Re: When to replace trailer tires?
Here is what I would consider.
Do you have a spare? That is the number one concern. I will be adding one to mine here very shortly. The piece of mind knowing that if I had a blowout it could be changed on the spot and driven to a tire repair shop will be priceless.
Next, on my 2006 Q6 I have a tandem axle trailer. Take a close look at the front axle tires. These have a tendency to wear faster than the rear due to the nature of tandem axle configuration. Its like pushing a play car around a corner with no steering. The tires just slide instead of turn into the corner.
Also, play very close attention to tire pressure. I just had an issue with my passenger side rear tire having a slow leak and the last trip (approx. 300 mile round trip) I didn't notice it until I got to the lake. The low tire put most of the weight bearing on the passenger side front tire. This caused the inside tread to virtually wear down to nothing and I almost had a blowout due to a bubble forming on that inside tread.
Last thing to consider is are the tires bias or radial tires. The sidewall takes a lot of side force on a bias ply tire (remember the sliding toy car example) and the cracking could reduce the tires ability to withstand these side forces.
For a 700 mile trip, my vote would be new tires or make sure you have a good spare and that way you can have the ability to repair as you go if needed. Good luck and have fun!
