What tires should I put on my boat trailer?
Special Trailer (ST) tires are the only type you should use on your boat trailer unless you’re willing to risk damage or potentially an accident. ST tires have robust sidewalls to handle lots of weight, which helps avoid tipping your boat onto the road while cornering turns.
What size are boat trailer tires?
8 – 9 – 10 – 12 – Inch Trailer Tire Sizing
| Older Size | Tire Size | Overall Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| – | 4.80/4.00-8 | 16.1 inches |
| – | 5.70-8 | 18.1 inches |
| 16.5 x 6.5 – 8 | 165/65-8 | 16.5 inches |
| 18.5 x 8.5 – 8 | 215/60-8 | 18.3 inches |
Is D or R better for trailer tires?
Radial tires, however, do perform better than bias tires, and that performance is quickly noticeable. The ride is smoother, the trailer does not bounce and sway as much, and radial tires have a longer life. The most important characteristic of any trailer tire is its ability to carry a heavy load.
How long should boat trailer tires last?
According to rubber industry research, trailer tires need to be replaced after 3–5 years of use, even though they usually appear to have plenty of tread left. Unlike your car’s tires, it isn’t miles of driving but oxidation of the rubber that wears out the tire.
Should I cover my trailer tires?
Over time, ultraviolet rays from the sun cause tire compound to break down. When parked outside, cover your trailer tires with tire wheel covers or UV reflective material. If nothing else, park your trailer in the shade. Be aware, however, that your tires can still get a good dose of ultraviolet rays in the shade.
Do boat trailer tires need to be balanced?
Since the primary duty of a trailer tire is supporting a vertical load, rather than gripping an automobile through turns, trailer tires do not have to be dynamically balanced like passenger car tires do. Steering and cornering are less of a concern on a trailer tire than they are on an automotive tire.
Can I put radial tires on a boat trailer?
For a boat trailer, or any other trailer used on pavement a radial tire is preferable. Since excessive heat is the biggest contributor to premature tire wear and failure, I would highly recommend going with a radial tire if one is available in the size and load range you need.
Can I put bigger tires on my boat trailer?
You can add larger wheels and tires to a trailer as long as you have enough room for the larger size. Larger tires will typically have a higher weight rating. Tires with a higher weight rating will not increase the load carrying capacity of the trailer, so you will still be limited to the weight capacity of the axle.
What does ST205 75R15 mean?
It means the section height of the tire is 75% of the 205 mm section width. The 15 is the wheel diameter in inches and the C after the tire size will designate the load range. The load range C is a 6-ply rated tire. The maximum load rating on the load range C tire in the ST205/75D15 size is 1,820 lbs at 50 psi.
How can you tell if a trailer tire is good?
The indicators are the raised sections with intermittent spacing in the bottom of the tread grooves. When these indicators appear even with the outside of the tread, it’s time to replace your trailer’s tires. You can also check this by placing a penny in the tread depth with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.
Why do trailer tires wear out so fast?
That said, rapid or significantly uneven trailer tire wear can be caused by: Trailer misalignment or bent wheels from hitting curbs, potholes or debris. Not towing level, which puts more weight and strain on one axle. Uneven load management instead of spreading weight evenly to all wheels/tires.
What size tires on a boat trailer?
Radial Tires
What do you need to know about boat trailer tires?
Trailer bearings are located at each wheel of a trailer, and allow the wheel to spin freely around the axle with minimum friction. All bearings require a constant supply of lubrication, and must be periodically “repacked” with fresh grease to prevent damage. Lack of lubrication can cause a bearing to generate
What are the best tires for trailers?
Firestone Complete Auto Care. After having a couple good experiences,I made the mistake of recommending this shop to my mother.
How to change a tire on a boat trailer?
Lifting the Boat Trailer. Well,you should start with parking your trailer in a place that is safe,off to the crowd and any other moving vehicles.