I have a 2009 Cobra trailer designed for a two seat glider. The tires need replacement. The original tires are of size 195/70R14.

I cannot find the direct replacement trailer tires in the United States. I can find passenger tires of the same size, but not trailer tires. There are a couple of trailer tires manufactured of the size 195/75D14. These tires are relatively the same size (0.5" taller), but they are bias ply tires, not radial ply.

It looks like I will have to make a choice between either using a passenger/light truck radial tire or a bias ply trailer tire. Any thoughts on this?

I'm sure there are many folks out there who have the same Cobra trailer. What do you use for a replacement tire?

David Cleveland

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 3:35:41 AM UTC-4, david.s....@gmail.com wrote:
> I have a 2009 Cobra trailer designed for a two seat glider. The tires need replacement. The original tires are of size 195/70R14.
>
> I cannot find the direct replacement trailer tires in the United States. I can find passenger tires of the same size, but not trailer tires. There are a couple of trailer tires manufactured of the size 195/75D14. These tires are relatively the same size (0.5" taller), but they are bias ply tires, not radial ply.
>
> It looks like I will have to make a choice between either using a passenger/light truck radial tire or a bias ply trailer tire. Any thoughts on this?
>
> I'm sure there are many folks out there who have the same Cobra trailer. What do you use for a replacement tire?
>
> David Cleveland

I have been using auto tires for many years with no negative consequences. The load from the trailer is less than the
cars they normally are used on.
FWIW
UH

Trailer tires have thicker sidewalls which give less swaying, tail wagging at higher speeds or by wind. As you have a heavy ship, I would spend the money and effort to find the ideal trailer tire, even if it is bias tire. But, If you travel very little, pull at 60.....go convenient, car tire....but do not mention trailer at the front desk.
R

I've done several hundred thousand miles towing Cobra trailers on good-quality auto / light truck tires - with no problems. I believe it is important - especially for a two-seater trailer - that the tires have the right "load index" (weight rating).

I was once persuaded to buy high-quality trailer-specific tires for my single-place trailer - expensive (about 30% more than good radial auto tires) but were claimed to be worth the premium. For whatever reason, they proved to be the worst tires I ever used - hopelessly worn after 12,000 miles. In the small town where I discovered the problem, the only tires available in my size were some alarmingly cheap off-brand auto radials that looked like they might cover the 2100 miles to home; they lasted 50k miles.

My newer Cobra trailer came with these tires in the same size that you are looking for. They have an N speed rating of 87 mph.

https://www.tireoutlet.com/tires/make/gt-radial/kargomax-st-4000/

Mike

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 3:35:41 AM UTC-4, david.s....@gmail.com wrote:
> I have a 2009 Cobra trailer designed for a two seat glider. The tires need replacement. The original tires are of size 195/70R14.
>
> I cannot find the direct replacement trailer tires in the United States. I can find passenger tires of the same size, but not trailer tires. There are a couple of trailer tires manufactured of the size 195/75D14. These tires are relatively the same size (0.5" taller), but they are bias ply tires, not radial ply.
>
> It looks like I will have to make a choice between either using a passenger/light truck radial tire or a bias ply trailer tire. Any thoughts on this?
>
> I'm sure there are many folks out there who have the same Cobra trailer. What do you use for a replacement tire?
>
> David Cleveland

Try the Discount Tire Store chain.
https://www.discounttire.com/fitmentresult/tires/size/195-70-14
They show plenty of tires in that original size but I would guess they are meant for passenger cars. However, if others have pointed out, that seems to be less of a concern that previously thought.

Uli
'AS'

All good replies. Sounds like a high load index passenger car/light truck tire may be the best option absent a dedicated trailer tire. I agree that the trailer tires have a different construction, one being stiffer sidewalls. The stiffer sidewall prevents swaying. My concern with bias ply tires is that they would wear faster and also be prone to swaying.

Having said that, I must admit that even at my advanced age, I never had the opportunity to use bias ply tires. As I became of auto age, radial tires were plentiful and inexpensive (relatively).

Ralf from Alfred Spindelberger mentioned that they ship Cobra trailers with "C" rated (Cargo) tires. Cargo tires are constructed with stiffer sidewalls and are overall more heavy duty. That's the type of tire Mike mentioned. His link is to a local Florida chain, but I was able to find a store in the Salt Lake City area where I live that advertises the same tire. We shall see.

David

On 4/27/2021 6:26 AM, R wrote:
> Trailer tires have thicker sidewalls which give less swaying, tail wagging at higher speeds or by wind. As you have a heavy ship, I would spend the money and effort to find the ideal trailer tire, even if it is bias tire. But, If you travel very little, pull at 60.....go convenient, car tire....but do not mention trailer at the front desk.

Bias tires are cheaper: that is their only advantage. At least, get radial
trailer tires, or even better, find an LT (Light Truck) tire, and you will have
a more stable trailer.

It's worth remembering bias ply tires do not have the cornering tread stiffness
of radials, and it's that tread stiffness that's important for stability. It's
not the thicker sidewall itself that makes the difference, but the significantly
higher tire pressures used by trailer and LT tires, compared to auto tires.

I do agree trailer bias ply tires will likely be adequate if you stay below 60
mph, and don't travel much.

--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

Good point, Eric. I didn't think about the higher pressure. That makes sense.

David

On 4/27/2021 1:32 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
> On 4/27/2021 6:26 AM, R wrote:
>> Trailer tires have thicker sidewalls which give less swaying, tail wagging at
>> higher speeds or by wind. As you have a heavy ship, I would spend the money
>> and effort to find the ideal trailer tire, even if it is bias tire. But, If
>> you travel very little, pull at 60.....go convenient, car tire....but do not
>> mention trailer at the front desk.
>
> Bias tires are cheaper: that is their only advantage. At least, get radial
> trailer tires, or even better, find an LT (Light Truck) tire, and you will have
> a more stable trailer.
>
> It's worth remembering bias ply tires do not have the cornering tread stiffness
> of radials, and it's that tread stiffness that's important for stability. It's
> not the thicker sidewall itself that makes the difference, but the significantly
> higher tire pressures used by trailer and LT tires, compared to auto tires.
>
> I do agree trailer bias ply tires will likely be adequate if you stay below 60
> mph, and don't travel much.
>
I did some comparative testing of trailer tires (bias and radial) and LT truck
tires in 2017. Spoiler alert: LT tires won. Send me an email and I'll send the
article about the tests to you: eric@thegreenwells.us

--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 3:35:41 AM UTC-4, david.s....@gmail.com wrote:
> I have a 2009 Cobra trailer designed for a two seat glider. The tires need replacement. The original tires are of size 195/70R14.
>
> I cannot find the direct replacement trailer tires in the United States. I can find passenger tires of the same size, but not trailer tires. There are a couple of trailer tires manufactured of the size 195/75D14. These tires are relatively the same size (0.5" taller), but they are bias ply tires, not radial ply.
>
> It looks like I will have to make a choice between either using a passenger/light truck radial tire or a bias ply trailer tire. Any thoughts on this?
>
> I'm sure there are many folks out there who have the same Cobra trailer. What do you use for a replacement tire?
>
> David Cleveland

David - just out of curiosity: is your two-seat trailer a single- or double axle one?

Uli
'AS'

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 11:53:22 AM UTC-7, david.s....@gmail.com wrote:
> All good replies. Sounds like a high load index passenger car/light truck tire may be the best option absent a dedicated trailer tire. I agree that the trailer tires have a different construction, one being stiffer sidewalls. The stiffer sidewall prevents swaying. My concern with bias ply tires is that they would wear faster and also be prone to swaying.
>
> Having said that, I must admit that even at my advanced age, I never had the opportunity to use bias ply tires. As I became of auto age, radial tires were plentiful and inexpensive (relatively).
>
> Ralf from Alfred Spindelberger mentioned that they ship Cobra trailers with "C" rated (Cargo) tires. Cargo tires are constructed with stiffer sidewalls and are overall more heavy duty. That's the type of tire Mike mentioned.. His link is to a local Florida chain, but I was able to find a store in the Salt Lake City area where I live that advertises the same tire. We shall see.
>
> David

My own personal experience with using car tires on glider trailers is that they would last a little over the warranty period (4 years). And they would fail by blowouts. I would only use car tires if you are only going to tow locally.

Tom

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 5:58:37 PM UTC-6, AS wrote:
> On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 3:35:41 AM UTC-4, david.s....@gmail.com wrote:
> > I have a 2009 Cobra trailer designed for a two seat glider. The tires need replacement. The original tires are of size 195/70R14.
> >
> > I cannot find the direct replacement trailer tires in the United States.. I can find passenger tires of the same size, but not trailer tires. There are a couple of trailer tires manufactured of the size 195/75D14. These tires are relatively the same size (0.5" taller), but they are bias ply tires, not radial ply.
> >
> > It looks like I will have to make a choice between either using a passenger/light truck radial tire or a bias ply trailer tire. Any thoughts on this?
> >
> > I'm sure there are many folks out there who have the same Cobra trailer.. What do you use for a replacement tire?
> >
> > David Cleveland
> David - just out of curiosity: is your two-seat trailer a single- or double axle one?
>
> Uli
> 'AS'

It's a single axle trailer.

Trailer tires are designed for stability. They are 6 ply bias treads and run inflated to 50-60 psi. All this to minimize sway caused from side wall flexing. Not all normal tire stores carry these, you will need to shop around. Don't be tempted to use normal car tires, unless you never want to drive at highway speeds, the risk is too high. I have Cobra trailer with a DG 800b pulled by a Range Rover sport with low profile tires and can drive all day at 75mph with no problems at all with sway. I use to pull the same trailer with a 4 Runner with high profile radial tires, nearly have multiple accidents with sway problems, I was lucky.

Buzz Graves

If you are having trouble locating a specific size trailer tire locally, you might try etrailer.com. I got new tires for my 1983 Cobra at a decent price and essentially free delivery. They probably have a wider range of sizes than any local dealer. I went ahead and got the "ST" trailer tires, but my hangar partner, airshow pilot Bob Carlton towed hundreds of thousands of miles with his jet Salto glider in a trailer equipped with normal, everyday radial car tires and never had a problem. But he always towed with a Dodge 2500 diesel pickup, so trailer sway was never an issue. If you tow with a smaller vehicle, get the ST trailer tires and pay attention to proper fore/aft loading and tire pressures.

On 4/29/2021 9:49 AM, BG wrote:
> Trailer tires are designed for stability. They are 6 ply bias treads and run inflated to 50-60 psi. All this to minimize sway caused from side wall flexing. Not all normal tire stores carry these, you will need to shop around. Don't be tempted to use normal car tires, unless you never want to drive at highway speeds, the risk is too high. I have Cobra trailer with a DG 800b pulled by a Range Rover sport with low profile tires and can drive all day at 75mph with no problems at all with sway. I use to pull the same trailer with a 4 Runner with high profile radial tires, nearly have multiple accidents with sway problems, I was lucky.
>
> Buzz Graves
>
"Highway speeds"? 60, 70, 80? ST tires are generally not rated for 80, but some
can be used at 70/75 IF you follow the instructions for the increased tire
pressure over the label rating. And, please don't get bias ply (so 1960s)! The
ST radials are superior in all respects except cost. LT truck tires are an even
better choice, with much higher speed ratings than ST tires.

--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

On Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:34:19 PM UTC-7, Eric Greenwell wrote:
> On 4/29/2021 9:49 AM, BG wrote:
> > Trailer tires are designed for stability. They are 6 ply bias treads and run inflated to 50-60 psi. All this to minimize sway caused from side wall flexing. Not all normal tire stores carry these, you will need to shop around. Don't be tempted to use normal car tires, unless you never want to drive at highway speeds, the risk is too high. I have Cobra trailer with a DG 800b pulled by a Range Rover sport with low profile tires and can drive all day at 75mph with no problems at all with sway. I use to pull the same trailer with a 4 Runner with high profile radial tires, nearly have multiple accidents with sway problems, I was lucky.
> >
> > Buzz Graves
> >
> "Highway speeds"? 60, 70, 80? ST tires are generally not rated for 80, but some
> can be used at 70/75 IF you follow the instructions for the increased tire
> pressure over the label rating. And, please don't get bias ply (so 1960s)! The
> ST radials are superior in all respects except cost. LT truck tires are an even
> better choice, with much higher speed ratings than ST tires.
> --
> Eric Greenwell - USA
> - "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
> https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

I have inquired about LT tires and found them unavailable in the size used by Cobra. After all, they are light TRUCK tires.

Tom

On 4/29/2021 7:58 PM, 2G wrote:
> On Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:34:19 PM UTC-7, Eric Greenwell wrote:
>> On 4/29/2021 9:49 AM, BG wrote:
>>> Trailer tires are designed for stability. They are 6 ply bias treads and run inflated to 50-60 psi. All this to minimize sway caused from side wall flexing. Not all normal tire stores carry these, you will need to shop around. Don't be tempted to use normal car tires, unless you never want to drive at highway speeds, the risk is too high. I have Cobra trailer with a DG 800b pulled by a Range Rover sport with low profile tires and can drive all day at 75mph with no problems at all with sway. I use to pull the same trailer with a 4 Runner with high profile radial tires, nearly have multiple accidents with sway problems, I was lucky.
>>>
>>> Buzz Graves
>>>
>> "Highway speeds"? 60, 70, 80? ST tires are generally not rated for 80, but some
>> can be used at 70/75 IF you follow the instructions for the increased tire
>> pressure over the label rating. And, please don't get bias ply (so 1960s)! The
>> ST radials are superior in all respects except cost. LT truck tires are an even
>> better choice, with much higher speed ratings than ST tires.
>> --
>> Eric Greenwell - USA
>> - "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
>> https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1
>
> I have inquired about LT tires and found them unavailable in the size used by Cobra. After all, they are light TRUCK tires.
>
> Tom

I'm using Yokohama LT 195/75R, which are plentiful. My advice was also intended
for other countries, as they may have a wider selection of LT tires than we do.

--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

On 4/29/2021 7:58 PM, 2G wrote:
> On Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:34:19 PM UTC-7, Eric Greenwell wrote:
>> On 4/29/2021 9:49 AM, BG wrote:
>>> Trailer tires are designed for stability. They are 6 ply bias treads and run inflated to 50-60 psi. All this to minimize sway caused from side wall flexing. Not all normal tire stores carry these, you will need to shop around. Don't be tempted to use normal car tires, unless you never want to drive at highway speeds, the risk is too high. I have Cobra trailer with a DG 800b pulled by a Range Rover sport with low profile tires and can drive all day at 75mph with no problems at all with sway. I use to pull the same trailer with a 4 Runner with high profile radial tires, nearly have multiple accidents with sway problems, I was lucky.
>>>
>>> Buzz Graves
>>>
>> "Highway speeds"? 60, 70, 80? ST tires are generally not rated for 80, but some
>> can be used at 70/75 IF you follow the instructions for the increased tire
>> pressure over the label rating. And, please don't get bias ply (so 1960s)! The
>> ST radials are superior in all respects except cost. LT truck tires are an even
>> better choice, with much higher speed ratings than ST tires.
>> --
>> Eric Greenwell - USA
>> - "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
>> https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1
>
> I have inquired about LT tires and found them unavailable in the size used by Cobra. After all, they are light TRUCK tires.
>
> Tom
>
What size tires does your trailer use?
What is it's weight with the glider?
Did you also look for C type tires? I just found out those are similar to LT
tires, but with higher load ratings for a given size, and was told that's what
Cobra now provides with their trailers.

--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

On my last Cobra trailer I found my tires were old, and the standard wheels were not very attractive either. I measured up the lug nut hole pattern and ordered a couple of new wheels with the same bolt pattern, but in a wider and larger diameter wheel size. I think I went from a 13 inch wheel to a 15 inch. Check for clearance with the fender first of course.

Then I ordered 2 new Michelin car tires. Got it all on eBay for about $300. Had a local tire shop mount and balance them. Kept one of the original as a spare.

It looked a lot better, and rode a lot better too. The larger outside diameter rides over bumps and holes smoother. The total load on the tires, weight of the trailer and glider, is well within the load limit of the tires. Sway was no issue. Driving down the highway at 70 MPH there was little worry about a trailer tire blowout.

On our single axle two place glider trailer I destroyed the two original tires that were on it when I acquired it. One was just a cut in the sidewall that I discovered while parked. The other was a total failure while on the highway; and I wasn't aware of it but for another driver alerting me. The tire was completely missing and the rim was destroyed; this while towing behind a 21' class C. The replacement wheel and tire were from W&W. Though it does seem to tow somewhat better with the newer tires, I have never been happy with the way this trailer tows and I am seriously considering adding a second axle. The Airforce Duo Discus trailers are duel axle.

On Saturday, 8 May 2021 at 16:22:17 UTC+1, Robert Seccombe BE wrote:
> On our single axle two place glider trailer I destroyed the two original tires that were on it when I acquired it. One was just a cut in the sidewall that I discovered while parked. The other was a total failure while on the highway; and I wasn't aware of it but for another driver alerting me. The tire was completely missing and the rim was destroyed; this while towing behind a 21' class C. The replacement wheel and tire were from W&W. Though it does seem to tow somewhat better with the newer tires, I have never been happy with the way this trailer tows and I am seriously considering adding a second axle. The Airforce Duo Discus trailers are duel axle.

Having had previous experience of one trailer losing a wheel and another having a dramatic tyre destruction, when we got a Duo with a Cobra trailer I over-ruled advice from Cobra and insisted on specifying the dual axle option. I came to regret this, partly because of the difficulty in hand manoeuvring it but mainly because the trailer, having a level it wanted to maintain that was not what the vehicle hitch wanted, tended to nod during towing.. Keeping the front axle tyres a little less inflated than the rear ones helped but did not eliminate this. It may have been more comfortable if the tow car did not have self-levelling suspension but I sold out of the glider before I sold the car.

I used to have a Duo,We bought it new from the works in Germany, complete with a new trailer.
We rolled out of the works and on to the autobahn towards England.
The first pullover we stopped and put every thing at the hitch end of the trailer.
At the second stop we took our suitcases and everything we could find and put it in the front of the trailer.
We had the Duo 10 yeas and love it,I think the shock absorbers settled a bit because it never bounced that much again.
But I used to set the hitch weight to 75Kg which is the max allowable for the car, and I did this by adding a sand bag to the front locker.

In an earlier life I used to move boats on rented car trailers which are always double axle.
You will have an accident with one you just don't know when or how bad.

On Saturday, 8 May 2021 at 19:13:01 UTC+1, jpg...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Saturday, 8 May 2021 at 16:22:17 UTC+1, Robert Seccombe BE wrote:
> > On our single axle two place glider trailer I destroyed the two original tires that were on it when I acquired it. One was just a cut in the sidewall that I discovered while parked. The other was a total failure while on the highway; and I wasn't aware of it but for another driver alerting me. The tire was completely missing and the rim was destroyed; this while towing behind a 21' class C. The replacement wheel and tire were from W&W. Though it does seem to tow somewhat better with the newer tires, I have never been happy with the way this trailer tows and I am seriously considering adding a second axle. The Airforce Duo Discus trailers are duel axle.
> Having had previous experience of one trailer losing a wheel and another having a dramatic tyre destruction, when we got a Duo with a Cobra trailer I over-ruled advice from Cobra and insisted on specifying the dual axle option. I came to regret this, partly because of the difficulty in hand manoeuvring it but mainly because the trailer, having a level it wanted to maintain that was not what the vehicle hitch wanted, tended to nod during towing. Keeping the front axle tyres a little less inflated than the rear ones helped but did not eliminate this. It may have been more comfortable if the tow car did not have self-levelling suspension but I sold out of the glider before I sold the car.

On Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:13:01 AM UTC-7, jpg...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Saturday, 8 May 2021 at 16:22:17 UTC+1, Robert Seccombe BE wrote:
> > On our single axle two place glider trailer I destroyed the two original tires that were on it when I acquired it. One was just a cut in the sidewall that I discovered while parked. The other was a total failure while on the highway; and I wasn't aware of it but for another driver alerting me. The tire was completely missing and the rim was destroyed; this while towing behind a 21' class C. The replacement wheel and tire were from W&W. Though it does seem to tow somewhat better with the newer tires, I have never been happy with the way this trailer tows and I am seriously considering adding a second axle. The Airforce Duo Discus trailers are duel axle.
> Having had previous experience of one trailer losing a wheel and another having a dramatic tyre destruction, when we got a Duo with a Cobra trailer I over-ruled advice from Cobra and insisted on specifying the dual axle option. I came to regret this, partly because of the difficulty in hand manoeuvring it but mainly because the trailer, having a level it wanted to maintain that was not what the vehicle hitch wanted, tended to nod during towing. Keeping the front axle tyres a little less inflated than the rear ones helped but did not eliminate this. It may have been more comfortable if the tow car did not have self-levelling suspension but I sold out of the glider before I sold the car.

Add 30 + lbs to the nose of your glider trailer and see how it tows. It may fix your sway issues.
Craig

On Sunday, 9 May 2021 at 16:25:16 UTC+1, Craig Reinholt wrote:
> On Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:13:01 AM UTC-7, jpg...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Saturday, 8 May 2021 at 16:22:17 UTC+1, Robert Seccombe BE wrote:
> > > On our single axle two place glider trailer I destroyed the two original tires that were on it when I acquired it. One was just a cut in the sidewall that I discovered while parked. The other was a total failure while on the highway; and I wasn't aware of it but for another driver alerting me. The tire was completely missing and the rim was destroyed; this while towing behind a 21' class C. The replacement wheel and tire were from W&W. Though it does seem to tow somewhat better with the newer tires, I have never been happy with the way this trailer tows and I am seriously considering adding a second axle. The Airforce Duo Discus trailers are duel axle.
> > Having had previous experience of one trailer losing a wheel and another having a dramatic tyre destruction, when we got a Duo with a Cobra trailer I over-ruled advice from Cobra and insisted on specifying the dual axle option. I came to regret this, partly because of the difficulty in hand manoeuvring it but mainly because the trailer, having a level it wanted to maintain that was not what the vehicle hitch wanted, tended to nod during towing. Keeping the front axle tyres a little less inflated than the rear ones helped but did not eliminate this. It may have been more comfortable if the tow car did not have self-levelling suspension but I sold out of the glider before I sold the car.
> Add 30 + lbs to the nose of your glider trailer and see how it tows. It may fix your sway issues.
> Craig

I didn't think John was talking about the trailer swaying.

I entirely agree with him. With two axles, uneven roads create a pitching moment on the trailer. Looking in the mirror, one can see the front bouncing up and down, sometimes an inch or more, and if this is relative to the car it means something is bending. Further, if the pitching is happening on a road that isn't straight, it means it could be adding unstable inputs in the yaw direction too.

So although some under-confident folks might think a twin axle trailer is more directionality stable, I'm not convinced, and there's certainly not enough benefit to make up for the drawbacks

On the worse ridged motorway I've driven on, the D1 from Prague towards Brno a few years ago. the pitching was so bad, shaking my head up and down, that I drove at 40 mph for a while, then turned off and took a different route towards Vienna. Then I avoided the road for a few years until I read it had had some work done - not fully resurfaced but planed down flat again.

The only advantage of twin axle over single is that if you have a puncture you can continue a bit to a better place to change the wheel, as for instance when I noticed a trail of sparks in the mirror while driving through road works contraflow, and carried on to the next services.