trailer tire info

[carrotsnapper]

With all the flap about Carlisle Tires, I did a little of checking and found the following:<br /><br />The guy I talked to said that Carlisle tires in the past have been crummy, which we all have heard. He did say that the new tires have been a lot better. He gave me some trailer tire facts.<br /><br />Trailer tires are designed for use on trailers only, not for the loads applied to or the traction required by drive or steering axles.<br /><br />Always inflate to the maximum inflation indicated on the sidewall. Underinflation is the #1 cause of trailer tire failure.<br /><br />If a tire fails on a tandem axle, you should replace both tires on that side. The remaining tire was likely subjected to excessive loading.<br /><br />All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.<br /><br />Time and elements weaken a trailer tire. In about 3 years roughly one third of the tire's strength is gone. Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.<br /><br />The mileage expectation of a trailer tire would be 5000 to 12000 miles.<br /><br />ST tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.<br /><br />Use tire covers to protect the tires from direct sunlight. for long term storage, put the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires, lower the air pressure and cover tires as stated above.<br /><br />Clean tires using a mild soap and water. Do not use tire-care products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates.<br /><br />This info was found at the following url:<br /> http://www.knowledgecenter.net/recFitTech/TrailerTireUpdate.shtml <br /><br />I found this informative. I realize that they are in the business of selling tires and will do all they can to sell more. Good luck. Mark.

 

[JRJ]

Re: trailer tire info

Good job Mark

 

[enegron]

Re: trailer tire info

I have a comment about inflation. Inflating to max PSI on the side wall seems dangerous. If an analagy to cars holds...just because a tire may haxe a max rating of, say 50psi, that doesn't mean you should inflate it to it. With cars, you should inflate to the car's sill plate specs, which could be substantially less.

 

[JRJ]

Re: trailer tire info

enegron, Always go with what is on the tire sidewall. When new tires are mounted, they may be the same as OEM, or better, or worse. Different brands, ply rating, etc.

 

[pod184]

Re: trailer tire info

Originally posted by enegron:<br /> I have a comment about inflation. Inflating to max PSI on the side wall seems dangerous. If an analagy to cars holds...just because a tire may haxe a max rating of, say 50psi, that doesn't mean you should inflate it to it. With cars, you should inflate to the car's sill plate specs, which could be substantially less.

In regard to auto tires, manufacturers of vehicles set the tire pressure to have the best ride, not the best tire wear. This was one of the issues with Ford and Firestone a few years ago with the tread separation problem. Ford wanted a lower pressure, which caused a tire failure in some cases. I always inflate to max sidewall pressure. I figure the tire maker is going to be the best resource for correct pressure. Of course, YMMV.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: trailer tire info

From Firestone's website:<br /><br />Inflation Pressure <br /><br />Proper inflation pressure is essential for achieving maximum performance and mileage. Improper tire inflation pressure can cause severe internal tire damage, which can lead to sudden tire failure and resulting in serious personal injury or death.<br /><br />Improper inflation pressure may result in rapid or irregular wear. Pressures should always be checked when the tires are cold and at least monthly. Under normal tire operation, approximately 1psi of tire pressure will escape every month. Also, for every 10 degrees F change in ambient temperature, tire pressure will change by approximately 1psi.<br /><br />Vehicle manufacturers list recommended tire pressures for original vehicle tires in the owner's manual or on a placard on the end of the driver's side door or in the glove box. <br /><br />For continuous high speed driving, tire pressures should be increased by 3 to 5psi above the normal cold inflation recommended. However, for passenger tires, never exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded on the sidewall. The inflation pressure for light truck tires may exceed that molded on the tire by 10psi. Any recommended front to rear pressure differential should be maintained.<br /><br />Recommended Inflation Pressure <br /><br />Many people ask "what air pressures do you (meaning tire companies) recommend for cars under normal conditions?" The answer is "we recommend what the vehicle manufacturer recommends." Many people mistakenly believe the only reason vehicle manufacturers recommend certain air pressures is for ride comfort.<br /><br />What criteria do the car manufacturers use to determine inflation recommendations? <br />Ride <br />Load capacity <br />Traction, wear <br />Fuel economy/Rolling resistance <br />.....are all correct. But, consider another question:<br /> <br />"Why did Ford recommend 30 in the front and 34 in the rear on a 1997 Crown Victoria?" <br />The additional air stiffens the sidewall and makes it more stable. In order to achieve the handling, tracking, and other driving characteristics, one of the things the manufacturer can do is balance front to rear handling by adjusting the tire pressures. In adding the same air pressure in the front as the rear you will change the handling characteristics from what the manufacturer intended. Quite a few station wagons and light trucks have different pressures for the front and rear. But, it's not just station wagons and light trucks; it's also Porsches, Nissans, Corvettes, Hondas, and BMW's to name just a few.<br /><br />********<br />Conversely, I found this as well:<br /><br />Tire Pressure <br />The proper air pressure for your tires is printed on the sidewall. Pressure should be checked on the tires when cold. Do not raise or lower the pressure to accommodate your load. Excessive wear and failure will result if recommended pressure is not met. Balancing is recommended with every tire change or rotation.

 

[maverick1]

Re: trailer tire info

I go with max stamped on tire for my trailers.<br /><br />This is what I learned about car tire pressures. When I went to a law enforcement driving school they went over tire pressures before we pounded on their cars. The instructor sweared by inflating to max found on sidewall. He claimed that the tires get better life, a LOT better cornering, more resistance to hydroplanning, better fuel economy, etc... He said that the only downfall is that the ride isn't as smooth.<br /><br />That driving instructor has been teaching for 25+ years. The average tire life on their track cars are about 1,000 miles (less then 400 for brakes).<br /><br />With that said, my max psi is 44 psi but I run 40 psi. This is because I have a light weight car and 44 gets a little too bumpy. I've ran this psi well before what I learned from driving school and haven't seen unusual wear yet. There is a huge difference in handling (for the better) between the vehicle's psi "suggestion" of 28 psi and what I run.<br /><br />Just my two cents...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: trailer tire info

Always run max sidewall pressure on a trailer tire. The big diff between trailer tires and car tires is that the trailer tires are usually being run very close to their max weight load, car tires usually have some breathing room. Max tire pressure is the only way to guarantee you're getting the max strength and minimum heat buildup on your heavily loaded trailer tire. Most want 50. So run them at 50 (measured cold).

 

[fondafj]

Re: trailer tire info

As craze1cars says --- every trailer I have owned had OEM tires rated just barely able to carry the load. In fact on some 5th wheel set ups ... the math comes up short. The MFG's actually compensate for the toungue wt in their trailer tire calculations. MAX pressure for me. I also use a hand held IR thermometer to monitor tire pressure during long trips.

 

[randyo]

Re: trailer tire info

Can you explain how a thermometer will help you monitor tire pressure? Are you just doing a conversion based on the temperature of the tire to calculate the PSI?

 

[rwidman]

Re: trailer tire info

I don't know about the thermometer for monitoring tire pressure, a tire gauge is cheaper and more accurate. <br /><br />The IR thermometer is a great tool for monitoring hub and brake temperatures and will help to diagnose potential problems with these components. A hub that runs hotter than the other hub(s) needs the bearings (or possibly brakes) serviced. A brake drum that doesn't heat up in use isn't doing any braking, it's all being done by the other drum(s).

 

[John McFarlane]

Re: trailer tire info

Maverick 1 states:<br />"I go with max stamped on tire for my trailers"<br />then doesn't.<br />Sorry Mav1, what was the point of that posting?<br />You disproved your own comment.

 

[maverick1]

Re: trailer tire info

Sorry McFarlane, I meant to come across that I run max for my trailer but 4psi below max on my car. I was tired and started rambling and I geuss it got a little confusing, sorry...

 

[JRJ]

Re: trailer tire info

maverick1, you were clear

 

[craze1cars]

Re: trailer tire info

Originally posted by JRJ:<br /> maverick1, you were clear

I'll second that.

 

[fondafj]

Re: trailer tire info

An IR thermometer will give an early indication of a low pressure tire as well. A lower pressure tire generates more internal friction (at the same load) than a higher pressure tire and will heat the tire up more. As an example, on my dually truck rear tires, an offset in 3-4 psi will result in a 10-15 degree increase in the lower pressure tire. <br />I don't use the IR as a replacent for a tire guage but more for a spot check at all of my on the road stops.