vs carpet.

If it was me, i'd carpet, then put the glides on top. just for aesthetics.

you can just wrap the carpet like 80% around and leave some bare wood on the bottom so water doesn't sit as long on the wood. I always leave like a 1-2" gap on the bottom, and I use 2x6 bunks now instead of 2x4's I like the look and they are a lot easier to walk down than a 2x4 on my double.

 

[mikidymac]

Nice choice. I have always used the Goodyear Marathon trailer radials on my toys. The only issue I see is the load rating E that you used. That is a very heavy load range tire for some ski's. My F-350 uses E rated tires. You might have some different wear patterns with that stiff of a tire on such a small load.

 

[bajaman123]

Nice choice. I have always used the Goodyear Marathon trailer radials on my toys. The only issue I see is the load rating E that you used. That is a very heavy load range tire for some ski's. My F-350 uses E rated tires. You might have some different wear patterns with that stiff of a tire on such a small load.

Yeah...I am going to go weigh the rig at the local scales this weekend, I figure with fuel and tool box and the two skis and the trailer will weigh in around 1900 lbs or so, which won't put much weight one each tire. The Load Range E might be a little much, but I liked the high-speed rating as I'll be doing a lot of Interstate towing.

I've never seen Goodyear or any other 'Mericun tire offered in the smaller sizes. Kenda has a great reputation in the motorcycle world and seems to be one of the better small trailer tires. I just wish they were made in America...sigh.

 

[mikidymac]

I wish most things were made here bu the reality is everything has become disposable crap.

For my ski trailers I just use the standard replacement from my tire guy. Probably crap but better than Harbor Freight ones and have not had one fail yet. On the boat and toy hauler I use the Marathons.

I think trailer tires are hit am miss. My uncle traveled from California to Arkansas with a new 36' toy hauler and the Arkansas freeways ate all 4 of the OEM "upgraded" tires. He decided to upgrade to the closest size Goodyear commercial tractor trailer tires but Alaska ate 3 of the 4 in 17,000 miles.