05/30/2026
𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄?
At Tires On The Run, we install and service a lot of trailer tires — both at our shop in Airdrie and through our mobile tire service.
Every summer, we see travel trailers, utility trailers, boat trailers, and fifth wheels come in with blown tires, damaged fenders, ripped wiring – Money wasted, and camping trips ruined…
The surprising part - Most of those tires still had plenty of tread left!
The biggest enemy of a trailer tire isn't usually wear — it's age.
Most trailers only travel a few thousand kilometres each year, so the tread often looks great even when the tire itself is becoming unsafe.
In addition, we are also seeing a huge difference in tire quality today:
• Some very inexpensive offshore trailer tires — including some that come as original equipment on new trailers — are only lasting 1–2 years before developing serious cracking or failing.
• Even many name-brand trailer tires are regularly failing in the 3–5 year range.
One tire that continues to impress us is the Carlstar (formerly Carlisle) Radial Trail HD. So far, we're still seeing excellent results and commonly expect 6–8 years of safe service life when properly maintained.
What should you look for?
✔ Cracks between the tread blocks
✔ Cracks in the sidewall
✔ Cracking near the rim area
✔ Bulges in the sidewalls
✔ Tires that "look fine" but are several years old
Check the DOT Date Code
Near the bead of the tire, you'll find a series of letters and numbers beginning with "DOT."
At the end, there will either be 4 numbers showing, or a blank space – If there isn’t a 4 digit code, then check the other side of the tire – This code will gell you the manufacturing week:
Example: 2521 = 25th week of 2021
We've met plenty of trailer owners who were shocked to learn their tires were 8 or 12 years old… Our record is 33 years on a camper!
Before your next camping trip, take a few minutes to inspect your trailer tires.
Replacing tires may save you hundreds or thousands, and prevent your trip from being ruined.
If you're not sure whether your trailer tires are still safe, we'd be happy to take a look, no charge.
Be safe out there!
Tires On The Run
Shop & Mobile Tire Service
📞 403-472-4246
📧 [email protected]
Legendary Service, Unmatched Value