Trailer Tire Replacement

[bakerlh]

I bought a used boat and trailer in 2003. The boat and trailer are circa 1999. I believe the tires are original. Although the tread on the two tires is fine, is there a recommended time span after which trailer tires are to be replaced? The tires are stored outdoors, but with both tires covered and off the ground.

Loon

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

If they are not weather-checked, no bulges, no sign of tread separation, good tread depth, there is no reason to replace them. If the load is at or close to the maximum load limit for the tires, it might be a good idea to replace them. Keep one for a spare if you don't currently have one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

i've gone as long a 8 years, but that trailers longest trip was 5 miles to the ramp. keeping the covered from the sun helps. keeping them inflated is absolutely necessary. if going on a long trip suggest replacing. blow out are no fun on the interstate, i know. check the for excessive heat of the bearings and tires at every stop. if hot make the necessary repair then, don't wait.
we do a caravan of 3 boats to the FL Keys every year 450 miles one way. check everything each stop.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

After 8 years, I would replace them. For the small relative cost, the security would be worth it....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

Look for the date code on the tire. It will be a 4 digit number with the first 2 digits being the week they were made and the last 2 the year. For example, 2399 will be 23rd week in 99.

I replace my tires once they are between 5 and 6 years old from date of manufacture.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

I had (4) perfect looking VERY low milage Marathon 15" radials on an empty trailer stored for 8 years. Tires were on the ground but sheltered holding only a 24' Aluminum trailer.

After loading 4000 pound boat and traveling fifty miles into crossing Alligator Alley, the tread seperated on one tire. 100 miles later lost another.

I'd buy new tires.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

Most Tire Failures are caused by Improper Inflation........Period.....

The tires on My trailer are Original Equipment,.....1988.....
And although I've taken a few Road Trips with it over the years,....
Normally,... It's less than 100 miles a year,....But most always Loaded....
Just last summer I noticed Checking in the side walls near the rim,.....The Tread is still at about 70%, but I'll Probably replace them this coming season.....

Just Checking the Tire Pressure probably would have saved you those Blow-Outs................

The tires are stored outdoors, but with both tires covered and off the ground.

Keeping the Sunlight off of them like that,............

I wouldn't Replace them til I could See Checking going on, At the Proper Tire Pressure..........

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

Read this article:

http://www.safetyresearch.net/tires.htm

"BRMA members strongly recommend that unused tyres should not be put into service if they are over 6 years old and that all tyres should be replaced 10 years from the date of their manufacture."

"Ford Motor Company added a 6-year tire replacement recommendation, regardless of tread wear, to its website and all 2006 owner’s manuals. DaimlerChrysler acknowledged it too will add a 6-year replacement recommendation."

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

And that recommendation is to avoid lawsuits like Ford had over their SUV roll-overs due to tire failure. Thank the lawyers for trying to protect us from ourselves.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

British Rubber Manufacturers Association (BRMA),

It's Really hard to accept a Timeline for Replacing All tires,........
When it's issued by a group who's Purpose is to Sell Tires........

This,+ Especially the Ford comments are another example of Lawyer driven recommendations,+ Laws.......

If you guys are wanting to Replace All your tires when the Date Code gets to 6 years,............
Send them My Way,..........

None of this is changing My Mind,.......
I've been around Trucks, Trailers, Cars,+ Boats All my life,......
Have I ever had a Blowout, or Flat,.......'Course I have........
But,...........
All I see is Paranoia,+ Fear of Lawyers........
And,...... Little or No Common Sense...............

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

There is a big difference between "recommend" and "require". I can live with the first. Let's hope we don't get the last.

Personally, I would not set off cross country on six year old tires that have been mounted and driven on.

Six year old tires that have not been mounted (new) and stored properly are a little different story.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer Tire Replacement

6 years is from personal experience and the experience of others that we boat with. Our trailering may be more severe than others since we may travel to Lake Powell or Lake Tahoe which are 700 and 500 miles away for us traveling during 115 degree days.

My boat tires are loaded at a larger percentage of max load than any car/truck tires that I own and the 6 year number avoids problems in the middle of nowhere. If you only travel 100 miles then you don't have the same requirements that I have.

Personally, I believe it is penny wise pound foolish to skimp in a safety area such as this...but I guess everyone has a cost/risk factor that they need to apply to themselves and their family's safety.