How to Avoid Trailer Tire Failure on Long Trips

Question:

I have a 10 year old KZ Frontier 28 foot travel trailer that Ive had for 7 years now and in the last few years have had a blowout or 2 on my annual long distance 800 mile trip to Florida from Texas. My tires are Maxxis M8008 which I thought was the best 205x75x14. These tires are 3 years old when they blow. My question is, can I upgrade to say, 225x75x15, that way I could get a 10 ply 2830 lb max load tire? Or maybe even a 235x80x16? I realize itd be hard to tell without looking at my RV but just wondering if you have an opinion. Im looking at: Dexstar Tires and Wheels - AM20532 Measurements: Between the two tires 4 1/2 inches. Between the inner wall of the wheel well and the inside of the tire 1 inch. 2 inches between the top of the tire and the top of the wheel well.

asked by: Ron R

Expert Reply:

There are two considerations that apply to your concern about repeated trailer tire failure.

One is load capacity. If your loaded trailer weight exceeds the load capacity of your tires then this condition could lead to excessive heat build-up and subsequent tire failure. Trailer tires must always be inflated to their maximum psi pressure as indicated on the tire's sidewall. If under-inflated the side walls will flex too much and generate excessive heat.

The other consideration is the storage conditions for the trailer. If stored outside, which is certainly likely for a 28-foot trailer, exposure to the sun will speed up deterioration of any tire, regardless of its load capacity. Use of tire covers will help protect the tires from sun damage, which can lead to drying out of the rubber. Even if stored indoors under ideal conditions tires will age; there is no way around it.

The linked article on tire sizes will let you confirm the overall diameter of your current tires, or you can simply measure, in order to select tire covers like # 052963762501 from Classic Accessories. These covers fit tires from 27 to 30 inches in diameter.

The linked article may be of interest.

I cannot speculate about your ability to change tire sizes based on the information presented.

expert reply by: Adam R