Offering
a complete selection of LOADSTAR, TREDIT H188 & GOODYEAR brand trailer tires,
rims & tire
accessories for Boat, Utility, RV, and most Commercial / Recreational
trailers.
We
offer secure online ordering, and expedited shipping
via UPS to the United States, Canada & Australia.
Click
on the items below to begin shopping online
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 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
WHY
SPECIAL TRAILER 'ST' TIRES?
Eastern Marine carries a full line of nylon bias ply trailer tires.
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 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 use and frequently thereafter. |
|
A
Division of the Eastern Marine Online Network
Copyright© 2000 - 2013 Eastern Group, Inc.
|
