Maximizing Trailer Tire Life for Utility Trailer Carrying ATV  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The number one enemy of trailer tires is excessive heat build-up.

To avoid heat build up, always make sure you keep your tires fully inflated to the pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Unlike passenger vehicle tires which can have a range of acceptable tire pressures, you'll want to keep trailer tires fully inflated. Overloading a trailer can also lead to excessive heat, so be sure to use tires whose capacity meets or exceeds the full weight of your loaded trailer. Also, the overwhelming majority of trailer tires are rated at a maximum of 65 mph. Running your trailer tires over 65mph on a consistent basis will shorten the life of your tires.

Radial tires are much better for highway use, and do a better job shedding heat than bias ply tires. If you run radials and keep your tires fully inflated, don't overload your trailer and keep your speed to 65 mph or lower, you'll maximize your tire life.

The wheel/tire combo you looked at was a load range D bias ply on a 13 inch 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern steel wheel. I'd recommend a similar tire/wheel in a radial, part # AM31985. The tire has a 1610 lb weight capacity (3220 lbs per pair) at 65 psi. This wheel/tire combo would be an excellent choice, assuming that your existing hubs use a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern and that the capacity would be sufficient.

I'll link you to some of our tire FAQ articles that I hope you'll find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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