Should I Replace Three Year Old 205/75-14 Trailer Tires

Question:

I have 3 year old 205/75R14 ST Rainier tires on a single axle travel trailer. Should I buy new tires for an upcoming 4000 mile road trip to prevent blowout.

asked by: Robin H

Expert Reply:

For starters, if you are not already aware there is actually a date code on the sidewall of the tire. This date code is a set of four numbers, the first two numbers represent the numbers of weeks into the year that the tire was produced and the last two reflect the year. The reason I point this out is that some people will think that because they have had the tires installed for three years, that they are only three years old when in all actuality, they could be much older.

I will say that three years is not a huge amount of time for trailer tires to last so they may still have some life left in them but with such a long journey ahead, I don't think you will be kicking yourself if you do decide to swap them out so this just might be your best option after all. Please note, the tread depth of trailer tires usually isn't the best sign of indicating needing to be replaced but rather the presence of small cracks known as dry rotting.

If you do decide to replace the tires which is most likely what I would do If I were you, I recommend the Taskmaster ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire part # TR20514 which is the highest quality option we have in this size. This tire has a load range c rating and 81 mph speed rating along with a radial ply construction. The unique thing about Taskmaster tires is that they have automotive grade tread which offers the best traction. The old tires you have now can then be used for spares.

expert reply by: Conner L