how do trailer tires wear?

[jtexas]

Can you judge the condition of a trailer tire by looking at the treads? Seems like it would take forever to wear 'em down. So how do you know when they need replacement?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

Since you usually don't wear them out, you need to look at the "date code". I wouldn't use a tire that is over 4 or 5 years old on a long trip through the desert.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

I replace mine regardless every 3 years. Just not worth the unknown causing problems...I bet I don't put 3000 miles a year on them either. Most are 350 Mile round trip excursions. I worry more about dry rot and cracking more than anything....

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

[colour=blue]Ozone degradation. Tiny sidewall cracks are the first indication.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

When to replace them depends to a large extent whether the trailer is stored indoors or outside. If stored outside, buy or make a set of tire covers out of heavy vinyl or canvas. Protecting the tires from the sun will greatly prolong their life. A periodic coat of protectant will also help. When you see checking and cracking replacement is way overdue. A fingernail test is another non-technical test. Weather beaten tires will feel hard if pushed by a finger nail.

 

[DJ]

Re: How do trailer tires wear?

Re: How do trailer tires wear?

The others are correct.

Typically, the average boat trailer tire will fail due to sidewall degredation rather than tread failure.

Tandem axle trailer tires wear quicker because of the "scrubbing" that takes place during turns.

 

[roscoe]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

OK, so it's about time for me to replace my tires.
Can I just get a new axle, or do I have to buy a whole new trailer?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
d

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

Roscoe -- there's an easier way to get new tires, axle and trailer. Unhook your trailer at the top of the Broadway hill. Let 'er go and let the insurance company take care of it. Bet you wonder how I know about that hill huh? MHS -- 1958, Tombstone Tap etc. Yup -- I'm a "duffer". I'll be on the Holcombe Flowage next weekend and the following week.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

Can anything be done to prevent or postpone the cracking? Some people have told me to store the trailer on jack stands so the weight is off the tires. Any truth to this?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: how do trailer tires wear?

Nothing you can do short of storing your tires in an inert environment. Storing your trailer on jack stands may prevent a flat spot if the tire sits for a long time but that's about it.

Can anything be done to prevent or postpone the cracking? Some people have told me to store the trailer on jack stands so the weight is off the tires. Any truth to this?