Crackeds Tires

[New-2-Boating]

Hi Guys, I am doing some work on my new to me used tandem axel trailer. I am repacking the bearings and doing the brakes. My question is the front axel tires have 3 or 4 small 1" long cracks in them and the rear two tires do not. There is very little tread wear on them. Should I replace these 2 tires? Can I replace the front tires with the same size but a different manufacturer than the rear or do I have to replace all 4? The tires are ST205-75-R15.<br /><br />Thanks for your help.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Replacing 2 at a time is Fine.......<br /><br />It's the Size,.... Not the Manufacturer that needs to be Matched......

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Crackeds Tires

It is very common for trailer tires to "dry rot" before the tread wears out. It would be a good idea to have new tires on the trailer before you went a long distance. Keep some armor all or similar protective product on the new tires to help keep them from getting into the same shape.

 

[New-2-Boating]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Thanks as always for the info guys. This site is great!

 

[JB]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Replacing them now in a planned way is far preferrable to replacing them on the side of the Interstate in the middle of the night. Oh, and don't forget the thunderstorm.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Originally posted by Bondo:<br /> Replacing 2 at a time is Fine.......<br /><br />It's the Size,.... Not the Manufacturer that needs to be Matched......

Just to expound a little, it's also the "type" of tire that you have to match. Make sure you get R (radial) tires. Don't mix bias ply with the radials you have, no matter how cheap they may be.<br /><br />And of course JB is right on the money, the tires will only blow on the hottest or coldest or wettest day of the year!

 

[New-2-Boating]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Thanks again Guys,<br /><br />No Doubt it would be some nasty storm when one of the tires blew. I am using the same size and type as the other two. I bought them today. Dumb me I did a search of manufacturers after I bought them and of course I bought the ones alot of people are having problems with. Oh well live and learn.

 

[P51D]

Re: Crackeds Tires

New-2 - I gotta' ask: what kind did you buy, and was that the same brand as the cracked ones? I'm thinking there's a good chance you're going to say Carlise, since I see a lot of posts here reporting problems. For what it's worth, I have not had any problems with mine yet.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Crackeds Tires

I know you already bought 2 tires, but I'd be inclined to replace all 4 at the same time - only because you'll know the condition and age of all of your tires that way. If not, a year or two from now you're hassling with 2 more tires assuming they don't fail before you get around to it.

 

[New-2-Boating]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Hey P51D, you got it. They are Carlise. I appreciate the good words about them, it makes me feel much better. The trailer is now finished and I am picking up my new to me, used boat next weekend. I am sure I will now be a reqular on the I/O forum.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Crackeds Tires

iv seen a many trailer on the side of the road, REPLACE THEM!

 

[P51D]

Re: Crackeds Tires

New-2 - Good luck and ENJOY.<br /><br />P51D

 

[Colorado04]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Don't forget about a spare if you haven't picked one up already. I saw a lot of unattended one wheeled trialers on the side of the road last summer. Better safe than sorry no matter what the weather....lol.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Crackeds Tires

Check the tire date code. If the tire is more than 4-5 years old, replace them.<br /><br />Here is a site that describes how to read the date code.<br /><br /> http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11