Trailer Tires ?

[abl1111]

(2) of my (4) old trailer tires are splitting as they sit the cold winter. They are ST205/75R14,
(4) ply. All different makes.

One of the newer tires is a D14 - it sits slightly higher than the others - it was replaced 12 years ago !

I do not trailer much - at all. Usually it's 1 mile to the ramp - the trailer will sit for (7) months and then 1 mile home again, where the boat will sit for the off season. I've done this for 12 years. The trailer is a mid 80's, Florida Rocket trailer - in NY. So, long distance usage is not an option. It totally meets my needs.

Note: to get the trailer in position along my house for winter storage, the tires do get torqued a bit and left that way.

What are good tires for this type of use ?

[PigSticker]

I have heard ply tires are best if a trailer sits weighted for long periods of time as the steel belts in radial tires will rust from supporting the weight and blowout down the road

[DonV]

"I do not trailer much - at all. Usually it's 1 mile to the ramp"

Simple, go to Wal-Mart and buy the cheapest trailer tires you can. On the other hand if you are towing long distances spend the extra money and buy Maxxis 8800.

[Islandtrader]

Originally Posted by DonV

"I do not trailer much - at all. Usually it's 1 mile to the ramp"

Simple, go to Wal-Mart and buy the cheapest trailer tires you can. On the other hand if you are towing long distances spend the extra money and buy Maxxis 8800.

Sage advice...

Same thing goes with trailer springs. I only dip my trailer 2 or 3 times a year in salt water. Bring it home and rinse throughly. 3-4 years later need to replace the springs.

I have sprayed, oiled, painted, Prayed to the Seacraft Gods...no avail...3 years and replace.

[Capt Chuck]

Carlisle USA Trail 205/75D14/6 ply Boat Trailer Tire*is a decent choice. Wallyword sells them.

[Bigshrimpin]

Originally Posted by PigSticker

I have heard ply tires are best if a trailer sits weighted for long periods of time as the steel belts in radial tires will rust from supporting the weight and blowout down the road

I bought a set of 4 $28 futura 13" radial car tires from pepboys in FL 10 years ago. I drove 3300 miles cross country with the trailer in 2004 . . . all over CA . . . back cross country in 2008. I gave the trailer to my brother in 2010, he's still using it with the same tires.

I had bought another Venture trailer that was new in 2011/2 for my 23. 2 of the 4 loadstar tires blew out last season on the highway and the other 2 have splits around the tread

If you are only going to drive 1 mile and don't care about a flat on the road . . . you'll be fine. Just back off the nuts and put antisize on the studs, so when you get a flat . . . you can change the tire.

If you get new tires . . . your can always block up the trailer in the winter time.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

I ran car tires on my trailers for years !!!! did some homework on this before i bought the new set last year... and bought 4 new westlake tires off ebay ... but in your case i would go with the cheaest car tire i could find due to the distance and speed traveled... even better would be used

[abl1111]

Thanks all - I bought (2) new tires from a local guy - some Chinese brand that will suit my needs. I did go with 6 ply "D" as opposed to "R" tires based on them sitting so long and the short travel time. One galvanized rim looks like 'sheet' - the back heavily rusted… I'll try to find a used one of those as much of the metal is gone… Thanks again.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

if its a standard rim 5lug x 4 1/4" .. ford ranger aluminum with the centers releived work great ... i used a bastard file ... it removes more metal than a side grinder in less time .. i bought 6 aluminum ranger wheels for 125 bucks off craigslist...

[abl1111]

Thanks for rim info - I'm going to grab (2) rims as (1) is painted and rusting badly and the other galv'y is rusting near hub ...