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Posts: 76
| On the way home from Canada last week, my trailer tire exploded causing extensive damage to my trailer. By extensive, I mean that it ripped off my fender/marker light and broke the rear bunk off of the support arm---- on top of destroying the tire and rim. With that being said---- I was wondering which tire everyone uses-----and which tires seem to be the longest lasting of the bunch? Thanks for the help guys----Pat Elza |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | what brand exploded on you? Had one blow up on me last month and luckily avoided damage.
I just replaced mine with Maxis after having them suggested to me by several others. |
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Posts: 2097
| http://muskie2.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?fid=4...
Discussion from about a month ago. |
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Posts: 76
| My tires were Goodyear-- not sure on the exact model--- haven't checked the destroyed sidewall just yet. I'm thinking it was dry rot as the trailer is 10 years old but the boat hasn't been used in almost two years---- until last week---and BOOM!!!! Murphy's Law at its' finest, I guess-----Pat |
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Posts: 174
Location: Naperville, IL | No tire will be reliable if you let them sit for years and get dry rot. |
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Posts: 696
Location: Livin on a Prayer. | Tires rot...even when the trailer isn't used. The weather is the biggest culprit.
Then overloading them, or not keeping them to proper pressure creates the problem.
Boom....is right. It doesn't matter who makes the tire.
Murphy probably had nothing to do with it.
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Posts: 20263
Location: oswego, il | Who makes the best trailer tire for double tens? |
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Posts: 1660
Location: central Wisconsin | I'll tell you guys what I know, I am an automotive tech suspension specialist. I align around 1500 vehicles yearly including around 100 or so boat trailers.
DO NOT buy bias ply tires unless you have no other option.
Buy radials, preferably P or LT rated, that is passenger or light truck.
Get your tires balanced
Rotate side to side on an annual basis
Inflate to max psi
If you must buy ST rated tires (small trailer) do not exceed 65 mph, that is all they are rated for.
Edited by Jeff78 8/12/2015 7:29 PM
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Location: 31 | Jeff78 - 8/12/2015 7:27 PM
I'll tell you guys what I know, I am an automotive tech suspension specialist. I align around 1500 vehicles yearly including around 100 or so boat trailers.
DO NOT buy bias ply tires unless you have no other option.
Buy radials, preferably P or LT rated, that is passenger or light truck.
Get your tires balanced
Rotate side to side on an annual basis
Inflate to max psi
If you must buy ST rated tires (small trailer) do not exceed 65 mph, that is all they are rated for.
Jeff, are you saying you recommend not using trailer tires?
BTW; I think tires have a shelf life of about seven years? This reminds me of a conversation I overheard in a lake bar 20+ years ago… “the first time I forget to trim my motor up going under the bridge, wouldn't you know it (murphy's Law), banged some rocks and now my prop is all chewed up”.
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Posts: 194
Location: Lake Elmo, MN | I would NEVER consider buying a passenger car or light truck tire for my trailer....ever ! Granted they indeed are rated for 65mph...so I stay at or below that speed. But for a rig like I run (large Ranger) trailer tires are more reinforced and designed to handle the heavier loads on the sidewalls. Run radial trailer tires...they are widely available.
As for tire life, tires wear out s the rubber compounds start to rot from UV rays and atmospheric decay. Treads on trailer tires rarely wear out but the tires should ALWAYS be replaced at around 5 years max. (I once got 7 years out of some tires, but I was at the absolute outer edge of the limits).
Drive your trailer 65 or under and all will be well. Really no reason ever to go faster. Think of it this way...... on a typical trip where you drive 70mph for 200 miles (versus 65), you only save a half hour.
Edited by PSAGuy 8/12/2015 10:38 PM
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Posts: 44
Location: Ohio | Check out this article:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=219
It is common for trailers (in general) to run with ST or LT designations. Running a trailer on passenger tires is another story all together. I found it interesting how Goodyear will allow you to run the tires up to 75 mph with an increase of 10 psi over max. Marathons will be the next set I go with. |
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Posts: 76
| Thanks for the input guys-----just to clarify some things----- I had "visually inspected" the tires before leaving the house in Indiana. The tires were inflated properly to the max psi---as I do before EVERY trip that I take with the boat. We had driven over 1000 miles on them before the blowout occurred. The boat has been "garage kept" for the last two year so I do not believe that UV was part of the problem---but I will keep that in mind for the future. It was just "its' time" to blow---- time for some new radials ----keep on rollin'--------Pat Elza |
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Location: Contrarian Island | good info...my next set will be LT rated |
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Posts: 1516
| I have had my share of blow outs and the last one I checked and the tire was about 6 years old. It was 4 years old when I bought it "new" I think changing them every 5 years is good advise. I also cover the tires when not in use. |
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Location: 31 | nick220722 - 8/13/2015 9:28 AM
Check out this article:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=219
It is common for trailers (in general ) to run with ST or LT designations. Running a trailer on passenger tires is another story all together. I found it interesting how Goodyear will allow you to run the tires up to 75 mph with an increase of 10 psi over max. Marathons will be the next set I go with.
Nice work Nick! I need some tires soon and will be going with the LT same as Nelson. |
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Posts: 44
Location: Ohio | Thanks,
Here's some additional reading for you.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/trucks-trailers/415698-lt-truck-tires-t... |
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| Sounds funny but the new Ranger 17" rims come with car tires. The smaller sidewall on the 17 can carry the weight with less sidewall flex. |
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Posts: 84
| PSAguy is right, ST by the way stands for standard trailer,LT is light truck and P is passenger. Why people drive more than 65 or 70 tops pulling a boat is crazy, your begging for trailer tire problems as stated their only rated for 65 mph. On tires theirs a code stating when their made like 0815 means I belive the eighth week in 2015. Sometimes tire shops want to get rid of the oldest stock tires first, but if you don't check them or ask whats the date of manufacture of the tires your putting on my wheels you may get tires that are a few years old already. Make sure you get the latest made tires. They cost the same as the older tires. |
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Posts: 194
Location: Lake Elmo, MN | The real key (other than buying the right tool for the right application) is making sure you do not try to get too much life out of ANY tire simply because there is tread left. Tread is not always an indicator of remaining tire life. Rubber chemistry breaks down after extended exposure to atmospheric conditions. The oxygen in the air (around 20.9%) breaks down the rubber molecules slowly over time weakening the tire's ability to hold the load and inflation. Moisture in the air (humidity) does as well, causing rot etc.
If you have tires that are 5 years old, but look brand new from a tread perspective......then buy new ones or face greatly increased odds of a blowout while motoring down an interstate. It's one of those "pay me now, or pay me later" kind of deals. You WILL DEFINITELY be replacing those tires sometime very soon......do you want to be doing it while on the shoulder of Interstate 35 ??
To answer the original post tho.....I now run 5 (one a spare) brand new Maxxis 8008 tires. Got rid of 5 Goodyear Marathons (original equipment on my Ranger 620).
Edited by PSAGuy 8/15/2015 11:28 AM
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Posts: 299
Location: Nowheresville, MN | Are the Maxxis white lettered?
The Marathons apparently are no longer (maybe even since 2012). Now I've got an oddball. Though from what I've gathered it seems I need to replace all anyway...
Edited by tfootstalker 8/17/2015 7:50 PM
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Location: 31 | 4amuskie - 8/14/2015 8:57 AM
Sounds funny but the new Ranger 17" rims come with car tires. The smaller sidewall on the 17 can carry the weight with less sidewall flex.
After checking around some online it's probably best to change out the 14” rims to go with a LT because there's not a lot of LT tires being made that size. The only one I could find that fits my trailer; Search Tire Size: 215/75/14 - Freaturing: Hankook OPTIMO H724
Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, I'll probably go with the Maxxis this time around based on recommendations/research.
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Posts: 194
Location: Lake Elmo, MN | No...The Maxxis are not available anymore with OWL (white letters). |
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Posts: 228
| Never buy an old tire just because it is on sale. As stated above, the date of manufacture is on every tire sold. I had a set of trailer tires on my Ranger Trail trailer that were 8 years old and looked like brand new. Less than 1,000 miles on them because my boat is on a lift at the local marina. I was planning on taking a 600 mile round trip with my boat and I replaced the tires before I left!!
Bob
Edited by bob1 8/23/2015 6:58 PM
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Posts: 437
| I have had my boat 5 years and one tire (shoulder of the road side) was having some edge wear so I decided I would swap my spare (never used since I bought the boat) for it. The tire "looked" fine, but when I jacked it up I had massive tread separation. I was hoping to use that tire as a spare, which at that point, the day before my Canada trip was no longer an option.
IMO the tires that are near the shoulder are the ones that take a savage beating. If you are ever on two lane roads, they are always off the side of the pavement. So rotating them every year is a good idea, I would even suggest rotating in your spare as well.
Even at that 5 years is a long time on these tires.
I have Good Year Marathons which is what my trailer came with and what I replaced my destroyed one with. Been happen with them. I don't think it was any fault of the tire just wore out.
I think this winter I am going to jack my trailer up to get the tires off the ground all winter. Its always inside, but just that static weight on that small contact patch I think it bad. |
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Posts: 512
| Captain - 8/24/2015 9:50 AM
I have had my boat 5 years and one tire (shoulder of the road side) was having some edge wear so I decided I would swap my spare (never used since I bought the boat) for it. The tire "looked" fine, but when I jacked it up I had massive tread separation. I was hoping to use that tire as a spare, which at that point, the day before my Canada trip was no longer an option.
IMO the tires that are near the shoulder are the ones that take a savage beating. If you are ever on two lane roads, they are always off the side of the pavement. So rotating them every year is a good idea, I would even suggest rotating in your spare as well.
Even at that 5 years is a long time on these tires.
I have Good Year Marathons which is what my trailer came with and what I replaced my destroyed one with. Been happen with them. I don't think it was any fault of the tire just wore out.
I think this winter I am going to jack my trailer up to get the tires off the ground all winter. Its always inside, but just that static weight on that small contact patch I think it bad.
Where should you jack them up? i did on my axle one winter and it bent it.. :/ |
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Posts: 437
| On my previous boat I put a jack stand under the frame in front of each tail light and then under the tongue. It was a lighter boat, but never had a problem.
The trick was getting the back stands under it. I lowered the front as low as I could, then put the two jack stands in place. Then raised the front which lifted the axle off the ground and then placed a jack stand essentially right under the winch post and then lowered the front jack down until it was suspended in air. Having it completely off the ground with a heavy boat may not be the best idea, but relieving some of the weight I think is a good idea. |
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| Just wanted to thank those that provided so much good information and the links. I just bought a used boat and the tires on the trailer look almost new. The previous owner said he thought they probably had less than 2,000 miles. Excellent tread, side walls have no signs of weathering. But, after looking at them, they must be original to the trailer, or 11 years old. I will be replacing after doing the reading on the links and what was posted. |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | What tire will you go with? Seems there was still some he said/she said on whether an LT (light truck) was ok (actually better) to use on a trailer or if one has to stay with an ST? In my size 215/75R14 no one makes a D or E rated tire in an ST, and I'd love to get something better than a C. Kumho makes the 857 in a D load on a smaller 205R14 that would fit mine, but I'm not aware of anything else, though I haven't looked at LT's yet. So who's right and who's wrong on the LT vs ST deal? Or is there no right or wrong and just like a lot of things it's one opinion vs another? |
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Location: 31 | I'd like to put a LT on my 14" rims but could not find very many tires that size and will most likely go with a Maxxis soon.
4amuskie said that the new Rangers had 17" rims with regular tires, I confirmed that in the parking lot over the weekend... but don't want to buy new rims.
Here is the only tire I could find in that size; 215/75/14 Hankook OPTIMO H724. Any experts care to chime in? |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | What's the load rating on that tire Jerry? |
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Location: 31 | Propster - 8/30/2015 11:44 PM
What's the load rating on that tire Jerry?
Rating 98/1653 pounds S/112 MPH
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35&s_kwc...
Edited by Jerry Newman 9/1/2015 9:59 PM
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Location: 31 | I just bought 4 new tires for my boat trailer for $336 delivered and thought I’d pass it on… the $100 off is for a limited time.
4 NEW 215/75-14 MAXXIS M8008 ST RADIAL TRAILER 75R R14 TIRES
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360885328166?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&s...
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Posts: 194
Location: Lake Elmo, MN | Good deal...I bought 5 (one spare) and it cost me about $520 at Discount tire...all mounted, balanced etc. |
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Posts: 400
Location: Metro | After reading through this thread it is looking like I will need some new tires as well. I just bought the boat used this year and have put many miles on it traveling from the lake to my home (about 14 miles each way). The tires have visible wear on them and I can see that the previous owner already swapped out the spare and used that as well.
One personal question I have for some of you is about the flex. I can see my tires flexing in the mirror and it worries me. When I go to make sure there is enough air pressure in them everything looks good. I came to the conclusion that trailers tires work a little different and they are meant to flex out like that when you hit bumps. Was just wondering if anyone would PM me and let me know if I am right about the flexing.
Thanks guys! |
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Posts: 84
| Your right Musky952 trailer tires do flex, I know ST tires have stiffer sidewalls than non trailer tires. I think its part of the trailer suspension how its works since boat trailers have springs but no shock absorbers. I think most trailer tire failures are caused by underinflation ,driving over the speed rating of the tire and old tires. |
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Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota. | I have a new 2012 (wow, 3 yrs past...ALREADY??) Ranger Z118 w/a 150 Yammy on the back. Stock tires from Ranger. 50# suggested max. tire pressure cold and 2 wheel trailer.
I inflate to the 50# before I take her out and see the tires flexing as I go over slight bumps (e.g. smooth RR track crossings etc.) so slow down appreciably for them and other road irregularities as needed.
It's normal and nothing to worry about. I've been told by the tire dealer here in the Twin Cities I've been using for over 20 yrs. to inflate to the 50# mark for best performance too.
No matter what you read on the internet go by what the manufacturer recommends! |
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Trailer tires---who's are the most durable?