Well 2yrs and five months and my Carlisle D rated 225/75 trailer tires have let me know that they have served their purpose. If I were to guess I would say there are probably only 5000 miles on them, but alot of that is in the 100+ degree days we put up with. Had one blow out on the freeway passing through Vegas (always the most opportune time). I'm also well aware of most peoples thoughts on Carlisle tires, but they were what was available when my three year old Goodyear Marathons met the same fate when I was on the road.

This leaves me a couple choices. I'm thinking of trying a set of Denmans. I see that they make an "E" rated 15" tire. My other thought is to skip the trailer tires and just go with a 10 ply LT tire. Always appreciate any thoughts and comments...especially from other desert dwellers who have real world experience towing in the heat. Trailer is a 24ft enclosed tag with a listed weight of 4200. Car inside in 3200 + 300 in gear.

Thanks! J

 

I have read on here more than once that people have decided to forego the trailer tires completely, and go with LT or passenger tires on their trailers. They believe that quality standards are somewhat higher on car tire construction and design, and from what I've seen, I think I believe it too. One of my Marathons just packed it in on my fifth wheel, it was much older than yours and many more miles. I thought these tires had done a great job, nonetheless, I have replaced them with passenger tires on a trial basis. Weight rating is higher, I won't be putting near the miles on the trailer anymore, so we'll see how they work. As for your trailer, I think I'd give the LTs a try.

 

The amount of time they are on the trailer makes a diffence too,as I haul new trailer (new tires too) and never have had a blowout yet,I think most of em' are caused by dry rot

 

I went to LT tires on both my horse trailer and GN flatbed, got TOYOs. They last quite a bit longer, more than double that of trailer tires and have a better weight rating. I also have covers from the sun when the trailer sits, and I use that wipe-on UV stuff. I have never had any problems since switching to the LT's, before that I had problems.

CD

 

I agree, truck tires are the way to go. Check pressures frequently, as a low tire can heat up enough to blow. When towing I check pressure each morning before taking off.
My tires are at east 6 years old, and just did 10000 miles. Good tread, no side wall checking, and hold pressure very well. They are Michelin's, but I would have to walk outside to tell you what particular model. Anyway, I am happy.

 

Heat and Dry....two major enemies of tires and I have to put up with both. I took my Raytec gun for a cruise with me to the races last summer. Left work and the tires on the sunny side of the trailer were 168, shady side 128. Cruising up the nice 6% to the west I rolled the window down and took a sample off the road. 157 degrees coming up off the black top.....and people wonder why so many trannies are burnt on that hill. Stopped on top of the pass and all the tires had evened out to around 137 degrees. I'm still on the fence as to whether to give the Denman 10 ply tire a shot, or try to find some 225/75R 10 ply LT tires. I do have my reciept for my Carlisles so I could get the blown one replaced for free.....that will most likely be the spare!

 

I replaced my 15 inch wheels and tires last year with BF Goodrich Commerical T/A LT225/75r-16/E. They are doing fine so far.

 

I suggest going with LT tires. Never had any problems with LT's, but I have had with trailer tires.

 

I've heard of people doing this, but......

A: I'm not sure I have the room

B: What is involved in swapping up to a 16 wheel? I have the 5K axles on my trailer which have the six lug wheels. Does someone make a 16" wheel in that bolt pattern? Or do you have to change the hub?

 

I got mine at Discount Tires. They are white spoke wheels 6 bolt. I went with 225/75/R16 instead of 235/75/R16 because of clearance on the side where the shocks are. Just measure from center of one lug to the center of the one across from it. Mine are 5.5 inch pattern.

 

Car or truck tire work better than trailer tires, I have used them myself. The only problem I see is if you get caught you will get a ticket and maybe grounded untill you get trailer tires on the trailer. DOT requires trailer tires. I have never seen any LEO's check trailer tires, but there is allways a first time for everything.

 

I have carlisle tires on the boat trailer and have not had ant trouble. The tires were on trailer whenI got it 4 years a go. Probbly got 5-6000 miles on them since I owned it with great wear on them heck still look new. I guess when I start having problems I will look in to lt tire

 

Interesting Badme....didn't think about the DOT aspect of this. If it's a "no-no" in the eyes of the law I will definately go with the trailer tires. I do find myself towing into California once in awile and if there is one place on this earth that they will pick you to death it's there (and PA from what I hear). I'll give Discount a call and see if they have the wheels available. They already owe me a tire that is still under warranty.

 

I considered changing out my fifth wheel tires to 16" LTs, but it was expensive to buy rims and tires. Finding rims with your bolt pattern should not be a problem. I found a place online with all kinds of selection of aluminum and steel trailer wheels.

I ended up going with Maxxis tires. I got 8 ply, but 10 ply in a 225/15 is available. I never found much for an LT in a 225/15.

I have never heard of it being law that you must have ST tires on a trailer. I have seen new trailers shipped from the factory with 16" LTs. I am not saying it isn't law somewhere, but I would research that a bit.

One more thing I almost hate to bring up, but have you considered using either DRY compressed air, or nitrogen in your tires? Not at all sold on the pure nitrogen thing, but I think you could be creating problems if your compressed air has some water content. I think that is the best advantage is pure nitrogen should be 100% dry.

J-body: on a entirely unrelated matter, how did you ever make out with that truck you were trying to fix the launch shudder on about 6 months ago?

 

I have had great luck with a LT tire as well! I run a BFG commercial ta they are great. Have them siped (spelling??) to help them cool and they will last you a long long time! I tried several different brands of tires and nothing has lasted like the BFG commercial tire!