4.80-12 Trailer Tires Keep Blowing Out on 2000 Coachman Camper Trailer

Question:

have a 2000 coachman camper trailer with 4:80x12 load range C tires having many blow outs from Nova Scotia to Alaska and back should I go for heavier tires or move up to 13 in rimsandtires Any help would be appreciated

asked by: Ian C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Trailer tires are made with a thicker side wall than passenger car tires. Because of the thicker side wall they generate more heat. If they are under inflated and/or overloaded, that generates even more heat and can cause the tire to fail. Always inflate trailer tires to the maximum psi rating as indicated on the tire.

If a tire sits long enough, it can suffer from dry rot or environmental wear unless covered when not in use. Given the area you travel in this could also be a factor. You will want to wash off salt and keep the tires covered to protect them from the elements when not in use to help extend the life of the tires.

Going to a higher capacity tire may help but keep in mind doing so does not increase the capacity the trailer can carry. The trailer capacity is set by the axle. The same goes for a larger tire size. But with a larger tire size you can also have clearance problems because the larger tire is wider and taller and you may not have clearance on the trailer for a larger tire.

In size 4.80-12 the highest capacity we have is a load range C rated for 990 pounds at psi, # AM10062.

expert reply by: Michael H