Posted 2010-09-15 10:47 AM (#124893) Subject: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
Hey everyone. I've got an older Steel 28' box 3h slant gn w/ LQ. When I had it weighed, it was almost 6,000 lbs over the axles (not including pin). On my latest trip with it, I hauled 2 avg. size horses and random things (gen, 4 bales of hay, etc.) I found that a tire had been rubbing the inside of the wheel well and would've blown had we not caught it. All the tires on it are in dire need of replacing, so we are going to be replacing them in the next couple of weeks before our next trip. All this leads to my question(s). Trailer currently has LT235/85/16 Load range E tires. A riding buddy of mine suggested to get 'ST' Bias Ply tires in load range E of relatively the same size. He said that the sidewall of a bias ply doesn't flex as much and would be better to keep it from rubbing. Also that the tire width would be thinner. Having zero experience with bias ply's other than knowing they were used in the 70's and manufacturers switched to radial for a reason, I'm looking for advice. Should I go with a narrower LT tire and in what size that would hold the weight? Should I try to beat the wheel well in and go back with same size LT's? Or is bias ply's the way to go in this case? HELP!!
Posted 2010-09-15 11:24 AM (#124894 - in reply to #124893) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You didn't say what part of the tire was rubbing. If it's the width, a narrower 215 tire could be substituted. If the thread is rubbing, a smaller diameter 75 LT series could be used. St tires have lower speed ratings, some lower than the legal speed limits.
I would definately try to use a radial tire tire over a biased ply. You will notice a difference in handling and lower milage while using the biased ply tires. Here's a radial tire with a stiffer sidewall, LT rated that is available in narrower and lower sidewall profiles.
Posted 2010-09-15 11:39 AM (#124895 - in reply to #124893) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
I agree with everything Gard said. On another note though, you said something about beating the wheel well back in. If it has been kicked to the point that it is protruding into the area the tire has been in all along, that definitely needs to be repaired.
Posted 2010-09-15 12:27 PM (#124896 - in reply to #124893) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
It is rubbing on the sidewall about midway up the tire. It's only a small area--about 1 1/2" in diameter that is protruded (may have been kicked at one point). BUT I just went out and checked the tire size of the spare that I borrowed and it is a LT245/75/16 and it did not rub (same rim backspacing). I know this is a wider tire, but could the sidewall on the other tire been damaged causing it to rub? I didn't notice any belts broken or anything to compromise it (besides the rub obviously). Do some LT235's LR E have a wider (maybe softer) sidewall while still maintaining the 235mm width? This one was a Firestone.
Posted 2010-09-15 2:19 PM (#124900 - in reply to #124893) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
IMO I'd beat the dent back the other way and roll on. As far as the tire sizes, I am not an expert by any means, but my understanding is the 235 is 235 width. Sure it could be a softer sidewall that allows more tire bulge which would increase the problem that the 1 1/2" dent is causing. Just in the right spot too...how do they always manage that?
Posted 2010-09-15 2:52 PM (#124901 - in reply to #124896) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by GRNMCHNEDAZE on 2010-09-15 1:27 PM
It is rubbing on the sidewall about midway up the tire. BUT I just went out and checked the tire size of the spare that I borrowed and it is a LT245/75/16 and it did not rub (same rim backspacing). I know this is a wider tire, but could the sidewall on the other tire been damaged causing it to rub? Do some LT235's LR E have a wider (maybe softer) sidewall while still maintaining the 235mm width?
The tire you borrowed is lower in profile than the ones on your trailer. It isn't as large in diameter, a point I tried to make earlier. The lower profile tire 75 instead of 85 is effected by lowering the height of the sidewall. This results in a stiffer side wall, with less height to flex and less squirm on the road. If you check on automotive performance tires, you will see some profiles in the 30 series range that look like nothing more than "O" rings.
If you do not have ground clearance issues, you don't have to run 85 series tires on your trailers. I've been successfully running 75's and enjoy excellent tracking, stability in corners and long tire life.
Posted 2010-09-16 12:34 PM (#124937 - in reply to #124893) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
Thanks everyone for the replies. I definitely will go with radials and LT's. That's what I was leaning toward, but thought I'd ask. This forum is like the 'easy button' for all horse trailer related things. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Posted 2010-09-16 7:30 PM (#124951 - in reply to #124893) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Member
Posts: 48 Location: Stanardsville, VA
Im just curious as to why everyone is so set against bias trailer tires. I have 2 trailers. Radials on one and Bias on the other. I gotta say in my opinion I really like the bias better. The trailer handles beautifully. This stock trailer I just picked up will need tires before I sell it and Ill probubly go with radials just because itll probubly sell easier, but if I were keeping it for myself, I think Id go back with bias. But thats just me. I never claimed to be a genious.
Posted 2010-09-17 1:40 PM (#124973 - in reply to #124951) Subject: RE: Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Holy350 on 2010-09-16 7:30 PM
Im just curious as to why everyone is so set against bias trailer tires. I have 2 trailers. Radials on one and Bias on the other. I gotta say in my opinion I really like the bias better. The trailer handles beautifully. This stock trailer I just picked up will need tires before I sell it and Ill probubly go with radials just because itll probubly sell easier, but if I were keeping it for myself, I think Id go back with bias. But thats just me. I never claimed to be a genious.
Tires: Radial vs. Bias Ply Help!
