2014 Jay Feather Ultra Lite x17z Tires

[reno1051]

Recently purchased a used 2014 x17z that needs new tires. The tires on there are ST185/80D13.



Next year I plan on a 4 week cross country trip. After doing some research, I think I want to upgrade to radial ply vs bias ply tire construction, but I am having trouble deciding on which tire/brand to choose. I also read about some owners upgrading to 14" tires as they offer more options and a higher load rating.


Which tires should I look into purchasing and should I upgrade to 14" wheels?

[DocBrown]

I have towed a single axle hybrid (2003 Kiwi 17a) with the same tire size on 2 long trips, one almost 6k miles from WI to Monterey, to Yellowstone and back home, the other just to Yellowstone (about 1500 miles). I also towed our last trailer, Jayfeather X20E, on a 1400 mile trip to Gatlinburg, also same size tires. No issues with either.

Keep them inflated to what the sidewall says, which should be 50psi. Check them every 3 days or so on a long trip. Make sure not to overload the trailer. And mind the speed, ST tires in that size are rated for 65 mph. I generally towed at 62/63. Over 65 and they'll heat up more increasing the chance of a blowout.

If you do go with 14", make sure you have clearance for them.

[reno1051]

What about going to radials vs the OEM bias ply?



Do you have any recommendations regarding which ST185/80R13 tire I should get? I have been looking at the Carlisle Radial Trail HD and the Kendra Karriers (from etrailer.com).

[FLascent]

Originally Posted by reno1051

What about going to radials vs the OEM bias ply?



Do you have any recommendations regarding which ST185/80R13 tire I should get? I have been looking at the Carlisle Radial Trail HD and the Kendra Karriers (from etrailer.com).

We used carlisle radial trail trailer tires and made sure we got them rated for 81 mph. Not that we tow that fast, but just for the extra safety factor. The goodyear endurance are also a good tire.

[reno1051]

Thanks for the reply! We ended up getting the carlisle radial trail hd tires which should be here in a few days

[DocBrown]

Glad you go tthe radials. Neither of my hybrids came with bias ply, both had radials. I', surprised to read a 2014 had bias ply.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by reno1051

Thanks for the reply! We ended up getting the carlisle radial trail hd tires which should be here in a few days

We had the same size tires on our 23B. We put on the Carlisle Radial Trail HD the load rated D tires a few years back. We have had zero issues or concerns about them.