Stamey

And I heard that from one other fellow, but the guy at Trailer Outlet said that the ST tires, even though they are radials, have a sidewall made for the application.

I'm gonna submit that if you were using radials that weren't specifically made for trailer use, their sidewalls will not be stiff enough. Does that sound reasonable? If this is the case, Spots, using used tires, may run into sidewall problems.


Thanks,
Chris

spots

You'd think so but like I said only tire I ever had blow out was a bias ply. The sidewalls do flex a bit but never had a blowout either. Only reason I go used is to save $$$. As stated I hate throwing out 80% tread cracked tires. Now if it was an RV that would be different story. I'd have new tires, radials, and the proper trailer jobs to boot.

Stamey

I understand, Spots. I'm only theorizing, as both arguments have merit. I have always figured the sidewalls for "Special Trailer" tires were made tougher, bias-ply or radial, because of the abuse they receive, riding on the shoulder of the road and such, whether intentional or not.
Spots, what kind of load do you put on that trailer?
My trailer, a flatbed, can be loaded with as much as 6500, plus the trailer at 2K, for an 8.5K GVW. (that's the most I have carried)

Chris

spots

I run about 8000lbs to 10000lbs on the trailer. I have had 14k on it but was way too heavy for it. Trailer weighs about 2200 I think. I run 44 psi loaded and 25 empty (too much bounce) It is a 5th wheel. I have a portable gas air compressor for construction that I always take on trips, just in case of a low tire etc.

Stamey

Wow! You got that thing loaded down. So your non-trailer tires do OK with those kind of loads, huh? I'm learning here.
The heaviest thing I have is my tractor, with tiller on the back, the 8,500 lbs I was talking about.


Thanks,
Chris

spots

I built the trailer myself so the axles are right near the back. So if the trailer has 10k on it the truck is taking a good chunk of that. Probably over on the truck axle. If I were to do it again I would use 16" E rated tires.