How often should I replace the tires on my boat trailer? Any rule of thumb?
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How often should I replace the tires on my boat trailer? Any rule of thumb?
The recommendation is every 3 years regardless of mileage. I'm too tight to do that. I check the tires closely when I'm checking the bearings every spring.
Just keep a good eye on them, especially if they're stored on the ground during non-use periods.
I use my boat, usually about three times a week so my tread will tell me before dry rot does. lol
aj
I'd say if there is any cracking or dryrot on the sidewalls.
The guy that I get tires from told me to help fight dry rot,spray the whole tire down with black magic tire shine.I spray mine about once a month and it seems to help but my tires are only a year and half old.
Well that spray stuff may make tires look pretty but read the Fine Print on a Good Year tire factory warrantee. Boat or car tire warrantee is VOID if one uses any type of tire spray on their tire as it could cause rubber to dry out &/or weaken tire. Contacted some of other tire brands factory folks & they all said same thing, all those tire coating/sprays contain thing harmfull to the tire, all they really do is make tire look pretty & make big bucks for those companies. Call your tire maker & ask them.................:cool:
Ususally every 3 to 5 years is a good rule of thumb but of course this depends on use. Here in the south road temps get pretty high during the summer so 3 years.. I try my best to wear them out.
Good point. It would be a waste of money to have to change tires with good tread, so you are being thrifty by fishing enough to wear them out before it's time to replace them.Quote:
Originally Posted by MSHLS
rule of thumb stick a penny down into the thread with linclon's
head down and if you can see the top of his head or hair line above the tread
or if they a have cracks from dry rot
it is time to get new tires
3/16 inch of tread depth
Makes some difference how heavy I'm loaded as to how far I'll push it.
My last boat was fairly light for a trailer with 13" tires, I ran radial car tires
that were rated same weight capacity as the bias plies that came on it
with no problem, I would run 'em till they puffed out a knot - could be 4,5 years
or more.
Now, I'm loaded to over 90 percent of what C range 14" tires are rated for,
(don't like it a bit, but used boat/trailer) and I found out the hard way
if one separates going down the road it raises HECK. Whupped the daylights
outta my fender, tore the wiring loose on that side, a MESS.
So I'll probably bite the bullet every 3 years with these.
If I EVER own another boat this heavy, you can bet it'll be on a tandem trailer.
Been there done that bought a Tshirt...........Make sure you keep a good accurate pressure gauge in your tow vehicle.........Lost 2 trailer tires due to a $4.95 cheapo tire gauge that got outta calibration by 7 lbs.....I was running 7lbs light on Carlisle radials. Blew one and separated 1 on a 3 hour trip.......Quote:
Originally Posted by J White
Thank god I didn't have to pay the tow bill.........think it was like $600 billed to my Boat US insurance.....
I have had my tires heading on 7 years now and havent had any problems. Try not to store the boat on the ground (grass/snow/dirt) in the offseason, I think that is what leads to cracking. Just check them every so often and if they arent cracking i wouldnt change them. just check the lug nuts and keep the proper air pressure
every 3-4 years.
Trouble with dry rot is by time you see it, its too late. These are trailer tires, dont confuse tread wear on a passenger/light truck tire with tread wear on a trailer tire. Tread wear is NOT an indicator of wear on a trialer tire. They are designed not to wear out. Trailer tires are not subjected to power or steering forces like passenger/light truck tires. A trailer tire is designed to carry a load, they have stiffer sidewalls than passenger and light truck tires.
the number one reason trailer tires fail is due to heat. They are designed to go a max speed of 65pmh. If your trailer tires are smaller in diameter than your truck tires it is traveling faster than your speedometer. If your doing 65 in the truck on 30" tires and towing a trailer with 20" tires the tires are going a hell of a lot faster than 65 mph.
Here's a link to help you better understand.
Trailer Tire Facts - Discount Tire
smaller tires go the same speed as your truck-it takes more revolutions to do so. is your boat outside where the sun can hit the tires?