Friday, January 24, 2014
How do figure out what size rim you need to buy?
You get a flat tire on your trailer and it is shot. Fortuneatly you were wise enough to make sure you had a spare. You put on that spare tire on your trailer and you move on. Now you need to replace that spare tire. How do figure out what size rim you need to buy? Sure, tire size is easy, but how the heck do you figure out what rim size to get?
Like trailer tires, rims have a series of numbers which indicate their uniqueness. Here is an example of a rim size:
14x 6/4.5
The first number, 14 indicates trailer rim size (15 inches), the 5 indicates the width and the 5/4.5 indicates the bolt pattern.
For example: 205/75R14, the "14" indicates that you need a 14" rim.
Now you need to determine the width of the rim. Keep in mind trailer wheels come in a variety of widths. Normal widths for 14 inch trailer rims are 14x5.5, and 14x6. You certainly don't want the wrong rim for the wrong tire, or the tires will wear unevenly. Learn how to read the numbers and if you need help, you can always count on us!
We are your source for trailer tires, rims, and everything trailer!
Trailer Tire information
It’s
a good idea to check your trailer tires on a regular basis. However, you should
know that your trailer tires can appear to have a great amount of tread
remaining on the tires, but the tires may still need replaced. Trailer tires are
subjected to heavy loads on nearly every trip, as well as when the trailer is
parked and not being used. In fact, it is better for tires to be in use on the
roadways than to sit idle, becoming a victim of dry rot and other maladies.
During drive time, lubricants are released from all tires. These lubricants keep
the tire in good shape and extend the tire’s life expectancy. Driving also
prevents the development of flat spots, which can happen when tires are idle.
One
of the main causes of tire issues and failures is improper inflation. You should
check the pressure of your tires when the tires are cold, or at the same
temperature as the surrounding air. A great time to check tire pressure is after
your trailer has been parked overnight. Tire pressure should be checked prior to
every trip, as well as once a week over the course of a long journey. Always
ensure that you adjust the tire pressure in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications. This information can be found online, or on the vehicle’s
Federal Certification Label or tire placard. You should also ensure that you
adjust the tire pressure when your trailer is fully loaded. And never load your
trailer to a weight that exceeds the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Keep in mind that if the tires are not inflated up to the proper amounts, or if
you exceed the GVWR of the trailer, the tires may be unable to carry the load
properly. If tires are inflated to a pressure higher than the manufacturer’s
specifications, the trailer and tow vehicle may be hard to handle and maneuver
properly. Any of these scenarios can result in an accident or catastrophic
damage to persons and property. If you develop any questions about tire
inflation, proper loading or other issues, you can always refer to your
vehicle’s owner’s manual, or speak to the dealer or manufacturer.
It’s
also important to remember that tires can leak air and lose pressure during the
passage of time. It’s estimated that most tires lose around one to three PSI of
pressure in a single month. The reasoning behind this is that, when under
pressure, molecules of air migrate from the inside to the outside of the tire. A
drop in tire pressure can lead to the tire becoming overloaded which can lead to
heat buildup on the tire. This can cause internal damage to the tire and lead to
tire failure.
Another concern is towing a trailer at high rates of speed during hot
conditions. These driving conditions significantly degrade trailer tires. The
tire’s internal structure breaks down and becomes damaged during heavy driving
cycles. This compromises the tire's internal and external strength, which can
also lead to tire failure. In addition to proper inflation, it is recommended
that you always drive at moderate speeds to keep the heat buildup as low as
possible.
Unlike cars, trucks and other passenger vehicles, one should not judge the wear
of a trailer tire based on tread depth alone. Experts estimate the life of a
single trailer tire to be around five years during normal use and proper
maintenance. After three years, it is usually time to think about replacing your
trailer tires, even if the tires appear to have adequate tread. After the five
year mark, most trailer tires have deteriorated such that they are worn out and
need replaced. This is true even if the tires have experienced minimal use and
appear to have lots of tread life left. Keep in mind that these parameters may
not apply in all situations. For the best information on the life of your tires,
you should have a tire expert inspect your tires and make a determination on the
need for replacement.
If
you need to store your trailer for a longer length of time when it won't be
driven, you should ensure that the tires are inflated properly to the maximum
tire pressure allowed. Tires should be stored in a garage, shed or other cool
and dry area. It is also beneficial to use tire covers to further protect your
tires from the effects of sun, temperature changes and other issues. You should
also keep tires off the ground or floor; a barrier such as carpet or plywood
will keep the tires from dry rot on the concrete or asphalt surface they are
stored on. This barrier will also protect the tires from being damaged by any
chemicals that are contained in the concrete or asphalt floor of the storage
area.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Trailer Lug Nut Torquing
Trailer owners can never underestimate the importance of proper lug nut torque.
The lug nuts or mounting nuts that are affixed to trailer wheels must be
adequately tightened and sufficiently torqued in order for the trailer to
operate in an efficient and safe manner. When this is overlooked, lug nuts can
loosen while the trailer is in use. When this happens there can be dangerous
results. Here are a few tips to help you ensure that lug nuts are properly
tightened and torqued.
- Familiarize yourself with the exact trailer wheel specifications and maintenance protocol established by the vehicle manufacturer. Understanding and practicing the proper vehicle maintenance is your responsibility as the vehicle owner and operator. It is important to check the lug nut tighten several times in the first hundred miles of use after a new trailer has been purchased. After this initial trial period it is a good idea to check the tightness at least twice a year.Torque should generally be check before a long trip.
- A torque wrench is the best way to ensure that you have torqued or checked the torque of the l lug nuts. Other tools will not accurately tell you if the lug nuts have been properly torqued.
- A good way to keep track of trailer wheel maintenance is to keep a log book recording the date and mileage of last lug nut torque. You should make a note at each time of maintenance of which lug nut lost torque so that you can track any ongoing problems. Attending to the issue early on will help you avoid a possible problem in the future.
- When ongoing lug nut loosening is apparent it is time to contact the vehicle manufacturer. You may have a defective lug nut, trailer axle or wheel problem. Manufacturers want to know about these types of problems so that they can evaluate whether or not there is need for a recal.
- The worst case scenario is that a wheel separation incident will take place. If this happens you should immediately notify the manufacture or dealer. You should quickly attain assistance so that you can assess the trailer damage. Make sure you keep the defective lug nuts, but do not reuse them. You should not at this point attempt to repair the trailer yourself, but rather call a trained professional to keep your trailer in optimum, safe working condition.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Trailer Tire Wear Chart
Many people wonder why a trailer tire is usually more expensive than a typical economy auto tire. There are some major differences between the two.
The traction of automotive tires is required to meet all-weather standards, whereas trailer tires are not. Trailer tires only design, in reference to traction, is related to stopping suddenly.
The trailer tires are designed to reduce sway, with a stronger, harder sidewall. Should one use the automotive tires on a trailer, problems related to swaying will occur.
These cords are larger than similar passenger car tires. The larger cords reduce wear and meet the loading requirements. This allows for full resistance against sway.
These tires tend to break down rather quickly when driven long distances on highways; another issue commonly seen is called ‘cupping,’ which is an uneven wearing of the tread. This occurs because the hard sidewalls are not able to expand properly when they get hot. For this reason, bias-ply tires are usually used on a trailer that does not get a lot of use. They are ideal to use on boat or utility trailers.
A radial tire has steel belts underneath the tread and can also have them in the sidewalls. Because their sidewalls are softer than the bias-ply’s, they are an excellent choice when towing for a long distance. However, the softer sidewalls will increase the chance of sway, should the trailer be improperly loaded or unbalanced.
The radial has better traction than the bias-ply tire does, which is considered irrelevant most of the time, except for a situation involving a sudden stop.
Radial tires are more expensive than the bias-ply. Both tires do carry the identical weight rating at similar load ranges.
Under-Inflation
Trailer tires should not wear out. In fact, the ‘ST’ tires, which are for trailers, contain specific chemical compounds in the rubber to resist sun and weather damage. One of the main reasons for a tire’s failure is under-inflation.
Trailer tires have been designed to supply optimal performance at their maximum inflation levels.
The stiffer sidewalls can withstand the various hazards on the road, even though the suspension on a trailer is inferior to that of a typical automobile.
A trailer tire is expected to have a lifespan anywhere from 5,000 to 12,000 miles.
Ideally, trailer tires should be replaced every three to five years. Over three years, the elements and time reduce the tire’s weight rating by about a third. For this reason, it is suggested that trailer tires be replaced every five years, despite visual appearance.
Trailer tires are not to be used on an automobile.
The traction of automotive tires is required to meet all-weather standards, whereas trailer tires are not. Trailer tires only design, in reference to traction, is related to stopping suddenly.
The trailer tires are designed to reduce sway, with a stronger, harder sidewall. Should one use the automotive tires on a trailer, problems related to swaying will occur.
There are Two Basic Kinds of Trailer Tires
These tires have Polyester or nylon cords that criss-cross from bead to bead. This gives the sidewalls the same ply, which makes the sidewall of the tire extremely stiff.
These cords are larger than similar passenger car tires. The larger cords reduce wear and meet the loading requirements. This allows for full resistance against sway.
These tires tend to break down rather quickly when driven long distances on highways; another issue commonly seen is called ‘cupping,’ which is an uneven wearing of the tread. This occurs because the hard sidewalls are not able to expand properly when they get hot. For this reason, bias-ply tires are usually used on a trailer that does not get a lot of use. They are ideal to use on boat or utility trailers.
Radial Tires
A radial tire has steel belts underneath the tread and can also have them in the sidewalls. Because their sidewalls are softer than the bias-ply’s, they are an excellent choice when towing for a long distance. However, the softer sidewalls will increase the chance of sway, should the trailer be improperly loaded or unbalanced.
The radial has better traction than the bias-ply tire does, which is considered irrelevant most of the time, except for a situation involving a sudden stop.
Radial tires are more expensive than the bias-ply. Both tires do carry the identical weight rating at similar load ranges.
Under-Inflation
Trailer tires should not wear out. In fact, the ‘ST’ tires, which are for trailers, contain specific chemical compounds in the rubber to resist sun and weather damage. One of the main reasons for a tire’s failure is under-inflation.
Trailer tires have been designed to supply optimal performance at their maximum inflation levels.
The stiffer sidewalls can withstand the various hazards on the road, even though the suspension on a trailer is inferior to that of a typical automobile.
A trailer tire is expected to have a lifespan anywhere from 5,000 to 12,000 miles.
Ideally, trailer tires should be replaced every three to five years. Over three years, the elements and time reduce the tire’s weight rating by about a third. For this reason, it is suggested that trailer tires be replaced every five years, despite visual appearance.
‘ST’ Trailer Tires
These tires are designed for a maximum speed of 65 MPH. As the heat begins building up on the tire, the tire begins weakening and disintegrating. Driving on a hot and weakened tire, could cause a costly blowout to occur.
‘LT’ Trailer Tires
An ‘LT’ trailer tire is not the same as a ‘Light Truck’ tire. The ‘LT’ on a trailer tire, specifies its load range.
Trailer tires are not to be used on an automobile.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Have You Thought About Your Trailer Tires Recently?
 |
Most people follow a pretty strict routine of tire maintenance on their cars and trucks. Monthly or quarterly tasks, like checking air pressure, rotating tires, testing alignment, and monitoring tread, can all help tires perform at their best and help you identify problems. The truth is that trailer tires need regular care, too, to help your trailer perform the job it was designed to do. |
| Your trailer tires have a different construction than
tires for your vehicle, given that they're supposed to carry heavy
loads. Although you should check the tread with the penny method,
replacing tires right away if the tread doesn't come to the top of
Lincoln's head, there are other factors that affect trailer tire life.
Tires should actually be replaced every 3 to 4 years because the
materials have a limited life span and the tires can begin to develop
cracks and bulges, even if their tread still looks great. Trailer tire inflation is also really important for safely transporting your loads and maintaining the tread on your tires. Always keep the tires inflated to the maximum listed pressure on the tire. remember that you should inflate to this pressure when the tires are cold, not hot. This maintenance step keeps you safe on the road and preserves the life of your tires. |
|
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Trailer Tire and Trailer Wheel Fitment Guide
You get a flat tire on your trailer and it is
shot. Fortunately you were wise enough to make sure you had a spare. You put on
that spare tire on your trailer and you move on. Now you need to replace that
spare trailer tire. How do figure out what size rim you need to buy? Sure, the
trailer tire size is easy, but how the heck do you figure out what rim size to
get?
Like
trailer tires, rims have a series of numbers which
indicate their uniqueness.
14 x
6 5/
4.50
The first number, 14 indicates trailer rim size (14 inches), the 6 indicates the
width and the 5/4.50 indicates the bolt pattern.
For example:
205/75R14
The "14" indicates that you need a 14" rim.
Now you need to determine the width of the rim. Keep in mind trailer wheels come
in a variety of widths. Normal widths for 14 inch trailer rims are 14x5.5, and
14x6. You certainly don't want the wrong rim for the wrong tire, or the tires
will wear unevenly. Learn how to read the numbers and if you need help, you can
always count on us!
We are your source for trailer tires, rims, and everything
trailer! Shop now at
www.TrailerandTruckParts.com.
| 8 inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires | |
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
8x3.75
|
4.80x8
|
8x3.75
|
5.70x8
|
8x5.375
|
165/65-8
|
8x5.375
|
16.5x6.50-8
|
8x7
|
215/60-8
|
8x7
|
18.5x8.50-8
|
10 inch
Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
10x6, 10x7
|
205/65-10
|
10x6,
10x7
|
20.5X8.00-10
|
12
inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
12x4, 12x4.5
|
4.80x12
|
12x4,
12x4.5
|
5.30x12
|
12x4, 12x4.5
|
ST145R12
|
13
inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
13x4.5
|
ST155/80D13
|
13x4.5
|
165R13
|
13x4.5, 13x5
|
ST175/80D13
|
13x4.5,
13x5
|
ST175/80R13
|
13x4.5, 13x5
|
ST185/80D13
|
14
inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
14x5.5, 14x6
|
ST195/75D14
|
14x5.5,
14x6
|
ST205/75D14
|
14x5.5, 14x6
|
ST205/75R14
|
14x5.5,
14x6
|
ST215/75D14
|
14x5.5, 14x6
|
ST215/75R14
|
15 inch
Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
15x5, 15x6
|
ST205/75D15
|
15x5,
15x6
|
ST205/75R15
|
15x6, 15x7
|
ST225/75D15
|
16 inch
Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer
Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
16x6, 16x6.5, 16x7
|
LT 7.50x16
|
16x6,
16x6.5, 16x7
|
ST235/80R16
|
16x6, 16x6.5, 16x7
|
ST235/85R16
|
17.5
inch Trailer Wheels with the correct fitting Trailer Tires
|
|
 |
|
Trailer Wheel Size
|
Trailer Tire Size
|
17.5 x 6.75
|
ST215/75R17.5
|
Friday, August 3, 2012
Which Lug Nuts for my Trailer Rims?
Lug Nuts in a Nutshell
The industry standard lug nut size is 1/2 -20 in.
The chrome lug nut, while being the most affordable, is prone to
rusting.
The stainless steel capped lug nut, is highly recommended because it will
not rust, and it will compliment your aluminum trailer wheel nicely.
The black acorn lug nut is also popular when purchasing a wheel with black
accents.
We also offer black Spline lug nuts. These are often paired with a black trailer rim or an aluminum trailer wheel with black accents. The benefit of the Spline lug nut, is that is offers additional security. To install or remove them, the user
requires a spline key.
To view our entire selection, including state of the art colored lug nuts click the link below.
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