Frequent Trailer Tire Blowouts and Dry Rot on a Tandem Axle Boat Trailer
Question:
I have a 2005 25foot boat on a tandem axle extreme trailer, I have had this boat for 4 years and am having issues with blow outs and tires going bad. I am meticulous about my tires and always checking and replacing if the slightest concerns. When I bought this boat I replaced all tires, start fresh. Still seems like I have to replace at least one tire a year get cracks or tread goes bad. Currently have Carlise trailer tires ST215/75R/14 and have had nothing but problems. Last July I got the first blow, driver side front tire replaced with a generic trailer tire at a local shop and come this year the tire already is cracking on the sides. To add to that, while taking the boat to get serviced last week I noticed another tire passenger side front tire rubbing on the fender because it got a bubble in the middle of the tread. Replaced that tire right away. Then just this past weekend went to the lake, driving home and got another blow out driver side back tire. Changed tire and checked the tire in front, seemed fine. Drove home, no issues. Upon getting home and parking the boat noticed the tire in front of the blow is now bad, chunks of thread missing. Now I know that was more than likely caused by the blow out, but Im tired of all these tire issues and refuse to buy Carlise again. Any recommendations for better quality trailer tires or Ive even seen some people switching to heavier duty truck tires, thoughts on that?
asked by: Colin
Helpful Expert Reply:
Tires blowing out is usually caused by either overloading the tires or because of excessive heat generated when the tires are under inflated. But with all of the problems you are having there may be something else going on as well.
I recommend having the trailer inspected for suspension wear. Any egg-shaped holes in the suspension components could be the root cause of the problem. If the axles are torsion axles without suspension then this would not be the case.
I also recommend pulling the hubs and inspecting the running gear (hubs, bearings, seals). If the bearings are dark then that means they have overheated and need to be replaced. There could also be internal hub damage too.
Passenger vehicle tires should not be used on trailers. Trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall to handle more vertical load whereas vehicle tires are not. Make sure that the tires are always inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire.
After using the trailer in a marine environment it is always a good idea to hose of the tires with fresh water. If the trailer is stored outside then I recommend keeping the tires covered when the trailer is not in use. For a 215/75-14 tire you can get 2 covers, # CA80083. For 2 axles you would need to order two sets.
I also recommend sticking with the tire size indicated by the trailer manufacturer. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the trailer tongue or frame somewhere. If you do need ST215/75-14 tires we have a couple of options. Tire # AM1ST90 is a bias ply tire. Bias ply tires are better for off road types of applications. If you are mostly on paved roads then a radial tire # AM10229 is a better option. Radial tires run cooler and track better than bias ply tires.
Bot tires are rated for 1,870 pounds at 50 psi.
Products Referenced in This Question
Karrier ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 215/75-14
- 14 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Loadstar ST215/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 215/75-14
- 14 Inch
- Kenda
more information >
Classic Accessories RV Tire Covers for 24" to 27" Tires - Single Axle - Gray - Qty 2
- RV Tire Covers
- Single Axle
- 24 Inch Tires
- 25 Inch Tires
- 26 Inch Tires
- 27 Inch Tires
- Vinyl
- 2 Covers
- Better UV/Dust/Weather Protection
- Gray
- Classic Accessories
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range F
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range F
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
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