Burro tire size

[ron s]

Forum Friends

I have a 1973 Burro trailer, the short one, 10 feet I think. Weighs less than 1000 pounds according to title.

I need to replace the tires. The wheel is 13 inches diameter and 5 inches width between the bead walls.

It has 165/80 D13 on it, but they are very old. I am sure the tires have been replaced several times and am not sure those owners put on the correct ones.

Is this still the best tire size, available, or what modern size should I put on it?

Thanks for any help.

Ron

[Jack L]

I think your best choice would be a 175-80-13. It is a little bit larger. It would be about 3/8" wider and about 1/2 inch taller. It is a popular, readily available size and unless you have very limited clearance with your existing tires it would work just fine.

[JMS]

We have ST175/80D13 on our '83

[Mike Magee]

A good tire store can examine and measure the wheels, and tell you what size(s) of tires will fit properly.

[gage]

I've got the same size wheel on my Burro and the tie size that I'm running is P165/80R13 and works quite well.




Note: Radio tires will help prevent sway.

[jwarner]

But they are a little hard to tune.

[Francesca Knowles]

Make sure of type as well as size. Passenger car ("P") tires are not recommended for trailers- sidewalls are too flabby, as I can attest since my own trailer came with such tires on it and swayed like a drunken sailor until I got rid of them.

Some folks use "LT's", but since they're not available in 13", buy good-quality ST tires. Those have the sidewall stiffness a trailer needs for best stability.

[gage]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

............. as I can attest since my own trailer came with such tires on it and swayed like a drunken sailor until I got rid of them.

Strange you say that. I’ve had all kinds of vintage trailers and anything over 55 mph would cause them to sway. I replaced the bias ply tires with radio tires and eliminated the sway. Even my 13’ Burro had so called trailer tires on it and at 60 mph it would start swaying. Replaced with radio’s and there is no more sway, even at 70 mph. Another example is I had bias ply tires on my 59’ wagon and it would be all over the road. Once I replaced them it drives straight as a string.. Don’t forget you also have to have tongue weight. A lack of will also cause sway.

Although I've always used LT (light truck) tires on my 'stick' trailers I've got P (Passenger car) on my Burro. The Burro weighs less than 1000lbs. Your tow weighs much more that.

P.S. Is my print large enough for you Francesca or do I need to make it larger?

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by gage

[I]Strange you say that. I’ve had all kinds of vintage trailers and anything over 55 mph would cause them to sway. I replaced the bias ply tires with radio tires and eliminated the sway.

I wasn't arguing bias vs. "radio"( )- just "P" vs. "ST". I found out the hard way what seems to be the widely held convention that "P" tires just aren't suitable for trailer use, mostly due to sidewall flexing.

But one needn't take my word for it...here are some links to other sources:

Tire Tech

West Marine (Boat trailers, but similar logistics apply)

Carlyle

[Glenn Baglo]

Why wouldn't one use a product that was researched, designed and manufactured for the intended use?
I don't drink Coke, but I don't use it as a spot remover either.

[ron s]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I found a set of 6 ply 175 80 D13 trailer tires locally and they fit and look fine. Plenty of reserve load capacity. Tires, mounting, new valves and all the taxes for $106. I carried wheels in and out.