Trailer Tire thoughts

Ryank · #1 01-09-2009, 11:00 AM

Ipurchased a like new trailer that had seen the water twice since being made in 1998. The trailer tires are original and have 100% tead they were not in direct sunlight but have a very tiny bit of dry rot so small it is almost not visible. I am just curious if these are still safe to use. If they were on a car I would say no way for the age but bias tailer tires are a different animal. C'mon and give me your thoughts!

eggsuckindog · #2 01-09-2009, 04:29 PM

I'm not a tire expert but I think that dry rot a sun damage is the biggest issue, since they really don't have any I would use them.

bridgeman · #3 01-09-2009, 06:08 PM

If 8 ply use them 4 ply might not hurt, do you go any distance? If they're more than 5 years old scrap em.

FELLOW-SHIP · #4 01-09-2009, 06:14 PM

I bought my trailer in 2001 when I first got my boat. I used it for 1 year during the re built process every weekend bring the boat back and forth to work on it. In June 2002 was the first time the trailer went into the water when I finished her and started using her. I use my boat approx 40 times a year driving 20 miles one way to the dock. In June of 2008 I had my first tire problem the steel separating from one of my tires causing a blowout. I replaced that one tire and about 3 months another tire did the same thing so I replaced the three left with all new. If I were you I would keep what you got have a new spar ready to go and inspect them every trip for a while. I use Stanlass Steel lug nuts which in my opinion are worth the $1 something price tag each just incase I do have a problem I can get the wheel off easily. I also keep a complete hub assembly in the truck just incase.

FellowShip

Just for the Grins

Capt Chuck · #5 01-09-2009, 10:24 PM

Ryan
Don't kid yourself

Don't take a chance on you or your family's welfare or phucking up your SeaCraft!!!! 1998 Tires----> Dump 'em Brother!!! You can get some new Towmaster Trailer Tires for $75 or less each and be safe.
I just ordered new tires on my trailer which are 01's. I'll feel better towing to the SeaCraft get-togethers!!!

Watch this video: Know your tires

seafari25 · #6 01-10-2009, 12:51 AM

Great post Capt. Chuck!

That incident happened close to where I grew up.

I had a blowout last year with new tires on my company vehicle and I wondered how that 12 ply BF with less than 10000 km (which I put on in a month) could blow.......I guess I should change the ones on my 38 Plymouth

BTW I think 10000 km = roughly 6000 or so miles

MasterBaiter · #7 01-14-2009, 11:45 AM

I always seem to push things to the limit.
But, if I wouldn't use them on my car - I wouldn't use them on my trailer.

Fr. Frank · #8 01-17-2009, 11:29 AM

Thanks, Chuck. I went out and learned that the tires on my truck were all made in '05, but the two "new" tires we just put on my wife's 2005 car were made in 1997. WOW!
We'll be going back to the Toyota dealer to discuss their putting 12 year old tires on our Scion.

Likewise, the 2 tires I bought for my boat trailer at WalMart a year ago were made in '01. Scary, isn't it.

McGillicuddy · #9 01-17-2009, 07:57 PM

Out west its been my experience that tire dealers won't honor their road hazard and/or mileage guarantees if the tire is more than 5 years old, even if it has plenty of tread...

BigLew · #10 01-18-2009, 08:32 AM

Don't you just love Google!

"How to tell if a tire is old and tired
Several readers responded to my column on tire numbers and asked how to read a tire's date of manufacture. With modern tires' long tread...

San Jose Mercury News

Related

Archives | Automotive Q&A
Motoring RSS feed
Several readers responded to my column on tire numbers and asked how to read a tire's date of manufacture.

With modern tires' long tread life, it's possible to encounter tires that are beyond the six- to 10-year life span that's now recommended by several manufacturers, regardless of tread wear.

RVs, boat trailers and classic cars are driven infrequently and often fall into this category. One may even find a new tire that's actually several years old, still on the shelf.

Research indicates the likelihood of tire failure increases considerably after about six years of age. While sunlight, ozone and heat accelerate aging, even spare tires and those in storage can be affected. Sidewall cracks are one sign, but sometimes aging can be difficult to observe.

Here's how to read when a tire was made: Look for the tire identification code on the sidewall, containing 10 to 12 digits. It's usually found close to the wheel and is preceded by the abbreviation DOT. The code lists the manufacturing location, tire size, manufacturer's code and the week and year the tire was manufactured. You may need to check both sides of the tire as the full DOT code may only be on one side.

Tires made since 2000 use the final four digits to indicate the week and year it was built. For example, 1505 means the 15th week of 2005.

Earlier tires have one less digit, omitting the decade. 155 indicates the 15th week of either 1985 or 1995 — an oldie for sure.

By the way, the most important thing you can do to enhance safety and fuel economy is to regularly check and maintain correct tire pressure. Low tire pressure wastes fuel, causes tire overheating leading to failure, and reduces wet weather traction. Tires should be checked when cold. Use the recommended pressure listed on a sticker on the driver's-side door or door pillar."

Just wanted to let you know.