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.
