Reasons for Tire Failure and 16 inch Trailer Tire Recommendation that Can go 75 Miles Per Hour

Question:

I bought a 4 year old toy hauler that has st235 r80 16 load range E tires. I made a trip from Florida to Ohio. 1 blew the first tire in Ohio. I replaced both driver side tires before I left Ohio so if I blew a tire it would be on the passenger side away from traffic. On the way home to Florida I blew both passenger side tires. In ga I bought 2 new tires for the passenger side of the trailer. 250 miles later I blew a new tire on the passenger side. I replaced it and made it home. The trailer is lightly loaded, no toys. Tires are shredded by the time I know they are blown. Should I move to st235 r85 16 14 ply tires. All the current tires are 80 psi. Regards

asked by: Ed R

Expert Reply:

Tire failure is usually caused by a few things. It can be from overloading the trailer, improper tire inflation, and/or exceeding the speed rating for the tire.

You should verify that the tire capacity you have for you trailer is adequate for how much your trailer weighs.

The pressure ran in the tires makes a big difference in longevity too. ST tires should be ran with the full pressure rating stated on the side of the tire, for full load capacity and longevity of the tire. If lower pressures are ran the tire will heat faster and hotter and fail prematurely.

Special trailer tires are usually rated to operate at a maximum speed of 65 mph. If you exceed 65 mph, heat could build up in the tire and cause it to break down and fail. If a tire is rated to run at a higher speed, this information should be listed on the trailer's sidewall.

For a tire in the size you are considering (ST235/85R16), with an M speed rating that allows for up to 81 mph you would want the part # TTWPRG235R16.

expert reply by: Jameson C