Trailer tires

[Peter Kelly]

I was debating with myself about replacing my perfectly good trailer tires.

They looked fine.
I pressure washed them, looked closely at the sidewalls, looked at the tread, and tried to find some evidence of "weather checking" but observed none.

There was certainly no evidence of wear, since I did not travel much with the trailer.
I asked for several opinions, but no one actually got down in the dirt and did a really close inspection - just some cursory looks at the tire is all.

The ship left the factory in 2002, so the tires were probably put on by Alfred Spindelberger in early '02, making them about nine years old.

I finally convinced myself they should be replaced.

I jacked up the trailer and pulled them off.
WOW, was I surprised!

Rolling them in front front of me I could now clearly see the large cracks - probably 1/16 inch wide and 6 inches long, between some of the inner treads.

Saved again.

[Pete (98)]

Nice pre-flighting!

I've decided to replace my trailer tires every 4 - 5 years. Next time, I will use trailer tires with thicker side walls.

Are you going to replace them with tires made for trailers?

[Peter Kelly]

Yes Pete. they are made for trailers - max psi is 50 psi.

What had been on there were 195/70R14
I put 205/ somethings... on there
Bias two steel cords
It's the only "trailer tires" sold by COSTCO.

Les Schwab had the same size tires and they called them trailer tires also.
Cost about $200 per pair.... out the door.
I'lll put details on here tomorrow.

[Peter Kelly]

as promised - more details....
reading side of tires -
"trailer use only - 4 plies (1 polyester + 2 steel + 1 ply nylon)
side wall polyster
size = ST205/75R14"

my ship is heavy since I carry my iron thermal with me
ship weighs about 950 # empty, plus I carry an extra 100 # of support gear in trailer.

many glider trailers have 13 inch wheels. so 14 inch wheel ( with 5 lugs) and all of the above is N/A.

[Andy (EH)]

I hope that along with getting sporty new tires you checked the air pressure in the spare? :-)

Andy

[Pete (98)]

Peter --

Thanks for all of the details and info. I need to remember to talk to Costco the next time I need trailer tires.