A common questions that we receive is, "How do I know when to replace my boat trailer tires or my trailer tires?" The answer is usually not black and white, but I'll attempt to write about some common signs that you should look for before taking a long trip.
Most trailer tires need to be replaced long before the tread wears out. The sun's UV rays and winter weather, cause considerable cracking in the sidewalls on many trailer tires. If you see any type of tread separation, cords showing, or sidewall cracking, it is time to replace the tires before pulling the trailer.
A trailer tire blowout can cause considerable damage to the trailer, boat, nearby traffic, and could also cause trailer sway leading to the driver losing control. Don't expect to get the same type of mileage out of a set of trailer tires as you would with car or truck tires. Most experts will say that trailer tires will last 3 to 5 years and 5,000 to 15,000 miles depending on how the trailer has been stored, loads hauled and the weather elements the tires have been exposed to.
The following are some common trailer tire facts to consider when selecting replacement trailer tires in addition to caring for your tires once mounted.
- Always have identically sized tires on your trailer.
- If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, you need to replace both tires on that side since the other tire is likely has been compromised by the excess weight.
- The combined capacity of the trailer tires must be equal to or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight of the axle.
- The combined capacity of all the tires should exceed the loaded trailer weight by 20%.
- ST trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 MPH.
- The heavier the load and the faster the trailer travels, the greater heat that will build up within each trailer tire.
- As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to weaken.
- Under inflation is the #1 cause to trailer tire degradation. Always inflate your trailer tires to the maximum inflation listed on the tire's sidewall.
- Check the tires inflation when cool and haven't been exposed to the sun. Temperature will change the tire's air pressure. See you didn't think that PV=nRT formula you used in Science class would ever be used again.....wrong!
- The ideal storage for trailer tires is in a cool, dark garage at maximum air pressure listed on the tire's sidewall.
- Use tire covers when ever possible if the trailer is left outside. This helps protect against direct sunlight.
- For long term storage, put the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires.
We certainly hope that this Trailer Tire information has been helpful to you. For replacement tire information, check out our great selection of trailer tires at www.SmallTires.com
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