Help in upgrading from 12" plys to radials

[rebrunner]

Anyone have experience in migrating from 12” bias ply to 12” (or 13”) radials on a small capacity rated trailer?
I currently have bias ply 5.30 x 12 c tires on a single axle 1400lb rated Shoreland'r.
The trailer is rated to carry 1200lbs if I stay with the current 5.30 X 12 wheels.
It’s rated for 1400lbs if I upgrade to 13” radials. Scale axle weight ~1350lbs (that Includes the 350lb trailer)

Shoreland'r customer service said ST175/80r13 sized tires "won't fit that trailer."
I agree. There wouldn't be much, if any, space left between the side wall and the fender. Plus the side-wall is closer to the trailer frame than the 12inch bias ply.

Options?
Plan A: Need help in finding a reliable brand of narrower ST155/80R13 tires. C Load rating preferred. Know of any brands, websites carrying this size.
Plan B: How about the existence of trailer rated ST 12inch radial tires. Do they exist? Who makes them? Any stories with going from 12" bias ply to a 12" radials?
Plan C: Passenger tires. Of course...select the right size and ample load capacity.

The current bias plys are getting me from points A to B okay, but the thought of going with radials (running cooler, smoother over the bumps, load capacity, other advantages? ) makes me investigate.
thanks in advance

[Hot Runr Guy]

Carlisle makes a ST145/R12 D load range trailer radial. Don't know anything about them, here is their link: http://www.carlisletire.com/products/trailer/radial_trail/index.html
HRG

[yarcraft91]

it appears Carlysle makes one. Here's an ad from iboats.com

http://www.iboats.com/Carlisle_ST145_R12_Radial_Trailer_Tire/dm/cart_id.435840539--session_id.794159711--view_id.84957

[rebrunner]

Thanks for the ideas.

Sounding like my options in tire Brands is singular...Carlisle.

Any experiences/stories with Carlisle radials in this size?
If all 'good'...then I'm done.
If not....then what other options would you suggest (besides 'stay with bias plys :-)

Thanks

[REW]

Here is an interesting read on translating numbers on tire sidewalls:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=497363#1

Take care
REW

[fireboat]

Thanks for the ideas.

Sounding like my options in tire Brands is singular...Carlisle.

Any experiences/stories with Carlisle radials in this size?
If all 'good'...then I'm done.
If not....then what other options would you suggest (besides 'stay with bias plys :-)

Thanks

Do a search on this site for Carlisle tires. I've lost 2 fenders and an axle because of blowouts. I wouldn't put a Carlisle tire on my lawnmower.

[jimcar]

I wouldnt get carlisle if they were free. 7 blowouts from tread separation. Find some USA made Goodyears. I did the same as you and found a way to raise fender on trailer. Heard some guys flipped sping upside down to provide clearance.

[yarcraft91]

It looks like the Titan brand may have the ST155/80R13-C radials you want. I just got this off their web site, even tho it says "2006 catalog".

http://www.titanstore.com/info/4ST310

[rebrunner]

After more websurfing, I'm reaching the finish line...without a clear winner. Rats.

1. passenger tires. The vast majority say stay with ST tires for all trailer applications. So, to reduce risk, that option is out.
2. trailer tire brands....only a couple of brands offer ST in the radial size that 'should' fit my trailer. st145/8012 or st155/60r13. the catch?....
...Smells like no one raves about Carlisle or Titan as a reliable trailer tires. Plus, I see comments abound suggesting to avoid brands that are made in China. (quality issues apparently)

Sounds like my options are very limited.
Either I stumble across a boatless 2000+lb rated trailer that is collecting dust so I can enter the 13" radial tire category with all its brand offerings, or I just hold my nose, 'try' one of these less than fully-endorsed China trailer tires and hope I surpass the average longevities I read about.

Sincerely, thanks for the replys/insight/input. I look forward to more of the same as Spring draws closer....as so does that tire decision 'finish line.':)

[JMKC]

Reb, I have close to the same trailer /boat set-up as you. I also did research on the same ideas you have. I have stayed with the original set-up. I moved up from 4.80/12 to 5.30/12 C Load, Bias-ply. I had to raise the fenders a little, that was all. It seems from old posts here on WC that the Carlisle problems were with the Radials and not the Bias-Ply. I only put on about 2,000 miles yearly and the Carlisles have served me well. I always run them at MAX pressure, it works for me. JJ

[Walli]

Rebrunner, I have same trailer as you. Have ST 155 R 80 13C Titans on it. After several years of running the springs compressed and the sidewall would hit the fender. I removed the wheels and two bolts that hold the axle on and elongated the holes in the fender so the fender is about 1/2 inch above the bottom of trailer frame.
No more problems. You will not believe how much smother and easier you trailer will ride with the radials.

Walli

[rebrunner]

After a little more digging, I came across a brand that carries the tire size I need.
Who has towing experience with Greenball (Cheng Shin - Taiwain) tires?

Specifically I'd like feedback on Greenball Secura ST145R12...but...I'd like to hear about your experience with any of the Greenball trailer tires.
Hope the stories suggest these are the new 'ones to get.'