This is one of the most common questions we receive about maintaining a trailer of any type.
How do I get the most our tires?
Here are some tips to consider.
- Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail when in use because of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, overloading, or other conditions resulting from use, misuse or neglect.
- High speed towing in hot conditions degrades tires significantly.
- Best practice. Do not exceed 60 mph while towing a trailer.
- Most ST trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
- Load carrying capacity decreases as heat and stress generated by higher speed increases.
- Time and elements weaken a trailer tire.
- 3 to 5 years in the average life expectancy of a trailer tire, regardless of mileage.
- It is estimated that in approximately three years, roughly one-third of a tire’s strength is gone.
- After three years, depending on storage and usage, consider replacing trailer tires, even if they have good tread depth.
- After five years, trailer tires should be replaced in all cases.
How often should I replace my tires?
Trailer tires can be worn beyond use although they may appear to have adequate tread. This is because trailer tires support a lot of weight even when not in use. It is actually better for a tire to be rolling down the road than to sit in storage, exposed to static weight and UV exposure. During use a tire releases compound lubricants that are beneficial to tire life. Using tires also assists in preventing flat spots from developing.
If one tire fails, the remaining tires will be required to suddenly compensate by supporting the increased load. This increase of weight may overload the other tires causing a chain reaction blowout or other internal structural damage. After a blowout, check the other tires for damage and replace all tires on the side of the blowout.