4.80-8 4-lug tires. (Bias vs radial)

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g3ride69
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4.80-8 4-lug tires. (Bias vs radial)

Post by g3ride69 »

Good evening,
Ive been looking at replacing my small trailers tires. 4.80 - 8. It is a 36inch wide and 42" length. Steel and weighs 130lbs.
I am bare bonesing it and making it a car topper motorcycle trailer.
These tires are 16.1" and bias tires. Aren't bias off road type tires?

I am looking for a taller tire (highway rated? Radial??}... possibly a 5.70 - 8 which is 18.1"

Are the bias tires safe at 75mph?

I am loading very light. Couple helmets rain gear lawn chair sleeping bag pillow.

Rambling a bit. I was surprised there wasn't some type trailer Tire sticky. I couldnt find one. If i missed it please provide link.

Suggestions??
All replies are appreciated!
Randall
2001 ZG1200 Voyager XII
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g3ride69
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Re: 4.80-8 4-lug tires. (Bias vs radial)

Post by g3ride69 »

I just now saw the 4.80 -12. This 12 inch is more likely over the 5.70 - 8.
Thank you.
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SgtSlag
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Re: 4.80-8 4-lug tires. (Bias vs radial)

Post by SgtSlag »

Bias Ply and Radial refer to the construction methods of the tire, not on-/off-road applications. Installing Radial tires on a motorcycle designed for Bias Ply tires is a very bad idea as they do not ride the same, affecting handling and safety, in adverse ways!

Radial tires have crisscrossing steel belts within the tire's tread. Bias Ply tires are made with polyester and nylon belts fused within the rubber treads. They are very different animals, and they are not interchangeable. Whichever tire type your trailer was designed for, is the type to use.

The numbers and letters on the sidewalls of the tires will give you their size, temperature rating, and their maximum speed. Exceeding the listed max speed can lead to catastrophic tire failure!

Look up, How to Read Tire Sidewall Markings, to learn how to read and understand what the letters and numbers all mean. Cheers!
SgtSlag

1993 Voyager XII
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