Radial or Bias

[bspeth]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of trailer tire?

 

[UncleWillie]

This is going to be like a Ford vs. Chevy debate!
There is little advantage in either when used on a trailer.
The maneuverability, acceleration and cornering abilities of the radial tire do not come into play on a trailer without steering.
Trailer tires are inflated so hard, and sidewalls flex so little, that either design will be equivalent.
Choosing the one that will give you the longest service is often a crap shoot. Pick your poison!

Are you looking at two specific tire to compare?

 

[alldodge]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of trailer tire?

Oh goodie more popcorn

Sorry, but in my opinion, I stopped using radials on trailers years ago. Radials flex more, more flex and a lot of sitting is not good for any tire. Had one to many blow outs, so I went to bias ply and have not had one since. It has only be 18 years but so far so good. The bias ply tires have the usual flat spot thumb when you start out but I'll take it. I also use 6 to 10 ply tires when only 4 ply is called for

 

[dingbat]

Bias Ply vs Radial Trailer Tires

Trailer tires come with two choices: bias ply or radial ply. If you are an old timer you remember that in the old days, all tires were bias ply. Radials didn’t exist. In fact, they didn’t come around in full force until 1946 when Michelin introduced their widely commercialized model. When it comes to functionality, it’s clear why radial tires are so popular today. Bias ply tires have the tread and sidewalls sharing the same casing piles, and the sidewall flexing is transmitted to the tread. This results in deformation in the tread, more friction with the ground, rapid wear, and higher fuel consumption.

Radial tires, on the other hand, better distribute the pressure of the tire this means both better fuel economy and reduced soil compaction for those weary golfers. Because the sidewalls and tread are independent, you get a flat, stable footprint.

Bias ply trailer tires are usually less expensive initially, have more durable sidewalls for you guys who like to run over curbs and are better for short distances and for trailers that will sit for extended periods of time. Work trailers are better with bias for local type service because they’re stronger/tougher.

Radial trailer tires are for travel trailers, horse trailers (better cushion for your horse’s legs) and anything you are going to be pulling at high speeds. Make sure you have the proper tires for each application. In the end, it’s crucial to remember that radials will last longer than bias ply, and because of the lower rolling resistance, you’ll be more fuel efficient. Both are great perks for long distances trips.

 

[MTboatguy]

This is going to be like a Ford vs. Chevy debate!

 

[WIMUSKY]

Radial tires could make your tow vehicle go down the road smoother than bias due to the flex of radials which could lead to less tongue movement because the radials are absorbing the majority of road shock. Unless your on nice smooth highways. Which are tough to find anymore.... Then it wouldn't matter.

 

[redneck joe]

This is going to be like a Ford vs. Chevy debate!

Yeah because Dodge has already won....




I went with radials on my rehab. From my research, and this kind of thread, I decided they had less drawbacks and more positives for what I needed which is 90 miles round trip minimum with ever other week use during the season.

 

[MTboatguy]

Yeah because Dodge has already won....

:jaw::flypig:

 

[smokeonthewater]

Yep dodge is far and away free from this debate...

Radial or bias tires... Either way the dash still falls off.

 

[foodfisher]

FWIW: Went from bias to radial on my older travel trailer, now the hub caps keep working their way off.:noidea:

 

[AMetzger]

Just changed to radials. MUCH softer ride back there. Boat/trailer doesn't sound like it's falling apart when I go over bumps.

 

[jbetzelb]

Depends if your pulling with a ford or a chevy. Kidding. I went to radial tires 10 years ago and would never go back to bias. My boat pulls easier and rides smoother on the radials. My tires are rated for my boat and trailer weight and I have never had an issue with them. I pull around 1400 miles a year. I get new ones every 5 years. I suspect I could go more years but why chance it.

 

[frantically relaxing]

For soft ride and all that, radials are great trailer tires.

But once you start making full-lock U-turns in harbor parking lots and on boat ramps, your boat and trailer start doing things to those radial sidewalls they were never designed for. Ever watch the sidewalls on a dual (or three) axle trailer during tight turns? One tire will roll somewhat, while the other is forced to skid across the pavement while the trailer is trying to twist it into a pretzel. This can break the steel and glass cords within the tire, and the the rubber, being stretched beyond design limits, can tear away from the cords. This is why radial trailer tires are infamous for blowouts.

Bias tires, GOOD ones anyway, don't flex like radials do while they're grinding in circles on asphalt.

What DOES happen to bias tires during circle grinds is THIS:

These are tires on my Chap trailer, courtesy of the original owner. This damage happened over several trips to Lake Powell, on the Bullfrog launch ramp in 100?+ heat. The twist n' grind and the sharp edges of the ramp crevices just peels the rubber off the tires. This of course, is an extreme example. But the point is, bias tires barely flex, so the weak link is the edges of the tread. Just my opinion, but loosing some tread is not nearly as detrimental as chewing up the tires from the inside and not knowing it until you hear the bang or see the smoke pouring off the tire.

FWIW, that's one of the original tires on the trailer. I replaced it and the other one that was nearly as bad. The other 2 tires, now 12 years old, are still on the trailer. And while the tread edges are somewhat chewed up, the bulk of the tread is at around 75%, and the sidewalls look like new, not a hint of checking or cracking. They're Goodyear Workhorse tires, 16.5"ers, and they don't come cheap. But I'll never put radials under this boat.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[series9]

I stopped using trailer tires all together. I used to have so much trouble with them that I switched to radial LT tires and haven't had any more trouble at all.

Brand-name radial LT tires, not made in China, cost about the same as the trailer crap.

 

[JimS123]

Three year old radial STs, garage kept 24/7 except at the launch ramp, religiously kept at full pressure and they both have tread separation and blow out on the highway at 65 mph (yes 65, not 75!)

Ten year old bias tires kept in the backyard in the sun and they keep going.

The sidewalls of an ST says not to exceed 65 mph, and "not for vehicles with passengers". The officianados on this forum say replace them every 3 years. Those requirements are enough for me.

Bias if they are available in the size needed, or LT radial tires if the weight capacity is adequate. ST radials only as a last resort when there is no other option. That's my opinion, its what I do and its not debatable. Anyone else can do as they please.