It is possible to make use of our SUV’s, trucks or automobiles every day of the week however, trailers are the true engines of the automobile world. Without them our cars, toys, equipment, and all of our daily necessities would not get where they’re supposed to be. However, how often do we keep track of the rubber underneath our trailers? For most of us, the answer is “very rarely.” Unfortunately the trailer tyre has become one of the least-used vehicle components that travel on the road. Many people don’t know that there are specialized tyres for trailers, even if most don’t know that trailer tyres shouldn’t be replaced with automobile tyres.
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When choosing the right tyre for your trailer the tyre’s style and load range, as well as its size and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must be considered. In order to assist you choose the perfect trailer tyre we’ve not only explained the major distinctions between car and trailer tyres, but also explained how the bias-ply as well as radial tyres differ. Additionally, we’ll discuss the proper pressure for air and its relationship to capacity for carrying load, proper sizes as well as tread wear tips, and proper maintenance for tyres. Your tow-rig has already become your joy and pride. Let’s ensure it can tow your trailer as efficiently and safely as is possible.
What is a Trailer Tyre?
The first rule is to never place the tyres of a car in your truck. A car tire puts a lot of emphasis on ride comfort and ride quality, which means an elongated side wall. It is the opposite for a trailer tyre which has a stiff sidewall. the ideal choice for maximum load capacities and stability. The tyres for trailers can be separated into two categories two types: bias ply and radial. Both fall under”special trailer (or “ST”) tire category. Numerous radial trailer tyres offer low resistance to rolling for maximum performance in wear and protection. The load ranges for bias or radial ply tires vary from B to F.
Radial Trailer Tyres
The distinct design that makes up a radial tire is that it has an inner belt of steel that is positioned at a 90 degree angle from the tread’s center line. Radials provide less resistance to rolling over their counterparts with bias plies that means they can disperse heat more efficiently and consequently the tread will last longer. The low resistance to rolling helps to improve fuel efficiency. It’s important to note that unlike bias ply, the radial trailer tyres don’t tend to have flat spots develop when they are parked for long durations of time. For trailers that are seasonal like campers and travel trailers this is an important benefit of Radials in comparison to bias ply.
Bias Ply Tires for Trailers
In contrast to the construction of the radial trailer tyre one with a bias ply design has the innermost layer made of cross-hatched nylon as well as steel cords that sit at a 30-45-degree angle to the center line of the tread. In general the case of bias ply tires, they are more durable as opposed to radials, which helps in ensuring stability and reduces trailer sway. When you’re driving the bias ply’s more rigid structure tends to allow them to more straight than Radials. They’re also usually more affordable than the equivalent radial alternative.
GVWR
The search for the best tyres for your trailer should always begin by determining the truck’s gross weight capacity (GVWR). GVWR comprises the amount of weight the truck and the maximum amount of cargo it can hold (i.e. the trailer’s “loaded” amount). For instance, A 10,000-pound GVWR travel trailer that weighs 6,300 pounds empty could be loaded with 3,700 pounds of cargo prior to its GVWR. In this example of a tandem axle the tyres would have to be equipped with (at at least) an 2,500-pound capacity to carry a load. To determine the tyres’ load carrying capacity must be minimum to be, just split that trailer’s GVWR by the total number of tyres (in our case, 10,000/4 = 2,250). Fortunately, the manufacturers of trailers typically include tyres that (when taken together) surpass that trailer’s maximum GVWR, by a reasonable amount.
GAWR
The next thing to take a take a look at is the trailer’s Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR of every axle in the trailer will always exceed the trailer’s GVWR. However, this doesn’t mean that you are able to haul more than the the GVWR. In the same way of thinking the fact that you purchased tires with a load-carrying capacity that is higher than the trailer came with originally does not mean that you are able to overload your trailer.
Speed Ratings
A second tip on trailer tyres: Always be sure to check the speed rating. Although you may find an excellent price on a high-performance, 14-ply set of tyres speed rating might be lower than you believe. The majority of trailer tyres’ maximum speed ratings range from 65-mph. The tyre with a rating of 65-mph that’s 75-mph along the highway could increase the pressure of its inflation by up to 10 psi, without the trailer experiencing an increased load. In the list of numbers near the rim’s edge in the image above, you’ll notice the letters “N.” Its speed ratings indicates that the maximum speed that a tyre can achieve is at 87 miles per hour.
Capacity for Load Carrying Explained
The load-carrying capacity should be chosen according to the trailer’s GVWR and GAWR information. But instead of being able to match the trailer’s GVWR it’s a good idea to include a small amount of insurance. In the image above it is clear that each tyre on a single wheel, tandem axle toy hauler is designed to a maximum weight amount of 2800 pounds. The trailer that is fully loaded (i.e. its GVWR) weighs in at 9,995 pounds. However the tyres, if they’re inflated to the highest pressure–can take on 11,320 pounds in theory. It is important to note that when you use dual wheels, the capacity of each tyre is lower 2470 pounds. This is a common practice.
Use the same Tyre Size
Whatever you decide to use bias or radial Ply trailer tyres, it’s recommended to use the recommended tyre size recommended by the manufacturer of the trailer’s size. This means that you must make sure that the load range stays identical (or at a minimum, close to the original load index number that is clearly visible along the sides of the tyre). Don’t mix with and matching different types of tyres. Different models, brands and types can wear differently and possess a different capacity for carrying loads. Make sure your spare is of the same dimensions and has the same capacity for carrying loads. If you require the spare and it’s not able to handle the same amount of weight as others , you could end in the middle of the road.
How to Make the Trailer Tyres Last
Longevity of the tyres on your trailer starts by adjusting the air pressure. Always verify, inflate, or bleed the air pressure when the tyres aren’t cold. Also, make sure that you utilize a precise gauge. Every month, or prior to embarking on a long journey, ensure that your air pressure is at the level it is intended to be. For trailer tyres typically, this means operating them at the maximum inflated pressure for the maximum capacity for carrying loads. It is equally important to keep all tyres of an axle with the same pressure. Insufficient inflation can result in lower fuel efficiency, which hinders the maximum potential for braking and reduces the handling of a tire.
Rotate every 5,000 to 6,000 Miles
Like your vehicle, truck or even an SUV, changing your trailer’s tires every 5,000 to 6,000 miles allows the tyres wear as equally as they can. It’s also important to keep tabs on wear and tear using the tread depth gauge. It is generally accepted that the trailer tires should be replaced as soon as the tread depth exceeds 3/32 inch. No matter the condition, tyres need to replace every 6-8 years and immediately if wear or corrosion, or any other damage is discovered. Maintaining tyres that are relatively new on your trailer will help you avoid more than the inconvenience of having to put in your spare at the end of a journey. It could prevent you from suffering the type of blow-out which can cause flooring, fender or body injury to the vehicle.
One of Tyres The Most Dangerous Enemies is the Sun
The life span of a trailer tyre is a long and difficult one. In contrast to the tread on your car or truck that could spend the majority of the times in the garage the trailer tyres are usually open to elements all year round. Additionally (literally) the majority of trailers have weight constantly on them, for instance that with enclosed box trailers or travel trailers. Our experience has shown that the most harmful threat that your tyres are subjected to is continual exposure to sun. After a long period of soaking up its UV radiation, the sun dry out the oil in the compound of the tyre that causes dry-rotting, and rust. The best method to prolong the lifespan of trailer tyres is to keep them out of direct sunlight either by putting the trailer in shade or (most affordable) covering them by covering them with tyre covers.
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