skl

I have a 2005 ATC enclosed all aluminum 22' V nose I've had since new. It always sits inside except when going to a race weekend. We've probably used it 5-6 times a year up until a couple years ago when it was more sporatic. Usually hauled a Spec Miata and twice the GT3. Longest trip to Road America ( 300 miles or so).
Tires still look essentially new, but we're going to be on the road more this year taking my son's formula race car around the midwest. Should I get new tires just because of age or am I being overly paranoid?? Spare has never been off the wall.

TIA...

Toby Pennycuff

Get new tires, including the spare(s). I had TWO fail on me within 45 minutes of each other. They simply aged out. And carry TWO spare tires!

jrgordonsenior

I just had my 2.5 year old Maxxis E-loads start delaminating. They too looked brand new with probably 4k miles on them. It's just not worth the risk and do get E-rated tires, the bigger the better....

TurboCup87

Ask me how miserable it is to have two trailer tires fail on one trip--- and not from punctures. The belts failed and one of the tires then exploded. Now I carry two spares. Tires do age out. Five years is likely OK if they're not always outdoors. Nine years is asking for trouble.

The other issue is brand. The Goodyear Marathons used to be US made. They then moved to New Zealand. They still seemed OK. Now they're made in China and don't seem to be made as well. I've had two where the sides seem to be built slightly off.

BTW, can you put ice studs in those wet tires?

J richard

Go to discount tire, get a set of 16" wheels, even aluminum if you want, and get a set of 10 ply LT (truck) utility tires. Around a grand all in. Use your existing spare. You're done until they wear out. You will save a crapload of money in the long run, and have the confidence they won't fall apart and damage your trailer, your car or you...

Trailer tires are bogus

TAI2

Get new tires and spares. Other than the hassle of getting flats, you can lose control due to a blow-out, lose the trailer, lose your car, lose your tow vehicle and lose your life and that of you son's.

There is a 2013 posting about a driver of a pro team's trailer losing his life in an accident caused by a trailer tire blow-out.

Kein_Ersatz

It is not if you will be on the side of the road, just a matter of when.
Trailer tires are a weak link, service often.

skl

I think there is a theme going here... off to the tire store...

sbelles

Seems to always be in the rain too.

brad@tirerack.com

I would replace them. They are getting to that point that age is going to be an issue with them. Call me if I can help.

reidry

+1

Did this last year on my rig, a 30 ft enclosed Pace Shadow GT triple axle. New 16" aluminum rims and Dunlop HT tires all around including a spare.

Ryan

TurboCup87

Concept is good, but won't work on my Trailex with 14" tires. Not enough clearance by the fenders.

KaiB

Given the fact that I run my trailer far closer to 80mph than I do 70, I've also contacted our friend Damon regarding a proper tire/wheel package.

For three years my D rated 15" ST Marathons have done well for me, but....

E55AMG

Same here. Guess just need to keep an eye on them and replace sooner rather than later. Not a lot of miles on mine (2012 trailer) but it is stored outdoors.

pu911rsr

So I've almost as many trailer tire threads as I have about what to tow your trailer with, a Peterbuilt seems to be the proper vehicle around here. So what is the deal with trailer tires - lousy design, poor manufacturing. I have an open featherlite trailer with new tires as of 2 years ago, I'll use it to tow a spec 944. Do the lighter trailers have all the same issues or is weight a big factor. I bought a trailer tire pressure monitoring system, so at least I know if I have a tire going down.
Phil