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Trailer tires often fail because owners make basic mistakes like running them underinflated or overloaded. To keep your trailer safe on the road, you must avoid these common errors and maintain proper tire pressure and load limits.

1. Ignoring Proper Tire Inflation

Underinflation is the number one cause of trailer tire blowouts. Always check tire pressure when tires are cold, and inflate to the PSI listed on the tire sidewall, not the vehicle’s door sticker. Overinflation is also dangerous, reducing traction and causing uneven wear. Use a quality gauge and check pressure before every trip.

2. Overloading the Trailer

Every trailer tire has a maximum load rating stamped on the sidewall. Exceeding this rating generates excessive heat, leading to tread separation or blowouts. Weigh your loaded trailer at a certified scale and distribute weight evenly. Remember that tongue weight also counts toward the load.

3. Mixing Tire Brands or Types

Never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same trailer. Radials have flexible sidewalls, while bias-ply tires are stiffer; mixing them causes handling instability and uneven wear. For best performance, use the same brand, model, and size on all wheels. Also, avoid using passenger car tires on trailers; they lack the sidewall strength needed for heavy loads.

4. Neglecting Tire Age and Replacement

Trailer tires age out before they wear out. Replace any tire older than 6 years, regardless of tread depth. UV rays and ozone cause rubber to dry rot, leading to sidewall cracks. Always check the DOT date code (last four digits indicate week and year of manufacture). Never run tires that are more than 10 years old.

5. Failing to Inspect for Damage

Before each trip, inspect sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or cracks. Check tread for uneven wear, which signals alignment or suspension issues. Look for foreign objects like nails or stones. Also, examine valve stems for cracks and replace old rubber stems with metal ones for better durability.

6. Improper Storage and UV Protection

When not in use, store your trailer in a garage or use tire covers to block sunlight. UV rays accelerate rubber degradation. Keep tires off concrete floors if possible, as concrete can leach oils from the rubber. Inflate tires to maximum pressure during long storage to prevent flat spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct tire pressure for my trailer?

The correct pressure is the maximum PSI listed on the tire sidewall, not the vehicle’s door sticker. Always check when tires are cold and adjust for load. For example, a tire marked 50 PSI should be inflated to 50 PSI when cold.

How often should I replace trailer tires?

Replace trailer tires every 5 to 6 years, regardless of tread depth. Even if they look fine, rubber degrades over time. Check the DOT date code and don’t run tires older than 6 years. For more on tire care, see our tires category.

Can I use car tires on my trailer?

No. Car tires are not designed for the heavy loads and sidewall stresses of trailer use. Always use tires with a load rating that matches or exceeds your trailer’s gross weight. ST (Special Trailer) tires are best for trailers.

The Bottom Line

Avoiding these common mistakes will extend the life of your trailer tires and keep you safer on the road. Check inflation and load limits before every trip, replace tires every 6 years, and always use the correct tire type. For more on tire maintenance, explore our tires category.

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