DavisIslander Posted March 4, 2020 Report Share Posted March 4, 2020 I had a flat the other day and consequently needed to replace the tire. I'm running D14's on the trailer right now, but the replacement is an R14. Is it bad to mix the Rs and Ds on the trailer at the same time? I usually travel less than 20 miles to launch (on average less than 1 mile). Should I take it back and have them change it out to a D? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted March 4, 2020 Report Share Posted March 4, 2020 They are both round and the same diameter so they will work. The ocd in me would make me match the ones on the trailer and keep the third as a spare though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilemaker Posted March 4, 2020 Report Share Posted March 4, 2020 My first question is are you mixing terms. I would think the R is telling you it is a radial tire vs bias ply tire. The D would be telling you the rating of the tire usually C D etc. Never seen a rating as high as R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabear Posted March 4, 2020 Report Share Posted March 4, 2020 R indicates a radial tire — D indicates a Bias ply tire D is for diagonal. The sidewalls will flex differently. The radial tire should run a little cooler . Also a radial tire the same size as a bias ply tire should have a larger contact area where the tire meets the pavement because of the design . It will be harder to feel the difference on a trailer than on a car or truck but they are not the same . In the long run the radial should have a couple small advantages over the bias ply tire because the sides flex and that should make the ride a little smoother and under a non perfect condition having a larger point of contact with the ground could help control . If it was my trailer I would install a matched set of radials when I could afford it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernieNC Posted March 4, 2020 Report Share Posted March 4, 2020 Yes and yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted March 4, 2020 Report Share Posted March 4, 2020 if I were to go back it would be to get the matching radial for the other side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted March 5, 2020 Report Share Posted March 5, 2020 On 3/4/2020 at 6:41 AM, DavisIslander said: Should I take it back and have them change it out to a D? Since you asked....my .02 is as Honeyb says...change out the bias tires and run new radials. It appears you have a mix of both tires as others pointed out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drummer Posted March 6, 2020 Report Share Posted March 6, 2020 Don't mix Radials and Bias ply tires on the same trailer! Ask me how I know these things. Generally, radials are superior in every way. Just ensure they all match by size and load rating. And check your air pressure monthly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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