Trailer tires - discussion
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
Trailer tires - discussion
I know we have this thread every few years, but I didn't see a recent one and I wanted to ask a couple of questions.
My trailer takes 205/75r15 size, and load range C.
1) I see several of the cheaper brands around here are BIAS ply construction. I thought that was pretty antiquated technology. Doesn't that mean a lower speed rating? Are these just for form equipment? Is there any benefit to this?
2) Although load range C is adequate for my trailer even when fully loaded, I see several options in load range D that are close to the same price. Any benefit to the heavier-duty tire? Would it run cooler or last longer? Or would it just end up with a stiffer ride that would vibrate my trailer contents worse?
If anyone knows of a decent place that ships to Canada, I'm open to online shopping suggestions as well. Too bad I don't have any trips to the USA planned soon. I would save a bundle.
My trailer takes 205/75r15 size, and load range C.
1) I see several of the cheaper brands around here are BIAS ply construction. I thought that was pretty antiquated technology. Doesn't that mean a lower speed rating? Are these just for form equipment? Is there any benefit to this?
2) Although load range C is adequate for my trailer even when fully loaded, I see several options in load range D that are close to the same price. Any benefit to the heavier-duty tire? Would it run cooler or last longer? Or would it just end up with a stiffer ride that would vibrate my trailer contents worse?
If anyone knows of a decent place that ships to Canada, I'm open to online shopping suggestions as well. Too bad I don't have any trips to the USA planned soon. I would save a bundle.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
Travel trailer, tandem 3500 lb axles, loaded weight with beer, firewood and water in the tank is just a hair under 7000 lbs, although some of the is carried by the truck as tongue weight.
My local small automotive tire shop does carry trailer tires, although they need me to bring the wheels in loose. That's no problem, they have treated me really well over the years, and have gotten me out of some jams, so I don't mind doing a little work for them this time.
My local small automotive tire shop does carry trailer tires, although they need me to bring the wheels in loose. That's no problem, they have treated me really well over the years, and have gotten me out of some jams, so I don't mind doing a little work for them this time.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
Likes: 2
From: So. Utah
I hated the chinese Good Year Marathon, wouldn't run them on anything as they were a POS. Now GY has introduced the "Endurance" trailer tire made right here in the USA. I've heard some good things about them, might be worth a look.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 243
Likes: 16
From: Estacada, Oregon
I recently (in may) put some Carlisle Radial Trail HD tires on my Outback, I have liked them so far but I only have about 1K on them. I went with load range D over the C's that were installed previously as I do a fair amount of forest road camping in BFE. Having a stronger tire seems like it was the smarter choice.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 29
My vote is to go with the higher load rating.
Am running Load E's on that weight trailer (with two axles) at 80 psi. IIRC, trailer spec is for Load D's. Trailer does not mind the Load E's at all.
Reasoning for going with the higher load rating is that (in my case) if one tire fails, the remaining tires are within their weight rating.
Can also feel the difference when running the lower load rate tires as they seem to make the truck work harder.
Toward durability, had read where some people switched over to brand-name LT tires and given-up on ST's.
Am running Load E's on that weight trailer (with two axles) at 80 psi. IIRC, trailer spec is for Load D's. Trailer does not mind the Load E's at all.
Reasoning for going with the higher load rating is that (in my case) if one tire fails, the remaining tires are within their weight rating.
Can also feel the difference when running the lower load rate tires as they seem to make the truck work harder.
Toward durability, had read where some people switched over to brand-name LT tires and given-up on ST's.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
Yes, that's a popular options, although a controversial one. For my trailer, I don't think there's a similar LT tires to 205-75R15, that's more of a car size (if anything).
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 29
If the wheel wells allow space, consider just getting a wider tread. It is not like the trailer needs an OE size tire for correct speedometer input 
For shipping, just read an article where Amazon Prime may prove worthwhile, even in Canada.
For shipping, just read an article where Amazon Prime may prove worthwhile, even in Canada.
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Senior User
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Part of the problem with running LT tires on a trailer is the side loading stress that happens when a tandem axle trailer is going around a corner slowly. ST rated tires have stiffer sidewalls and are designed to deal with that side loading.....LT tires, not so much.
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