What Causes Trailer Tires to Fail Typically

Question:

I haul heavy equipment from Tulsa to Texas and back on a semi truck western star pulling a Fontaine heavy haul trailer. It is a dual double axle low boy, and I have yet to make a trip where I didnt blow at least one tire, often two, and once three, two in the same position. what can cause problems like this, is there a heavier tire I should be using than a 16 ply? I know under inflation can be a problem, but I have blown brand new tires aired up at the dealers less than 200 miles down the road. My company has hauled this equipment for years before i came on, and apparently without problems. So either the trailer has something structurally wrong that has worn out over time or Im not getting the appropriate tire, or the cats eyes are calibrated wrong, or some thing. Just looking for ideas, especially with regards to heavy haul trailer tire information. A local tire guy said the only thing that makes them blow is under inflation or something pokes through the tire. I am currently running 16 ply, which I thought was a pretty beefy tire. Are 18 ply better? can you get 18 ply in a 255/70 R 22.5? Thank you, Any help greatly appreciated.

asked by: Mike B

Expert Reply:

While we don't carry trailer tires in the size you need the big reasons for trailer tire fail are overloading, under-inflation, exceeding the speed rating, suspension or alignment issues, and even sometimes if the trailer is not level. Most of these issues end up generating quite a bit of heat in the tires which makes them much more likely to fail. When the tires get hot they get softer which then makes it easier for things to puncture the tire.

expert reply by: Jameson C