Monitor Trailer Tires!!

I just used my trailer for a 240mi round trip for the first time in about 3 yrs. All of my tires looked good and I did the pressure ck, bearings ck and lug nut ck before going on this trip. Within 50mi one of the tires lost all tread and went flat. Fortunately it did not tear up my fender or do any other damage. I put my best spare on and continued. Got to destination without further incident. On the return trip about half way I stopped and hand cked all tires. One felt a little warmer than the other three. I happened to have my lazer temp guage in the trailer so I cked all the tires. 3 were between 126 and 130 degrees while 1 was running right at 150 degrees. I inspected that tire and noticed that the tread was slightly bulging in the center. I took a chance and left the tire on but lowered my speed for the rest of the trip. When I got home I cked temp again and that tire was still running about 20 to 25 degrees hotter than the others. Moral of the story is that from henceforth my temp gauge will always be in my trailer and the tire temps will be checked every time I stop in fact I may make it a habit to stop and ck temp about every 50 to 60 miles.

My trailer was empty on this return trip but I assure you in the future if my car is in the trailer and I detect that difference in tire temp I will immediately change the hot tire.

These temp gauges are relatively inexpensive at harbour freight and like places and if they were used regularly to monitor tires I'm sure many blowouts could be avoided.

15 inch trailer tires are junk! I have had new tires from the store fail in less than 1,000 miles. I bought 16 inch rims and put on 10 ply light truck tires, never had another issue. Several of my racing buddies did the same and had the same results, no more blow outs. My new trailer I ordered 16 inch heavy duty tires and in 2 years, 20,000 miles, and no blow outs. I also use the temp gun on the spindles to check the bearings, you are right the temp gun is a great tool.

Yes, a temp gun is your friend. Also, I saw some monitors you can purchase that screw onto the value stem and monitor the heat directly sending real time readings to a monitor on your dash. Pretty cool item for a long haul.

My next trailer will have 16" wheels (or if I keep my present one). I like the idea of using LT tires, load range E. Might be a little expensive up front, but not replacing tires every two years, or taking out a fender on the interstate would be worth it in my opinion.

How fast were you driving? I've found that keeping it under 65 mph they last longer. Also go up a load range on the tire

Since I have to replace 2 tires I will first determine how large a tire I can stick in the wheelwell. If by chance I can get a 16" in there I will consider buying a complete set of wheels and tires. There's not a lot of room in that well so it will be close with any size upgrade. This is a 1996 20ft Pace American which has served us well over the years. I bought it used at an Estate sale in 1998.

I was traveling at 65 prior to finding the hot tire and then dropped down to 55 for the rest of the trip. When I arrived home I measured the temps again and Dropping speed 10MPH reduced the temp in that tire about 10 degrees. ai did find that Interco has a 225 tire that is 12 ply so that might be way I go.

https://www.easternmarine.com/boating-fi...3187f1bfafb77c1

I have had very good luck with my made in the USA Goodyear Maratons on my 28' enclosed. Been there for almost two years and still look new.

Al,

What is your secret, while I have heard good things about the new Goodyear Endurance trailer tire, a lot of folks, including myself have had poor luck with the Marathons.

Perhaps they have been improved over the years but nobody noticed.

Bill

I got US made Goodyear Endurance load range E tires about a month ago. Only about 1200 miles so far but very happy with them. As said, many good reviews on Endurance. I can't fit much more tire on my trailer so I don't think 16s would fit. Also, I keep them inflated 5 psi over the 80 psi rating.

I had one tire that always ran 10-12 degrees more than the others. If/when a tire would blow, it was that one. Ended up replacing that axle. Been good since then.

Btw if I go racing in the “summer” months it’s not uncommon to see 150 to 160 tire temps. Road temps can be 140+. Bad bad place to live and expect tires to live....

You need Some of those old Flintstones tires. LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s13X66BFd8

I know what you mean except that I noticed by the string test that one axle was out of alignment and I took it to a frame shop and he straightened it out. Many things can go wrong.