Why Does My Trailer Keep Blowing Out Tires

Question:

Hi we purchased a used pop up, we have used it two weeks in a row and experienced three blow outs. I replaced all three tires spare included with a Towmaster brand st 175/80/13 C rated tire......I blew that one as well. The service stations said the camper is really heavy and I may need to go to a D rated tire. Can you provide some insight???

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

Trailer tires can blow for a few reasons. If the trailer is overloaded that can do it. The combined capacity of the tires needs to be greater than the gross trailer weight. Exceeding the speed rating can also create excessive heat build up and lead to failure.

The other common issue is under inflated tires. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. This is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires to handle more vertical load. If under inflated the thicker sidewall generates excessive heat and can lead to failure.

So first, make sure the tires you are using are rated high enough. A load range C 175/80-13 should be rated for 1,350 pounds at 50 psi. A load range D should be rated for 1,610 pounds at 65 psi. Once you have verified the capacity and determined if it is high enough or if a different load range is needed, make sure the tires you use are inflated to the maximum psi.

Radial tires also will run cooler than bias ply tires so if you go with a load range D then you can use # AM10210 which is a radial.

expert reply by: Michael H