Trailer Tires: Tips & Best Practices
From a highway blowout to a construction trailer flat on the work site,
trailer tire failure is an inconvenience that can be avoided. Use the
correct tires, calculate the correct load and maintain the right inflation
to avoid problems.
trailer tire failure is an inconvenience that can be avoided. Use the
correct tires, calculate the correct load and maintain the right inflation
to avoid problems.
Use the Right Tire
Trailer tire requirements differ greatly from automotive or light truck
tires. Trailer tires are designated “ST” for Special Trailer tires.
Automotive tires are designated “P” for Passenger or “LT” for Light
Truck and are not designed for trailer use. Passenger or truck tires,
with their more flexible sidewalls, can result in trailer sway problems.
The stiffer, heavy duty sidewalls of ST tires are designed to control
and reduce sway problems. Trailer sway is dangerous at higher
speeds, with top heavy loads or on vehicles with inadequate
tongue weight.
– Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only.
– Do not use P Passenger or LT Light Truck automotive tires
on trailers.
– Do not use ST trailer tires on passenger cars or light trucks.
– An “LT” designation, when shown on a trailer tire size specifies load
range only, it is not designed for use on light trucks.
tires. Trailer tires are designated “ST” for Special Trailer tires.
Automotive tires are designated “P” for Passenger or “LT” for Light
Truck and are not designed for trailer use. Passenger or truck tires,
with their more flexible sidewalls, can result in trailer sway problems.
The stiffer, heavy duty sidewalls of ST tires are designed to control
and reduce sway problems. Trailer sway is dangerous at higher
speeds, with top heavy loads or on vehicles with inadequate
tongue weight.
– Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only.
– Do not use P Passenger or LT Light Truck automotive tires
on trailers.
– Do not use ST trailer tires on passenger cars or light trucks.
– An “LT” designation, when shown on a trailer tire size specifies load
range only, it is not designed for use on light trucks.
The ST Difference
The construction, design, materials and testing used in ST Special
Trailer tires meet the higher load requirements, duty cycles and
special demands of trailering.
– Polyester cords in an ST tire are bigger than in a comparable P or
LT tire.
– Steel cords used in ST tires have a larger diameter and greater
tensile strength to meet additional load requirements.
– ST tire rubber compounds contain chemicals to resist weather and
ozone cracking, particularly conditions resulting from extended
storage and the unusual duty cycles of trailer tires.
– The slightly shallower tread depth of a trailer tire reduces sway and
rides cooler, which adds to tire longevity.
– ST tires feature stiffer sidewalls, especially in the lower
section which:
– Reduces sidewall flexing causing the trailer to track straighter.
– Diminishes the risk of trailer sway.
– Lessens the risk of sidewall puncture and blowout.
– ST tires generally offer approximately 10% percent more load
capacity than a similar LT tire and nearly 40% more than a P
passenger tire.
Trailer tires meet the higher load requirements, duty cycles and
special demands of trailering.
– Polyester cords in an ST tire are bigger than in a comparable P or
LT tire.
– Steel cords used in ST tires have a larger diameter and greater
tensile strength to meet additional load requirements.
– ST tire rubber compounds contain chemicals to resist weather and
ozone cracking, particularly conditions resulting from extended
storage and the unusual duty cycles of trailer tires.
– The slightly shallower tread depth of a trailer tire reduces sway and
rides cooler, which adds to tire longevity.
– ST tires feature stiffer sidewalls, especially in the lower
section which:
– Reduces sidewall flexing causing the trailer to track straighter.
– Diminishes the risk of trailer sway.
– Lessens the risk of sidewall puncture and blowout.
– ST tires generally offer approximately 10% percent more load
capacity than a similar LT tire and nearly 40% more than a P
passenger tire.
Bias vs. Radial
Some ST trailer tires are bias-ply tires, which have crisscrossing cords
of polyester and/or nylon. Trailer tires are also offered in radial
construction. Radial trailer tires feature plies that run perpendicularly
across the tire, with belts (some made of steel) running under
the tread.
of polyester and/or nylon. Trailer tires are also offered in radial
construction. Radial trailer tires feature plies that run perpendicularly
across the tire, with belts (some made of steel) running under
the tread.
– Bias-ply trailer tires are recommended for tough, rugged
performance and sidewall puncture resistance such as trailers used
for construction, agriculture and some marine applications.
– Radial tires are recommended when smooth ride, tread wear, heat
and extended tire life are important considerations. Depending upon
the trailer duty cycle (storage time vs. actual time in use under load)
the mileage expectation of radial trailer tire can be from 5,000 to
12,000 miles. However, under well maintained conditions, proper
inflation and correct loads, considerably higher miles have
been reported.
performance and sidewall puncture resistance such as trailers used
for construction, agriculture and some marine applications.
– Radial tires are recommended when smooth ride, tread wear, heat
and extended tire life are important considerations. Depending upon
the trailer duty cycle (storage time vs. actual time in use under load)
the mileage expectation of radial trailer tire can be from 5,000 to
12,000 miles. However, under well maintained conditions, proper
inflation and correct loads, considerably higher miles have
been reported.
Load Limits
Trailers are used for one purpose, transporting loads. A major cause
of trailer tire failure is overloading. It’s important to know the weight
of the actual load of the payload under tow, including all the toys,
equipment, gas, gear, water and the trailer itself. An over-loaded tire
will produce excessive heat in the sidewall and tread which can
quickly cause tire degradation or blowout. Excessive heat is the
number one cause of trailer tire failure. The problem increases in
sunbelt areas where roadway surface temperatures are well above
normal conditions.
All tires are manufactured to handle specific load limits, but in towing
trailers, loads are the single greatest concern. Review the tire
sidewall information and the vehicle owner’s manual for vehicle load
limits and proper tire inflation. Never exceed the maximum load rating
stamped on the tire sidewall or the maximum vehicle load rating,
whichever is less. If possible, try to distribute the load evenly across
all tires so that no single tire is overloaded. Tongue weight, tongue
height and especially load leveling hitches must be set properly to
avoid overloading the trailer tires.
ST tires are branded with a load range (LRB, LRC, LRD, LRE and LRF)
on the sidewall, listing load range letters in the sidewall description.
For example, ST205/75R15LRD.
of trailer tire failure is overloading. It’s important to know the weight
of the actual load of the payload under tow, including all the toys,
equipment, gas, gear, water and the trailer itself. An over-loaded tire
will produce excessive heat in the sidewall and tread which can
quickly cause tire degradation or blowout. Excessive heat is the
number one cause of trailer tire failure. The problem increases in
sunbelt areas where roadway surface temperatures are well above
normal conditions.
All tires are manufactured to handle specific load limits, but in towing
trailers, loads are the single greatest concern. Review the tire
sidewall information and the vehicle owner’s manual for vehicle load
limits and proper tire inflation. Never exceed the maximum load rating
stamped on the tire sidewall or the maximum vehicle load rating,
whichever is less. If possible, try to distribute the load evenly across
all tires so that no single tire is overloaded. Tongue weight, tongue
height and especially load leveling hitches must be set properly to
avoid overloading the trailer tires.
ST tires are branded with a load range (LRB, LRC, LRD, LRE and LRF)
on the sidewall, listing load range letters in the sidewall description.
For example, ST205/75R15LRD.
Discuss specific trailer uses to select the ST tire that is load rated for
the situation.
– All tires must be identical in size for the tires to properly manage the
weight of the trailer.
– The combined capacity of the tires must equal or exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the axle.
– The combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded
trailer weight by 20 percent.
– If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, replace both tires on that side.
– If the tires are replaced with tires of a larger diameter, the tongue
height may need to be adjusted to maintain proper
weight distribution.
the situation.
– All tires must be identical in size for the tires to properly manage the
weight of the trailer.
– The combined capacity of the tires must equal or exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the axle.
– The combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded
trailer weight by 20 percent.
– If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, replace both tires on that side.
– If the tires are replaced with tires of a larger diameter, the tongue
height may need to be adjusted to maintain proper
weight distribution.
Inflation
Underinflation is the number one cause of trailer tire failure. Low
inflation pressure elevates tread temperature, especially as speed
increases. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat. Check inflation with a quality tire gauge. Operation of a
trailer tire that is 30 percent under-inflated can reduce tire lifespan by
approximately 55%. An underinflated tire creates abnormal tire
flexing and excessive heat causing the following:
– Tire damage and failure.
– Ride and handling disturbance.
– Reduction of tire life.
– Decreased fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent.
Driving on tires with too much air is also not recommended.
Over-inflated tires are more likely to cut, puncture or fail by
sudden impact.
When replacing trailer tires, always use new valve stems.
inflation pressure elevates tread temperature, especially as speed
increases. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat. Check inflation with a quality tire gauge. Operation of a
trailer tire that is 30 percent under-inflated can reduce tire lifespan by
approximately 55%. An underinflated tire creates abnormal tire
flexing and excessive heat causing the following:
– Tire damage and failure.
– Ride and handling disturbance.
– Reduction of tire life.
– Decreased fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent.
Driving on tires with too much air is also not recommended.
Over-inflated tires are more likely to cut, puncture or fail by
sudden impact.
When replacing trailer tires, always use new valve stems.
Replacement of Trailer Tires
Trailer tires can be worn beyond use although they may appear to
have adequate tread. This is because trailer tires support a lot of
weight, even when not in use. It is actually better for a tire to be rolling
down the road than to sit in storage, exposed to static weight and UV
exposure. During use a tire releases compound lubricants that are
beneficial to tire life. Using tires also assists in preventing flat spots
from developing.
If one tire fails, the remaining tires will be required to suddenly
compensate by supporting the increased load. This increase of weight
may overload the other tires causing a chain reaction blowout or other
internal structural damage. After a blowout, check the other tires for
damage and replace all tires on the side of the blowout.
have adequate tread. This is because trailer tires support a lot of
weight, even when not in use. It is actually better for a tire to be rolling
down the road than to sit in storage, exposed to static weight and UV
exposure. During use a tire releases compound lubricants that are
beneficial to tire life. Using tires also assists in preventing flat spots
from developing.
If one tire fails, the remaining tires will be required to suddenly
compensate by supporting the increased load. This increase of weight
may overload the other tires causing a chain reaction blowout or other
internal structural damage. After a blowout, check the other tires for
damage and replace all tires on the side of the blowout.
Best Practices
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail when in use
because of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation,
overloading, or other conditions resulting from use, misuse
or neglect.
– High speed towing in hot conditions degrades tires significantly.
– Best practice. Do not exceed 60 mph while towing a trailer.
– Most ST trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
– Load carrying capacity decreases as heat and stress generated by
higher speed increases.
– Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
– 3 to 5 years is the average life expectancy of a trailer tire,
regardless of mileage.
– It is estimated that in approximately three years, roughly
one-third of a tire’s strength is gone.
– After three years, depending upon storage and conditions of
usage, consider replacing trailer tires even if they have tread
depth remaining.
– After five years, trailer tires should be replaced in all cases.
because of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation,
overloading, or other conditions resulting from use, misuse
or neglect.
– High speed towing in hot conditions degrades tires significantly.
– Best practice. Do not exceed 60 mph while towing a trailer.
– Most ST trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
– Load carrying capacity decreases as heat and stress generated by
higher speed increases.
– Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
– 3 to 5 years is the average life expectancy of a trailer tire,
regardless of mileage.
– It is estimated that in approximately three years, roughly
one-third of a tire’s strength is gone.
– After three years, depending upon storage and conditions of
usage, consider replacing trailer tires even if they have tread
depth remaining.
– After five years, trailer tires should be replaced in all cases.
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