triple axle trailer tire rotation

[Sundancer]

What's your strategy on trailer tires? I've always replaced them at the 5 year mark and I have NO idea how old the tires are on our new trailer. I'd rather not replace 7 tires all at once, but I can if I have too. I'm thinking I can replace a few every year, but maybe that's taboo or I'm just asking for additional failures. I would probably put the fresh tires on the front then rotate to the back and then to the middle. Some of the tires look OK. So what's recommended??

 

[Dave M.]

Here are some recommendations.

I think you should have all tires be identical, as much as possible. To me that means they are the same age, and from the same manufacturer, and have the same assembly process. If you buy the same tire from the same manufacturer two years apart, then I don't know that you can be sure you are getting the same tire. It might have different construction, which could mean sidewalls that are stiffer or more flexible. That means the one that are the stiffest will take the brunt of the load.

I am not a tire expert, so you may value this info at about 2 cents!

 

[Sundancer]

That's the thought I've been mulling over and figured it's probably best just to put all new rubber on it. Then I don't have to worry, I know what I've got and can expect 5 years before replacing them again. It's a small cost for peace of mind and the ability to get to and from the launch ramp in Idaho or the San Juans.

 

[MLauman]

While I agree in principle with Dave, my wallet prefers that I stagger the costs. So I have been replacing 2 at a time and rotating them. I keep the 2 most recent used ones for spare (one mounted - one not).

As for age, there's a date code that tells you when they were made. Shelf lifes may vary but shouldn't be by much.

Tire Date Codes

 

[Sundancer]

I'll have to run out and check the tire dates when I get back home. At least that way I'll know if these tires are of this decade or not! I'm sure they probably are, but they could easily be 5 years old or more. That gives me something to base a decision on, but I'm still leaning towards new all around. We trailer every weekend during the season so marginal tires won't last long anyway. I really don't want to think what will happen if I blow one or more tires. I did find out the last time I blew a tire that it took out the wiring to that wheel. That was a little disconcerting, but it was only one of six. I'm going to take a look at the rest of the wires and make sure they are routed and secured to assure I'm in good shape.

 

[Dave M.]

There, it just took a little prod to get he discussion started.:grin:

I am not in the habit of replacing trailer tires based on age alone. Maybe I should be, but so far have not done so. Thanks MLauman for the link to how to read the date code, I did not know that.

It would be my preference on a triple axle trailer to have the load range ratings of the tires be heavy enough that two tires would be rated to carry or almost carry the load on one side. That could let you creep off to safety somewhere instead of leaving you stranded. I'm also wondering if radial tires would not be a better choice than bias ply because the increased sidewall flex would put less strain on the tires and bearings when you turned sharp corners.

 

[MLauman]

I have had such good results with Goodyear Marathons (radial) that I won't even think about using anything else. They are a little pricey, but it's a good place to put your money, IMO.

OK, Dave I have to ask - on the edit of your post (#2) above, please translate 'Reason: ficks bad earl'

 

[Sundancer]

I've been a Marathon fan as well and will put those at the top of the list. I know I'm into these for at least $119 a tire but I haven't checked on the Marathons yet. I have those on my travel trailer and they have been awesome. They are about to be replaced as well. I think I'll need 11 new tires next year and I'm hoping I won't have to replaced the tires on the 250 DA trailer. They are 5 years old and one is questionable. I'm hoping to sell it before I have to replace those too!!

 

[Dave M.]

OK, Dave I have to ask - on the edit of your post (#2) above, please translate 'Reason: ficks bad earl'

A weak attempt at humor. I have done that a couple of times in the reason for edit line. When I wrote the post, the URL was malformatted and the text "Here are some tire recommendations" appeared twice. So I had to fix a bad URL.:smt009