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Bias ply or radial?

Bias ply or radial?

Recstuff is the leader in trailer tires

Trailer tires are found with either a Bias Ply or Radial construction. Radials offer a smooth and longer lasting ride. Bias ply typically have a stronger sidewall, and are generally cheaper. Computer designed tread allows these high speed tires to provide a stable ride and less sway at highway speeds while towing. Looking for dependable, long lasting, and no fuss brand names? You've come to the right spot! Kenda has been a leading brand in the specialty market for years, and has proven its quality in recent years. GlobalTrax has built a strong reputation for dependable bias-ply trailer tires, while GlobalXST offers another quality option for your trailer needs. No matter which brand you choose, we maintain strict quality-control standards and stand behind the products we sell—so you can shop with confidence and enjoy a worry-free ride.
Bias or Radial banner introduction - Let us help you decide

When Reading A Trailer Tire:

  • A "D" before the rim size (ST205/75D15) indicates a Bias Ply tire.
  • An "R" before the rim size (ST205/75R15) indicates a Radial tire.

What is the difference between a radial and bias ply trailer tire?

At RecStuff.com, we often get the question ‘What’s the difference between radial and bias ply trailer tires?’. Naturally, the next questions tends to be, ‘Which is better?’, or ‘Which should I put on my trailer?’. The below information is meant to clear up the difference between the two, and assist you to make the best decision for your specific application.


The main feature that separates the radial trailer tire from the bias ply trailer tire is the tire’s belt construction. The cord material (often nylon and steel) also often differs between the two. The differences here affect many functional aspects of the tire.


  • A radial trailer tire is constructed with steel belts of the tire running at a 90 degree angle of the tread center line.
  • A bias ply trailer tire is constructed with nylon belts of the tire running at a 30-45 degree angle of the tread center line.
Radial and Bias tires side by side diagram that show their construction

Benefits of Choosing A RADIAL Trailer Tire

  • Runs Cooler
  • Steel Belted – Results in tougher overall construction
  • Longer Tread Life
  • Wider Footprint

Benefits of choosing A BIAS PLY Trailer Tire

  • Crosshatch construction provides stronger/tougher sidewalls
  • Due to the design of the tire’s construction, bias ply want to roll straight as the trailer itself often does
  • Generally Less Expensive
Man standing thinking and deciding on which construction tire to get

What is the best choice for my application?

Long Trips, Regular Trailer Use = RADIAL TIRE

Short Trips, Tandem axle trailers, Infrequent Use = BIAS PLY TIRE

More Trailer Tire Information

Typically a trailer tire needs replacing due to ‘dry rot’ before the tire’s tread is exhausted. The Department of Transportation (DOT) recommends replacing tires (ALL Tires) at least every six (6) years. The key piece of information here is that the recommendation is based on ‘Years’ rather than ‘Mileage’. Please confirm your tires by checking the manufacturer’s date imprinted on the sidewall of every trailer tire. While we understand that some tires are rated and built for higher mileage, trailer tires are often not mobile, as the trailer doesn’t always come along with you everywhere you drive. The general rule of thumb for mileage you can get out of your trailer tire is about 25,000 miles.


So, if you’re trailer makes those longer trips with you on a regular basis, you will probably benefit from spending the extra money on a radial trailer tire to take advantage of the longer tread life. If your trailer spends a lot of time next to the garage, you might want to save yourself some money by going with a bias ply trailer tire.


We offer both Radial and Bias Ply Trailer Tires in our online store, at some of the best prices online. If the information above still leaves you with more questions, please feel free Contact Us or give us a call at (321) USA-TIRE. We’ll help you out as best we can.

Oct 5th 2026 RecStuff.com

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