04/25/2023
Preparing for your Summer travels?
Over the last coupe of weeks I've seen many posts on different forums asking about trailer tires and what pressure to run the tires at and when should new tires be bought.
There are tons of different opinions on this subject, but a general consensus among most is to follow the following guidelines.
1. Go to a set of scales and weigh your trailer. This is great information to have on hand anyway as it helps determine if you are properly packing your trailer, maybe indicating that you are carrying too much with you. Watch those weights on your trailer.
2. After obtaining the weight of your trailer, go to the Tire Manufactures Website and find the tire rating chart for your particular model of tire, locate the size, and identify the load capability for the different air pressures. NOTE: The pressure number listed on the side of your tire is the MAXIMUM Cold Pressure for the load rating of that particular tire. It is not what you absolutely have to run your tire at. Look at your scale numbers and base your pressure determination off of the manufactures chart for the weight of your trailer.
3. When you identify the appropriate number, air your tires to match that. Some feel that with hotter weather to run a little higher pressure. I'm mixed on those thoughts, but I do run a few pounds heavier than the chart indicates so maybe I am following that thought process.
4. Check your tires before every departure. Just a quick look for objects in the tread and check the air pressure. Look for abnormalities in the tires such as a bulge or uneven wear. Wear in middle typically indicates over-inflation, where wear on outside (in and out) edges indicates under-pressure. Wear on one edge or the other can indicate some alignment issues which is another subject.
5. Use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which will alert you to pressure changes and many will advise of temperature as well. What you want is the four tires to be adjusting about the same with driving conditions. As an example, when you start driving all tires should see a rise in pressure as they warm up. Bright Sun on one side may cause that side to have a higher temp than the other side. Any large difference, stop and check.
When to buy new Tires?
Lots of theories on this as well but you cannot base it off of tire mileage on trailer tires generally. Most trailer tires sit for long period of times and have some unique pressures applied that general vehicle tires are not subject to.
The rule of thumb I've followed for years is to replace the tires every 4-5 years. There is a code on your tire which indicates the week and year of manufacture. It is a four digit code, in kind of an oval. Find this code to determine the age of your tires. Replace accordingly. Picture below is an example. This particular tire was manufactured the eighth week of 2019.
By changing the tires on a regular basis and maintaining proper pressure you can ensure your safety and lower the probability of a very costly blowout, damaging your rig and endangering you and your family.
If you are in need of general repairs before hitting the road this year and are in the DFW area, please give me a call at 214-326-1222. I'd be happy to assist you and help you get ready for your Summer travels.
