There are trailers for all sorts of purposes and tires differ depending on the function. Here's some sound advice for choosing the best tires for your trailer.
Type of trailer
To determine what type of tires you should buy, first identify what type of trailer you have.
In general, all standard trailers on the market are equipped with resistant and sturdy tires. They are designed to withstand heavy cargo loads while maintaining enough flexibility to handle bumps in the road without breaking. However, depending on how (and how often) you use the trailer and your driving conditions, you may require specialized tires.
Boat trailers, for example, require special tires. Since the trailer will be used to unload a boat into water the tires must have a few distinctive features: specifically, their tread pattern must provide exceptional traction.
Choice of tires
Keep in mind the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing tires for your trailer. What you must ensure is that you:
- Get tires that correspond in size and fit right. The information is on the side of the current trailer tires or in the trailer owner's manual.
- Determine what type of cargo your trailer will transport to make sure the tires can support the weight.
Trailer tires are distinctive. Not all mechanics have special trailer tires in stock, so they may have to be specially ordered from the supplier. In this case, you should expect a delivery delay. Verify the condition of your trailer tires regularly to prevent a nasty surprise while towing.
Tire lifespan and maintenance
The lifespan of a tire varies from three to five years. Depending on how much you use the trailer, tires may wear out more quickly, or last longer. Remember:
- Towing on hot days and rolling at high speeds will wear out your tires prematurely. For this reason, experts recommend storing the trailer in a cool, shaded area when not in use.
- When storing your trailer for extended periods of time or for an entire season, put it up on blocks to take the weight off the tires during that time. This will significantly increase their lifespan.
Finally, don't forget to check the wheel bearings on your utility trailer. Although wheel bearings are not directly in the tire, they affect its performance. Damaged or faulty bearings can cause serious damage to your trailer. In fact, if the bearings are not adequately lubricated or are defective, they can increase the air pressure in the tire and make it vulnerable to a blowout. Therefore, it’s very important to regularly check on the condition of this part of the wheel.
