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I need Trailer Tires

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#1
Alberto

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I bought a used Pace enclosed trailer.  The tires are quite old and I don't even have a spare.  Looking to replace all 4.  Having never owned a trailer before or bought trailer tires, I figured I'd ask my fellow racers for some info and advice.

 

I remember people complaining about the Goodyears ages ago but I understand that the issue may have gone away. 

 

Thanks.


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#2
Killian

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What's the size and load range of the current/recommended tires for your trailer?



#3
RussMcB

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Similar questions:  How big is the trailer and how much do you expect to load it up?  Low tows in hot weather?

 

I have a Pace 24' enclosed trailer and feel the need to pack it with everything.  I carry 2 mounted spare trailer tires for peace of mind.


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#4
Michael Novak

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Replace your tires EVERY year and carrry a spare. Yes it sounds way over the top, but you will not be one of the people on the side of the road all the time.

 

We do millions of miles of trailer tow in testing and they do not last. Keep the trailer loaded right and dont pass 3/4 of the weight that it can handle and you will see your best results.


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#5
wheel

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Go with E rated tires and make sure you keep the pressures up.  Mine are rated for 80 psi.  Big killer of trailer tires is pinched side walls from running over curbs while making turns.  I have had no trouble with the Hercules trailer tires.  



#6
38bfast

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Everything trailer and RV is crap. I second what Mike said, replace them every year.
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#7
HoneyBadger - BrianW

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So far I have had pretty good luck with the Maxxis brand trailer tires. I think the biggest killer of tires, besides running low tires, is running to fast. The tires get pretty hot when you are running north of 65mph with a heavy load.


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#8
Dave Metz

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I think you have to consider travel distances into it before you say new tires every year. Traveling all over the country running Majors is far different from someone driving 20 miles a few times a year to a local track. I'll buy some of your take offs! Only 9 minutes from Mid Ohio.
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#9
Alberto

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More info as requested

 

Trailer:

  • 18' enclosed
  • 15" wheels
  • Pace seems to spec the trailer new with 205/75/15 but there are 225s on there currently
  • Not much in there besides the car.  I won't be installing a welder or air compressor or anything like that.  The car arrives at the track prepped and ready to race.  Prep is done at home. Very basic set of spares - control arms, long bolts and other random stuff.

About me:

  • I'm a Regional only racer
  • Farthest tow is ~ 350 miles round trip
  • My first season, I made every race.  Since then, I'm lucky to get 3-6 per year.  Between work and those damn 3 day weekends haven't been able to get out as often as I'd like.

 

What I understand so far:

  • LT tires are better than ST b/c they tend to last longer and tolerate highway speeds better.
  • Age (not mileage) defines the replacement interval on ST tires
  • ST tires don't tolerate speeds over 65 well (heat)\

I haven't found any LT tires in the sizes I need so I think I'm stuck with ST tires unless you guys have any secrets to share.  There is a Walmart near both tracks that I tend to frequent fwiw.  

 

 

Question - why would you increase the width of the tire on a trailer to 225 from 205?  Is there some sort of benefit?

 

 

Thanks.


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#10
steveracer

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The 225's give you a little additional height, and 225's are available in higher load ratings.


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#11
dfuser

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So far I have had pretty good luck with the Maxxis brand trailer tires. I think the biggest killer of tires, besides running low tires, is running to fast. The tires get pretty hot when you are running north of 65mph with a heavy load.

agreed.  I kept blowing tires till I switched the E-rated Maxxis.


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#12
Kevin Edens

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What I understand so far:

  • LT tires are better than ST b/c they tend to last longer and tolerate highway speeds better.
  • Age (not mileage) defines the replacement interval on ST tires
  • ST tires don't tolerate speeds over 65 well (heat)\

Not true.  ST (special trailer) tires are designed to absorb side scrub that comes from having axles close together.  Buy a trailer tire, which ever brand you prefer, run them a couple of years (depending on how far you tow) then replace them with a new set.  You will find that you can get a lot of your money back by selling the still good set of trailer tires on craigslist to one of the many lawn care companies in your town.  

 

The ST205/75R15 trailer tires are available in load range C (six ply rated) and load range D (eight ply rated) 

ST225/75R15 Trailer tires are available in load range D (eight ply rated) and E (ten ply rated)

If you have the room, go for the 225's as they will easily carry the load you are talking about.  Keep your air pressures up, and watch out for curbs!  



#13
Ron Alan

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Concur on the E's!! When stored, keep sun off tires. Since our trailer is new(to you), if you have no service records, I would service the hubs(grease bearings) and check brakes! Also, if for any reason you need to fix or replace lights...go the led route...more visible!


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#14
Armando Ramirez

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Concur on the E's!! When stored, keep sun off tires. Since our trailer is new(to you), if you have no service records, I would service the hubs(grease bearings) and check brakes! Also, if for any reason you need to fix or replace lights...go the led route...more visible!

+1


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#15
Alberto

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Concur on the E's!! When stored, keep sun off tires. Since our trailer is new(to you), if you have no service records, I would service the hubs(grease bearings) and check brakes! Also, if for any reason you need to fix or replace lights...go the led route...more visible!

 

Yep.  Was planning on doing that at the same time. 

 

 

 

I'll start looking for a local tire dealer in San Jose.

 

Thanks fellas.


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#16
fotostars

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Hi Alberto: http://www.orlanditrailer.com/ off 280 at the Winchester exit coming from the North.

They've always been good/honest with me. Got a set of take-offs wheel/tire from them, great value!

 

Another good source is http://www.etrailer.com , if you're not in a rush, they have everything you'll ever dream of for your trailer...

 

I had to deal once with http://www.eyershitch.com/ in Santa Clara, would not go back unless in an emergency and they're very close to me...


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#17
Alberto

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Looks like the local tire places stock Carlisle.  Think I'm just going to go with those.  I have 1 Marathon from 2010.  1 Marathon from 2004 w/ cracks in the sidewall and a slow leak.  1 unknown brand made in china tire from 2010.  1 Carlisle that I haven't been able to find a date code on.


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#18
FTodaro

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What I understand so far:

  • LT tires are better than ST b/c they tend to last longer and tolerate highway speeds better.
  • Age (not mileage) defines the replacement interval on ST tires
  • ST tires don't tolerate speeds over 65 well (heat)\

Not true.  ST (special trailer) tires are designed to absorb side scrub that comes from having axles close together.  Buy a trailer tire, which ever brand you prefer, run them a couple of years (depending on how far you tow) then replace them with a new set.  You will find that you can get a lot of your money back by selling the still good set of trailer tires on craigslist to one of the many lawn care companies in your town.  

 

The ST205/75R15 trailer tires are available in load range C (six ply rated) and load range D (eight ply rated) 

ST225/75R15 Trailer tires are available in load range D (eight ply rated) and E (ten ply rated)

If you have the room, go for the 225's as they will easily carry the load you are talking about.  Keep your air pressures up, and watch out for curbs!  

I am in the market for replacing my trailer tires. I have an enclosed trailer about 8000 lbs, it came with goodyear 225-75-15 D tires.

 

Planning on going with E rated Maxxis tires, have heard good things about that tire.

 

This is my question Are you better off going with a good E rated trailer tire or a passenger tire in the same size? Does the trailer tire designation give you more or less than a standard passenger tire?


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#19
steveracer

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P tires aren't rated for the weight and will tow HORRIBLY!!! LTs or STs only.

 

Buy some E rated tires.

 

The Maxxis 10 ply E tires are great if you can get them. Also starting to see some Towmaster STRs, but have no experience with them personally.


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