Why do trailer tires fail?

[URY914]

Trailer tires are made to withstand UV effects better than car/truck tires.

[Dan J]

With the exception of Michelin all trailer tires that I know of are made in China. I own 4 trailers ranging from 20' enclosed to 53' semi car transporter. The smaller tires( 15, 16, 17.5) that are made in China fail at a much higher rate so you have to watch them like a hawk. On a side note if you go to Goodyear's website they are adamant about not trailering over 70 However with my Duramax it's really hard to go that slow

[Joe Bob]

Lots of trailers run close to or exceed their weight rating. Fail.
Trailers are left outside and tire walls deteriorate. Fail.
Trailers hit curbs and other obstacles that the tow vehicle misses. Fail.
Trailers get low maintenance, bearings heat up, run low pressure. Fail.
Trailers get the tail end boogie, low pressure tires, wall failure. Fail.

[trekkor]

I'll snap a picture of the tire that was caught just in time...


KT

[Hugh R]

My tire guy says its a combination of all those things, especially sitting in one place for months at a time. I take the load off of my camping trailer tires by extending the scissor feet levelers to take the load off the tires.

[lm6y]

Also, on a multi axle trailer the tires are "scrubbed" on turns instead of actually turning (not rolling).

[trekkor]

So close!


KT

[dad911]

WAG but looks to me like shifted cord from pothole or other road debris?

More wear on edges from under-inflation? Center tread looks deeper in pics.

[carambola]

underinflation

[Dantilla]

Pshaw! That tire has lots of life left!

[Joe Bob]

Might want to do like the racers do and check tires temps next time on the road. Hand held pyrometer will give edge and middle of the tire temps.

[trekkor]

Good idea.

I have the pyrometer.

I've been good about tire pressure with these tires.
That wear looks like it took some time, right?

How long would it take to wear the shoulders if I drove on the tires under inflated?


KT

[Joe Bob]

Depends on how heavy a load and how twisty the road......

BTW, there are pressure gauges that send an alarm remotely to a receiver in the tow vehicle.

I just got some new LT rated truck tires.....my pressure is 65psi. I flat out forgot they ran that high. Doubt the ex EVER checked them.....

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by trekkor

So close!


KT

what's the psi in that tire 17? way underinflated

[trekkor]

Nope, 49.
Sidewall requires 50.


KT

[Jim Bremner]

Man, something isnt right! the load isn't being carried by most of the tire!

[Dan J]

Belt shifted. POS tire. What brand and where and when( both on the sidewall) was it built?

[trekkor]

OK..

I went out and looked again.
This is a Carlisle brand trailer tire.

11th week of '08 build date. ( 1108 )

Upon further inspection the psi is recommended at 65.
The other three are 50.

Could this happen over 120 miles?
The distance I towed on Friday.


KT

[Joe Bob]

It doesn't take long....

[Shuie]

PV=nRT