Bias ply as spare for radials ???

[hawilson2]

I just bought 2 new radial trailer tires for the boat (17 ft alum, not heavy). They are ST205/75R14's. I forgot I had a spare that was a ST205/75D14 bias ply. Is it ok to use the bias play as a spare for one of the radials for an emergency pull home after a flat for 2 hours max? Don't really want to but a 3rd tire if I don't have to. Thanks in advance.

 

[JB]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

Yup. Good luck.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

I wouldn't spend the money for a radial spare.

 

[hawilson2]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

Yup. Good luck.

Not sure if you were being sarcastic or not. Straight answer, please; unless that is what that was, then I apologize. Let me know.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

A bias-ply tire will have different rolling resistance, so handling will be hairy if not downright scary with mismatched tires.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

No problem. Wouldn't do it on purpose but as a spare no biggie. I have radials and towed all the way home from Key West (350 miles) last year on a bias ply spare.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

Not recommended to mix them but if you have to as a spare then slow down a little and change back as soon as you can.

 

[escapade]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

A spare tire is designed normally to get you off the highway and get the other tire repaired. However I would check with your states rules on tires as they may not allow Bias ply tires, and last thing you want is the trailer impounded, or have an accident and be screwed because of the bias ply tire

 

[86RajunCajun]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

in a perfect world, all your tires and rims should match perfectly, but im sure as long as it is a good tire and the same size as your radial, it will get you off the highway to a tire shop or home if its close.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

your states rules on tires as they may not allow Bias ply tires, and last thing you want is the trailer impounded, or have an accident and be screwed because of the bias ply tire

Bias ply tires are fine. No states disallow them.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

If you resign yourself to limiting travel on the bias ply tire only to the nearest place to get the radial fixed or replaced, you can probably do OK. If that scenario is not acceptable to you, buy a radial spare. The comments about differences in handling characteristics are absolutely true.

 

[stormy weathers]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

look on the wall of the tire for the date. Such as ( 2099) this means 20th week of 1999. It is ok to mix tires on a trailer but never on a car!!!! I would be worried on how old your tire is- anything over 5 years scrap it. As a emergency tire to run under 100 miles on a cool day, and 50 miles on a extreme hot day.

 

[escapade]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

I know here in ontario they are real sticky about what they let on the roads, and do random roadside inspections, they have even pulled vechicles and trailers off the road as they were demmed unsafe

 

[cribber]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

As others said... you'll be fine in a pinch and a spare is just that. It's supposed to get you off the highway and home just like the donut tire for a car and treat it as such. Then get the radial repaired or replaced as soon as you get back home before your next outing.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

It is ok to mix tires on a trailer but never on a car!!!!

http://www.maxxis.com/Industrial/Trailer/Trailer-FAQs.aspx

From the FAQ on the Maxxix site:

"Should I mix radial and bias ply tires on my trailer?

Answer:
No. Radial and bias ply tires have different handling characteristics and should never be used together."

 

[cribber]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

I'm a fan of the 50/50 rule. You'll be fine as long as ya don't go over 50 MPH and try not to drive more than 50 miles on your spare before you get the bad tire fixed or replaced. Anything beyond that you're on borrowed time.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

I just bought 2 new radial trailer tires for the boat (17 ft alum, not heavy). They are ST205/75R14's. I forgot I had a spare that was a ST205/75D14 bias ply. Is it ok to use the bias play as a spare for one of the radials for an emergency pull home after a flat for 2 hours max? Don't really want to but a 3rd tire if I don't have to. Thanks in advance.

I may be wrong on this, but a ST205/75D14 would be a radial. If it was a bias ply it would be something like F78-14

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bias ply as spare for radials ???

I may be wrong on this, but a ST205/75D14 would be a radial. If it was a bias ply it would be something like F78-14

No..that is the correct call out for a bias ply tire. The radial would be ST205/75R14.