Trailer tires

How to Find the Best Trailer Tires: An In-depth Guide

Trailer tires are often the unsung heroes in the world of towing, be it for recreational or professional purposes. Investing time in understanding the complexities of trailer tires can pay dividends in terms of safety, performance, and value for money. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive approach to finding the best trailer tires tailored to individual needs.

Understanding the Role of Trailer Tires

The Unique Burden on Trailer Tires

Unlike regular passenger car tires or even light truck tires, trailer tires shoulder unique burdens. They are designed not just to support weight but to manage it under dynamic conditions. Imagine the momentum and sway of a heavily laden trailer on a highway. The tires must manage the side-to-side motion, absorb shocks from the road, and dissipate heat effectively, all while carrying heavy loads. Therefore, recognizing the significant role trailer tires play in ensuring safety is the first step in making an informed decision.

Determining Your Needs

Load Capacity: Beyond the Basics

It’s easy to underestimate the total weight your trailer will carry. Beyond the trailer’s weight, consider the weight of the cargo, liquids, equipment, and any additional accessories. A common pitfall many fall into is just looking at the trailer’s dry weight and neglecting the cargo. Make sure to consult your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The tires you choose should have a combined carrying capacity that exceeds the GVWR for an added safety margin.

Type of Use: Not All Trailers Are Equal

Will your trailer frequently venture off-road? Is it primarily for transporting livestock, which has its dynamics due to the movement of animals? Or is it a travel trailer meant for highways? Each usage scenario demands different features from the tire. For example, frequent off-road use might necessitate stronger sidewalls and aggressive tread patterns, while long highway stretches require excellent heat dissipation capabilities.

Technical Considerations

Tire Construction: Bias Ply vs. Radial

Bias ply tires, with their diagonal ply pattern, were the industry standard for years. They are rugged and generally less expensive. However, they heat up faster and can wear unevenly. On the other hand, radial tires, with plies running perpendicular to the direction of travel, are flexible, run cooler, and often provide a smoother ride. They tend to be more expensive but are becoming the popular choice for their longevity and performance. Your decision should factor in both your budget and the conditions under which the trailer will be used.

Speed Rating: An Often-Overlooked Factor

While most might think they won’t be speeding with a trailer, speed ratings aren’t just about top speed. They also give an indication of how the tire performs under prolonged use. A tire used frequently at its upper speed limit will heat up and degrade faster. Knowing and respecting the speed rating can extend the life of your tires and ensure safety.

Special Considerations

Climate and Weather Adaptability

The region where you’ll predominantly use your trailer plays a significant role in tire selection. For those in:

  • Wet Climates: Prioritize tires with deep grooves, sipes, and patterns that effectively expel water. This reduces the risk of hydroplaning and ensures better grip on wet roads.
  • Hot Climates: Focus on heat resistance. Continuous exposure to high temperatures can accelerate tire wear and increase the risk of blowouts. Look for tires that use advanced rubber compounds designed to perform optimally in hot conditions.
  • Cold and Snowy Climates: Traction is paramount. Tires that offer better cold resistance, deeper treads, and even metal studs can be invaluable when towing in icy conditions.

Tire Age: New Doesn’t Always Mean Fresh

Even if unused, tires age. Rubber compounds break down over time, affecting performance and safety. When purchasing, ensure the tires are not just new but also recently manufactured. The DOT code on the sidewall provides information about the tire’s production date.

Brands and Reputation

Why Brand Matters

While brand isn’t everything, it can be a reliable indicator of quality, especially when it comes to tires. Established tire manufacturers have extensive R&D departments, rigorous quality control, and years of feedback from millions of users. Opting for reputable brands often translates to better safety records, consistent quality, and better customer support.

Reviews and Feedback

In the age of digital connectivity, leverage the power of reviews. Real-world feedback from fellow trailer owners can provide invaluable insights into tire performance, longevity, and any issues. However, approach reviews with a discerning mind, focusing on patterns rather than individual complaints or praises.

Economic Factors

The Price-Value Equation

Tires are an investment in safety, performance, and peace of mind. While everyone has a budget, it’s crucial to balance cost savings with quality. Cheaper tires might save money upfront but may wear out faster or underperform in challenging conditions, leading to potential safety hazards or additional expenses in the long run.

Warranties and Guarantees

A robust warranty can be a testament to a manufacturer’s faith in its product. It also provides a safety net for consumers. Understand the terms of the warranty, what it covers, and for how long. Some manufacturers also offer trial periods during which you can return the tires if they don’t meet your expectations.

The Basics: Understanding Trailer Tires

Types of Tires

There are primarily two types of trailer tires:

  • ST (Special Trailer) Tires: Specifically designed for trailers, ST tires have thicker sidewalls to manage heavier loads, reducing the chance of sway.
  • LT (Light Truck) Tires: These are designed for light trucks but can sometimes be used on trailers, especially if the trailer’s weight is within the tire’s load capacity.

Anatomy of a Tire

A trailer tire comprises several components:

  • Tread: The part of the tire that contacts the road. The design can vary depending on intended use (e.g., wet vs. dry conditions).
  • Sidewall: The side of the tire, containing vital information about the tire, including its size, type, load capacity, and speed rating.
  • Bead: This is where the tire grips the rim. A snug fit ensures the tire stays on the wheel.
  • Ply: The layers of fabric and rubber that give the tire its strength.

Why Special Tires for Trailers?

Trailer tires differ from car and truck tires primarily because of the unique demands placed on them.

  • Load: Trailers often carry heavy loads, requiring tires that can handle increased weight without deforming or failing.
  • Heat Dissipation: Towing increases heat generation, so trailer tires are built to dissipate this heat more effectively.
  • Sidewall Strength: Trailer sway is a concern, so the sidewalls of trailer tires are designed to be stiffer to provide stability.

Reading the Sidewall

Understanding the information on the tire sidewall can help you choose the right tire and maintain it properly.

  • Size: Indicated as a series of numbers/letters, like “ST205/75R15”. This gives the type, width, aspect ratio, construction, and diameter.
  • Load Index & Rating: Indicates the maximum weight the tire can safely carry.
  • Speed Rating: Represents the maximum speed the tire can handle while carrying its maximum load.
  • DOT Code: A series of characters denoting the manufacturing date and location.

Maintenance and Care

Regular Checks

  • Tire Pressure: Always ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Over or under-inflated tires can cause uneven wear and increase the risk of blowouts.
  • Tread Depth: As the tire wears, its ability to grip the road decreases. Replace tires when they reach their tread wear indicators or if cracks appear.

Avoiding Sun Damage

UV rays can degrade the rubber compounds in tires. When storing your trailer, try to keep it out of direct sunlight or use tire covers.

Rotation

To ensure even wear, it’s a good idea to rotate your trailer tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Replacing Trailer Tires

While regular maintenance can extend the life of your trailer tires, they won’t last forever. It’s generally recommended to replace trailer tires every 3-6 years, regardless of tread depth, due to rubber degradation.

Tips for Safe Towing

  • Match the Tire to the Load: Always ensure your tires can handle the weight of your trailer and its cargo.
  • Stay Within Speed Limits: Trailer tires are often rated for lower maximum speeds than car or truck tires. Exceeding these speeds can lead to tire failure.
  • Balancing and Alignment: This ensures even wear and prolongs tire life.

Conclusion

The right trailer tires, properly maintained, are foundational to safe and efficient towing. Whether you’re hauling precious cargo or embarking on a recreational adventure, giving the tires under your trailer the attention they deserve will pave the way for smooth journeys ahead.