Trailer Tires: 5 Things You Should Know

I sold tires for 38 years and I agree with everything you said.

I run 12 ply steel belted 225s. Best trailer tire upgrade I’ve ever done.

I recently bought a small 2003 boat and trailer. When I got it home I checked the DOT date code. 2002. Twenty-two years. Previous owner used the boat and trailer every year. Tires looked great, but a new set was the first upgrade I did to my new boat!

So FOR ME a automotive mechanic over 50 years, i know how tire pressures change with , temperature, age, and neglect! For me every 2 months i fire up my portable compressor and air up my fleet, trucks, motorhome, trailer, car dolly, side by side, ones on the ground and the spares for them all, not all of them need alot but they all need some, so if you figure at the 2 month mark there loss is “X” then just imagine over a longer time what they will lose! I was ALWAYS amazed just when trucks came to my shop, not just the ones that contractors used but also the ones with 2 or more child seats in them, that would have10 to 20 psi less pressure from the stated pressure on the door sticker. Often we were accused of “just trying to SELL some tires” yet a blind man could have seen how bad of tires some people had on there vehicles! The concept of the TPMS systems is awsome, however with time many people still drive with the system telling them “tire pressure” LOW… they will tell you things like oh im just driving around town, or i dont carry any heavy weight, or my favorite, i thought i had a bad sensor cause the tire looks ok!!!

Very helpful reminders. Since you asked, I pull an 11,000 lb 5th wheel, and a dual 3500 lb axle utility trailer. I check the tire pressure & lug nut torque before each trip. I write the torque & PSI on all equipment w/ a paint marker so I won’t forget. Thanks for helping us be smarted about our trailers.

Thank you for a very informative video. As a tow / recovery operator, seen lots of tire issues. This information needs to be out there. Well done.

5 psi over cold. I used to heavy haul and that saved many tires. Especially in the high temperatures in the summer. I check tire pressure every trip. And sometimes during a trip. Excessive? Maybe. I have never had to change a tire on a trip. Carry spares for truck and trailer anyway. Y'never know. Pull a 48' 18K tri axle gooseneck & a 42' 13K dual axle fifth wheel. Inspect/service bearings often. Beginning and midseason.

I check them every time! You are great! Good explanations on everything !!!!

Just bought a new to me 1448 Jon boat, 1988 Evinrude 9.9hp tiller, and a trailer. The hour plus drive home was sketchy at best, dirt roads and slow. Trailer rehab time. At a minimum, the trailer tires are shot, dry rot. I don't know squat about trailer tires which is why I am here. Thanks for the extremely informative/educational video. Knowledge is pretty cool when passed along by someone who nails the delivery spot on.

My trailers are used intermittently so I check the tire pressures before each use. If used on a trip, I use the "thump" method each morning and when doing rest stops.

I like seeing all the examples you have being balanced. Something i think that is important.

I pull an RV trailer and I check the tire pressure at least once a week while travelling or at the beginning of a trip. I also carry an extra spare tire just in case when travelling afar in some cases. In over 25 years of pulling an RV I only had one flat on my trailer and luckily it was not a blow out but just a nail. After replacing the flat with the spare, I stopped at the next town to replace my spare. It's harder than you think to find a ST tire [in the size required] in some locations. That is why I carry an extra spare.

Loved the video. You provided a wealth of solid, useful information. I take my tire age and condition very seriously as I pull a 30 foot RV from Colorado to Canada each Summer. My tires are currently the originals from the 2018 trailer I pull. Although they look great, I will be replacing them in a few weeks as you suggested, because of the age-factor. Thanks again for the great video.

So Wise , Thank You . Why is the tire life so Short now? We Must all remember and execute

Fantastic video... I understood everything explained. Thank you C J

Good advice. Thanks.

Hoping my luck holds!! While towing a camper I can't think of anything more important than the tires and wheels that support my investment and keep us from a road side disaster. As soon as we bring a new camper home the tires get changed out for the highest load rated Tow-Max tire for that size tire. The new tires will be balanced and spend the rest of there lives at or close the max pressure. Tire pressures are monitored electronically but double checked prior to leaving any camp. (that pays off!!)

Bought a new toy hauler. It came with chrome modular wheels. Pulled it 1,500 miles. Checked the lugs and TP at almost every gas stop. At least felt the hubs and tires… got ready to head out and heard a clicking sound. One of the wheels was LOOSE!😮 The chrome had broken off the wheel seat so wheel was wobbling. Had to replace the studs and put standard steel lug nuts on it. Later went from 14 to 15 inch aluminum wheel wheels. Never had problems after that.

Thanks for the information 😊

Great video. I'd like to see a video on the tire pressure.