When Should You Replace Boat Trailer Tires?

According to rubber industry research, trailer tires need to be replaced after 3–5 years of use, even though they usually appear to have plenty of tread left. Unlike your car’s tires, it isn’t miles of driving but oxidation of the rubber that wears out the tire.

How long will boat trailer tires last?

Each tire manufacturer will likely have different recommendations on the service life of a particular type of tire, but statistics suggest the average life of a trailer tire is about five years under normal use and maintenance conditions, and that tire replacement should be considered after three years, even if the

Should you rotate boat trailer tires?

Single axle boat -trailer tires usually don’t need to be rotated. A tandem axle trailer rotation isn’t necessary unless you notice increased wear that’s occurring faster than normal. In that case, rotate the tires from front to back, preferably in an “X” configuration.

Why do trailer tires wear out so fast?

That said, rapid or significantly uneven trailer tire wear can be caused by: Trailer misalignment or bent wheels from hitting curbs, potholes or debris. Not towing level, which puts more weight and strain on one axle. Uneven load management instead of spreading weight evenly to all wheels/tires.

How can you tell if a trailer tire is dry rotted?

If one or more of your tires has developed dry rot, you may notice the following warning signs:

1. Brittleness. Dry rot dries out your tires.
2. Cracks on the tread. Advanced dry rot can cause small cracks on the outside edges of your tire tread.
3. Cracks on the sidewall.
4. Faded color.

How do you tell how old trailer tires are?

How do I determine the age of my trailer tires? Every tire has a date code stamped on the sidewall, which is the date the tire was manufactured. The date code is usually at the end of the DOT I.D. and is a 4 digit number. The first two numbers indicate the week (out of 52) and the last two digits indicate the year.

What should trailer tires be inflated to?

What psi Should Trailer Tires be Inflated To Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum air pressure indicated on the tire. The tire on tire and wheel combo #AM30620 for example should be at 90 psi.

Should I cover my trailer tires?

Over time, ultraviolet rays from the sun cause tire compound to break down. When parked outside, cover your trailer tires with tire wheel covers or UV reflective material. If nothing else, park your trailer in the shade. Be aware, however, that your tires can still get a good dose of ultraviolet rays in the shade.

What PSI should my boat trailer tires be?

Boat-trailer tires require a lot of air pressure — in most cases, between 50 and 65 psi. In fact, the correct tire pressure for your boat trailer is almost always the maximum-rated pressure for that tire, which is molded right on the sidewall. Maintaining that trailer tire PSI is critically important to towing safety.

Is Load Range D better than C?

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a C load range in the same size, like # AM1ST76, the capacity is 1,360 pounds at 50 psi.

Are boat trailer tires different from car tires?

Trailer Made A tire made for a boat trailer is going to have “ST” on the sidewall, or the words “Trailer Use Only.” Unlike tires on your car, trailer tires have strengthened sidewalls to handle the weight of a boat, especially when rounding corners. Trailer tires are either bias ply or radial.

Should you inflate trailer tires to max psi?

When it comes to trailer tires you always want to have them inflated to their max psi when cold. Not only do you get the full capacity at the max psi, you also will generate less heat in the tire since there won’t be as much flex in the sidewall, you’ll get better wear and better fuel mileage.

How long do Goodyear endurance trailer tires last?

RV tires last about 3-6 years with regular use. However, certain conditions can speed up of the degeneration of your tires. One of the best all-around tires is the Goodyear Unisteel RST Radial Tire for longevity and quality.

Why do boat trailer tires wear on the inside?

Tire wear on the inside generally indicates an overloaded trailer. If you have not been carrying heavy loads, check to see if the axle has been flipped. When a load is placed on it, the bow helps support some of the weight, the axle straightens some and the tires will wear evenly.