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.
