I just bought a Reese 'Backpacker' trailer to carry my wife's mobility scooter. It is extremely light and will fit my needs. It comes with 8" tires that I would like to replace. I have the room to replace the 8" tires with 12' inch tires. Most of my towing would be at 'freeway' speeds over long distances. My question...would the 12' size be better and should I get bias ply tires over radial tires for highway towing. As always, TIA for any help or information.
Not sure what the circumference is at the tread of the two tires.... But if you just work the math for the wheel diameter... 8" = 25.133" circumference. 12" = 37.699" circumference. You will greatly reduce the heat buildup on the tire and bearings by switching over to the larger size wheel and tires as well as increase the load carrying of the trailer... I'm bias on radials.... Less heat...
I'm with Metalman. If you can fit the larger tires do it & make them radials. Also is there a way to put a spare trailer tire on there. If you do have a tire issue finding a trailer tire of the right size could be a problem.
I think I'd reach out to the trailer manufacturer and get a recommendation from them - they may even offer the larger wheel setup as an option. There's nothing wrong with using regular trailer tires, just make sure you air them up properly - I found out the hard way that they run a lot higher air pressure than regular tires.
This discussion happens a lot on the Teardrop Camper forum. Those 8-inch Wheels and tires should be fine for the amount of weight you will be loading onto the trailer. Radials will be fine, too. I'm sure the manufacturer didn't just pick the wheel/tire size out of thin air. As long as you don't overload your trailer according to manufacturer's specs, and keep the tires aired properly and hubs lubed, I can't think of a reason to mess with bigger wheels and tires. CD