Trailer on jacks

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I just purchase trailer that will need some work. I noticed that the tire have some surface cracking in the sidewall. Does that mean I have to replace the tire? It's not too deep. <br /><br />Also to take the load off on the tire do you recommend putting the trailer on jacks? By this I mean put two jacks in front of the tires. a fiberglass 15 footer will be on the trailer.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trailer on jacks

nightvision <br /><br />If there are ANY signs of cracking on the sidewalls, replace the tires. I cannot stress this enough! And yes, I personally think it is a good idea to put concrete blocks or stands to raise the tires off the ground during extended periods of storage. A month or so won't hurt, but for something like 3 or 4 months, I'd jack it up.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Trailer on jacks

Right on RB,<br /><br />Cracking is a sign of rot and that compromises the tires. The first time you get a blow out on I5 and are forced to deal with the situation you will think that the 150-300 bucks for a set of skins is CHEAP.<br /><br />Any prolong period on the tires without rotating will create a flat spot on the tires and can, not always ruin the tire. Get yourself a set of jack stands or bricks or whatever and get the load off. If you live in Fresno, you can always run up to the delta and burn off the desire to be on the water. Those of us in Wisconsin don't have that luxury. I thought about it but I can't afford an icebreaker...

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Trailer on jacks

Originally posted by nightvision:<br />Hi all,<br /> Does that mean I have to replace the tire?

Change 'em.<br /><br />I scrounge old pull off car tires for mine.<br /><br />They're normally a year or 2 old, the tread may be thin, but since they have to pay to have all their old tires disposed of, they'll usually give you the tires and only charge about $5 to mount them.<br /><br />Even if you have the small tires on 12" rims, I always see on sale at the auto store for about $20 each. They are for those little rat cars, but do great on a boat trailer.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Trailer on jacks

A used trailer should be gone thru carefully. Go with NEW trailer tires, maybe even up a size if there is clearance. Tires are not the place to save money in the heat and traffic you have in the valley. Enjoy the boat