Trailer Tires: Radial or Bias Ply?

Trailer tires should be replaced as soon as they begin to show wear and tear or about every four years, whichever comes first. If the tires on your boat trailer have a series of small cracks around the circumference of the tires, it may be due to dry rot, which can cause the tire to blow unexpectedly, resulting in being stuck on the side of the road as well as expensive repairs and towing fees.

It is important to buy only tires that are designed for use on a trailer. Trailers do not steer the same as a truck does and trailer tires are designed to account for the difference in steering, use in water and dry land as well as heavy loads on the trailer. There are basically two types of tires for a trailer:

· Radial trailer tires are durable, provide good traction, have less rolling resistance and improved stability.

· Bias Ply trailer tires are designed for extreme locations and driving conditions. These tires are made for excellent traction on all terrains including sand, gravel, snow and mud. However, non-radial bias ply tires only have a small amount of shock absorption, so they can be a bumpy ride.

Trailer tires with the largest diameter typically produce the least RPMs, which will make the tire more resistant to damage. It is recommended that you choose tires with a significant number of plies because they will make the tire more stable and longer lasting. It is important to choose the correct load rating for your trailer. The load rating can usually be found on a placard which is usually found towards the front of the trailer.