I love Radial Trailer Tires!

[CampingFamily1]

After many discussions with VERY helpful people at etrailer.com I decided to replace my aging tires with Radials for Trailers

Here is a link the the tires I purchased
http://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Kenda/AM10210.html

We took them on a long trip over smooth and bumpy roads last weekend and noticed the following differences:

1.  Smooth ride
2.  No more jerking when going over bumps
3.  the new Radials makes the old Bias tires feel like we were towing with tires made out of rock.  The bias tires would jerk the ball of the hitch and thus the tow vehicle each time we hit a big crack in the road. 
4.  Like with our bias tires I did not have sway.  These are special towing tires, that are radials.
5.  The ride felt in the tow vehicle was soft and restful, especially improved for people in the back seats.
6.  With the bias tires we felt every bump from the trailer
7.  Going over bumps did not result in the expected jerk, as the bias tires almost became airborne.
8.  Most importantly, the camper has to have a whole lot less wear and tear from a smooth ride, and the contents in the camper won't bounce around, rattle, and clank, as much as with bias tires.

So I'm sold on Radial Tires.  They costed $12/tire more than bias and are well worth it.

Etrailer delivered the 2 reputable quality brand tires (LoadStar) for free in 4 working days via UPS.

Now I'm considering ordering another one to replace my spare, which is still the old bias tire.

[austinado16]

Thanks for the write up.  Toyed with the idea of buying a set when I had to purchase 2 years ago, but didn't.

Did you find your gas mileage changed?

[CampingFamily1]

I haven't check the mileage on them yet.  The way it pulled, I would guess less jerks and bounces has to make it easier for the engine to pull.

[mike4947]

I got that "here we go again" feeling when I started to read the link when I saw 175. Normally all 175 rated tires are load range C and you have to go to a 185 tire to get the load range D and in 185 there aren't any radials available.
Glad to see that finally there is a radial tire to replace the 185/80D13 (the D in the number means bias, not the load range) tire that so many campers use.
And yes we recommend radial ST tires when there is one available in the size and weight rating (or slightly higher weight rating) of the OEM tires.
Thank you for posting. This will save quite a few folks that get stuck with 175 wight range C tires (1300-1340 pounds) because they and the tire dealers just look at the 13 inch and little else.

As an FYI don't forget to look at the date code on the tires. We've had places try and sell us tires that were 3 years old. Since ST tires tend to age out (dry rot) long before wearing out you can give up a significant portion of the life if you don't read the numbers.

[hosh]

I switch to radials several years ago. The bias tires would wear unevenly and after several pitstops in the emergency lane to change flats, its worth the extra bucks.

[Flester1]

I recently made the swithc to radials. The price difference between load range c and d was a whopping $6.00.  No question it was worth the upgrade in both weight rating and driveability. 

[beemerphile1]

Thanks for the review.  I am in the market for tires myself and want to switch from bias to radial.

I see the have a deal currently with free shipping on orders over $150.

Would anyone see any downside in going to load range D from load range C?  I currently have about 1,800# on my axle when fully loaded.  I could go with D but am within the weights of load range C.  Any pros or cons?

[CampingFamily1]

I'd ask the folks at etrailer by chat or phone.  They are very knowledgeable.  Let us know what they say.

[Flester1]

I suspect the difference in C's and D's would be a slightly stiffer sidewall.  Maybe you would notice it maybe you wouldn't.  I think the bounce/stiffness of the trailer has more to do with the suspension and the weight (both gross and how it is loaded). 

The folks at eTrailer would certainly be able to give the exact difference, but for the extra $18 (to upgrade to D's including spare) I am certain you can't go wrong with the added "cushion" the higher rated tires afford you. 

[mike4947]

I agree with going to the D load rating even thought you're within the C range. The cushion allows for a few pounds of low pressure and according to many tire manucaturers of ST tires also allows for a slight increase (maybe 5 mph) over their 65 mph limitation.
But run them at the load range D pressure on the sidewall. ST do not take well to reduced pressures for reduced weights of the camper.

[Camping Queen]

I just bought 3 of these myself.  I haven't towed with them yet, but someone will be driving our minivan and towing the popup across the country for us from PA to CA.  I will ask him when he gets there.  The mechanic we use said he has numerous companies he uses and couldn't find a D load tire from any of them.  I logged on to etrailer, ordered them, and got them within a week.  He said he kept the label for future reference.  I love PUX!  I would never have known where to look otherwise.

[ScoobyDoo]

  Am I the only one too stuipid to check clearance between heavier radial spare and bunk end? A simple mod, but I'm glad I tried to pull out the bunk in the yard before I looked stupid in the CG.

[Tenttrailer]

I would not have anything but radials if they a availble in the wheel size. Bias tires run to hot, seems the only time I had blowout was with bias tirers.  With radials I don't think I ever had a problem with them, except a few slow leaks, a nail, etc.  I buy my tired from discount tire, only because of the have road harzard coverage on trailer tires.

But I hate to look at them on the trailer, they always look like they are low on air.   

[weebl]

When it's replacement time for me, I will likely make the switch to radials as well.  Good to hear of what a huge difference they make in ride.  I will be looking at LT tires, so additional benefits are a much higher rated speed than 65 mph for ST (better safety margin), and the ability to source tires with an origin other than China.

Of course, I have a Fleetwood/Coleman using the ST185/80D13 LRD, so that makes it tricky.  I am looking at dropping the axle to the lower mounting holes (vs. a full-on axle-flip), and upping the size to a 185R14C LRD (reasonably priced options are available from Continental and Cooper).  I will share my experiences once that happens (not likely for another couple of years) for the benefit of other Fleetwood/Coleman owners cursed with the ST185/80D13 LRD tires.

[mike4947]

when checking for clearance we've found with Coleman/Fleetwood campers the area near the stepper door has the least clearance and needs to be checked carefully with the new sized tires.