- Written by: TrailerTires.com
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- Written by: TrailerTires.com
Trailer Tires & What to Consider
There are many things to consider when determining which Trailer Tire is right for your trailer. We are going to discuss the main points that need to be addressed when outfitting your trailer with new Trailer Tires. Should you use Radial or Bias-Ply? Should you use Load range C or Load Range D? Do I have to use an ‘ST’ tire? These are all good questions.
First off, we will revisit the Radial vs. Bias-Ply debate that was covered in a previous blog, only today’s entry will be much briefer. Radial tires are going to be better suited for highway/high volume usage. This is because they tow better at higher speeds and last longer than a Bias. They also shed heat better, reducing the risk of blow-outs on long hauls. Bias Ply tires are cheaper alternatives that perform just fine under moderate to low use on mainly secondary (around town) roads. You can absolutely use them on the highway; they just won’t perform as well or last as long as a Radial.
Secondly, we will address how to determine the appropriate Load Range (L.R.) for your trailer tires. I would like to address the common perception that a higher L.R. automatically means a higher quality tire; this is not always the case. The L.R. should be determined by using the GVW or Gross Vehicle Weight. Depending on the type of trailer, tongue weight can be anywhere from 10-20% but we do not like to use that weight in our equation so that there is a built in safety margin. Take the GVW and divide it by the amount of tires. This will give you the minimum poundage that each tire should be rated at. Keep in mind that the higher the L.R., a higher PSI will be needed. If you go over and above on L.R. then the PSI will be higher than needed making the tires very hard and bouncy.
Finally, it is always recommended that an ‘ST’ or ‘LT’ tire should be used on trailers. This is a common question because many trailers are outfitted with tires that have a ‘P’ on them. A ‘P’ on the tire means that it is meant for use on a Passenger vehicle (car tire). ‘P’ tires are round and rubber and will surely fit on a trailer, but are not recommended due to the construction of the tire. ‘ST’ tires are designed to be towed and have stronger sidewalls needed for trailers.
- Written by: TrailerTires.com
TRAILER TIRES.com
(a division of Eastern Marine)
Since 1981, Eastern Marine has served America with our unique blend of Discount Boating Equipment, Fishing Tackle, RV Accessories and Trailer Parts. For over 30 years our core specialization and distribution of Trailer Parts has continued to grow in size and scope.
In 1999, Eastern Marine launched our first online shopping web site 'Trailer Parts Superstore' which features our extensive inventory of repair and replacement parts for most types of recreational and commercial trailers. Not long after that we added the TrailerTires.com website to highlight our extensive trailer tire, trailer wheel and tire accessory offering to all of North America. Since then, TrailerTires.com has remained one of the most recognized sources for a superior selection of trailer tires at discount pricing... along with a huge in-house inventory and superfast order shipping!
Trailer Parts Superstore & TrailerTires.com is now supported by a vastly expanded amount of warehouse and retail space at our Newark, Delaware complex. Tens of thousands of satisfied customers have now bought online or in-person at our "one-of-a-kind" Trailer Parts Superstore Showroom. Our signature customer service includes secure, tax-free shopping, fast shipping, technical assistance and a courteous, knowledgeable staff ready to assist you with your trailer parts needs and solutions.
- Written by: TrailerTires.com
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS:
Proper wheel selection is a very important component of your trailer gear system. When replacing your trailer tires and trailer rims it is critical that the proper size and load range be selected in order to match the load requirements of the trailer. The following characteristics are extremely important and should be thoroughly checked when replacing trailer tires.
- TIRE CONSTRUCTION TYPE - Bias Ply vs. Radial
- TIRE APPLICATION TYPE - (ST) Special Trailer vs. (P) Passenger Car
- TIRE SIZE - % of section height / section width Refereed to as 'Aspect Ratio'
- TIRE LOAD RANGE - Load carrying capacity and air pressure rating
- RIM SIZE - Diameter and width must match tire
- RIM BOLT CIRCLE - Diameter of bolt circle must match hub
Quite often consumers are uncertain how to read or interpret specifications on a tire side wall. This problem is compounded by the Trailer Tire Industry's use of three different size identification systems on trailer tires. The following are examples and explanations of tire code.
- THE NUMERIC SYSTEM - (4.80 X 8) mostly used on smaller trailer tires, indicates the tire section width (4.80"), and the rim diameter (8")
- THE ALPHA NUMERIC SYSTEM - (B78 X 13 C) common on 13"-15" trailer tires, indicates air chamber size (B), the 'Aspect Ratio' (78), the rim diameter (13"), and the load range (C)
- THE METRIC SYSTEM - (ST205 75D 15) currently being phased in by trailer tire manufacturers, indicated the tire application type (ST-special trailer), the section width (205mm), the 'Aspect Ratio' (75), the construction type (D= bias ply), and rim dia.(15")
Proper trailer rim selection is also important to assure replacement wheels will match your existing trailer hardware. Be certain to match your wheel 'bolt circle' pattern to the axle hub. The wheel bolt circle is determined as follows:
Tire 'load range', or the maximum weight each tire can safely support, must be considered when selecting the proper size tire for your application. The load range and maximum weight capacity are indicated on the tire side wall.
- LOAD RANGE B = OLD 4 PLY RATING
- LOAD RANGE C = OLD 6 PLY RATING
- LOAD RANGE D = OLD 8 PLY RATING
SPECIAL TRAILER 'ST' TIRES?
TrailerTires.com carries a full line of nylon bias ply boat trailer tires and utility trailer tire. These 'Special Trailer' (ST) tires have been constructed for better high speed durability and bruise resistance under heavy loads. Trailer tire construction varies substantially from automotive tires, therefore it is essential to choose the correct tire for your towing application. In general, trailer tires have the same load range (or ply) from bead to bead and are bias ply construction. This allows for a stiffer side wall which provides safer towing by helping to reduce trailer sway problems. The use of 'Passenger Car' (P) tires a on a trailer is not recommended because their construction, usually radial or bias belted, allows for more flexible side walls. This could lead to increased trailer sway and loss of control.
Tire 'inflation pressure' is also an important factor in proper handling as well as tire life. Maximum inflation pressure is indicated on the tire side wall and should always be checked when the tire is cold before operation.
Finally, an important safety procedure is to apply and maintain proper 'lug torque' on trailer rims. Too little torque may cause the wheel to wobble or fall off. Wheel nuts/bolts should be torqued after each wheel removal, retorque after 50 miles and frequently thereafter. Follow the manufacturers recommended torque patterN:
Use 60 degree cone angle zinc plated nuts or lug bolts initially tighten to 12-20 ft. lbs. using a cross tightening sequence (1,3,2,4 or 1,3,2,5,4). Finish torquing to 70-80 ft. lbs. (NOTE: Nuts and studs should be clean, dry and not lubricated.) Retorque after 50 miles of travel and frequently thereafter.