Advice on new trailer tires

KD4UPL

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 13, 2010
Messages
672
My boat trailer has 4 ST175/80R13 tires. They are Goodyear Marathon radials. They were made in '03 so are now 9 years old. They still look great and don't leak a bit of air. I know many people say to replace tires after 3, 5, or 7 years depending on who you talk too so I guess I'm on borrowed time.
I've been hearing that Goodyear Marathons have been having some blow out problems. I've also hear all trailer tires are made in China now and there are no made in U.S.A tires available.
In looking at tires bias tires seem to be less expensive than radials. I know no one uses bias on vehicles anymore but does it really matter on a trailer?
I will probably replace with the same thing I have since I have gotten such good service, however, bias ply Carlisles are tempting with their lower price.

Any additional knowledge you can shed on the subject is much appreciated.
 

sam60

Captain
Joined
May 21, 2011
Messages
3,189
Re: Advice on new trailer tires

Goodyear HMG 2020 made for U-Hual is what I am sold on. I had bad luck with the Marathons on the TT. Have the HMG 2020's on the boat trailer. Heavy duty tires.
 

superbenk

Commander
Joined
Oct 27, 2008
Messages
2,033
Re: Advice on new trailer tires

Bias tires can be fine. If you do a lot of higher speed highway towing, the radials will run cooler & have less rolling resistance. Also, bias tend to develop flat spots if they sit in one position with weight on them too long.
 

KD4UPL

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 13, 2010
Messages
672
Re: Advice on new trailer tires

It sounds like I need to stick with radials then. The trailer sometimes sits for a few weeks between trips to the lake. When we do go it usually involves several hours of interstate driving.
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,165
Re: Advice on new trailer tires

Used to have flat spots all the time, but not in the last 30 years. You can't compare today's tires with the old ones. My rigs sit all Winter with no flat spots.

Personally, I don't like the way radials handle. Also, I see a lot of blowouts with radials, but rarely with a bias.

Bias for me all the way.
 

jbetzelb

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
301
Re: Advice on new trailer tires

Take a look at Maxix ST. I went from a 3 year old set of Marathon's (because one got a bubble on it) to Maxix and I really like them.
 
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