Should Older Trailer Tires Be Replaced Even if They Have Plenty of Tread Left

Question:

Wife is driving from TN up to MIchigan to bring back 2 Arabian mares and a foal in an old 3 horse slant bumper pull. The neighbor suggested the tires won’t make it. They are actually barely used. The trailer is steel, I don’t know the weight. The horses are probably 900 lbs each x3. Should I replace the tires?

asked by: Porter W

Expert Reply:

I'd listen to your neighbor.

If the tires are more than 4-5 or so years old, I'd highly recommend replacing them regardless of remaining tread. Age and exposure to UV radiation breaks down the rubber compounds the tire is constructed of, and after several years can leave the tire vulnerable to failure.

After this particular trip, if you're planning on doing further extensive highway travel, it would be worth your while to upgrade to a radial tire for smoother highway travel and better heat dissipation. Since excessive heat is the number one cause of premature tire failure, radial tires would be an excellent upgrade.

I'll link you to our Trailer Tire and Wheel Help Articles, which contain more information about trailer wheels and tires than you'll ever need.

If you could reply with your current tire size and the GVWR of the horse trailer, I'd be happy to recommend replacements for you.

expert reply by: Mike L