Car trailer tire pressures
08-17-2006, 08:47 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
I just blew one towing my Elise in an enclosed trailer. I had checked the pressures, and all were between 45-48. The outside temp was 99, and I think the tire over-pressurized as the profile of all the tires hot was visibly much different than cold.
I was doing about 70 at the time, and suspect that the higher speed was an additive effect.
Fortunately had a spare (2 actually), but jacking a trailer on a soft shoulder was a real nightmare. I have now outfitted my trailer with a different jack, and a thick board to provide a better jacking base. On a soft shoulder, the jack tends to tip, just as you get the tire off the ground.
By the time I got to the track, I was almost too beat to drive.
I now keep a container with the jack, breaker bar, specific deep socket, flashlight, and extra batteries. Also got an extra air tank to air any tire that looks low. AS
I was doing about 70 at the time, and suspect that the higher speed was an additive effect.
Fortunately had a spare (2 actually), but jacking a trailer on a soft shoulder was a real nightmare. I have now outfitted my trailer with a different jack, and a thick board to provide a better jacking base. On a soft shoulder, the jack tends to tip, just as you get the tire off the ground.
By the time I got to the track, I was almost too beat to drive.
I now keep a container with the jack, breaker bar, specific deep socket, flashlight, and extra batteries. Also got an extra air tank to air any tire that looks low. AS
08-17-2006, 10:29 PM
#17
Lifetime Rennlist Member
I always run trailer tires at the max pressure stated on the sidewall. For my tires, that is 60 or 65 psi.
Also, many failures occur in pairs. You should be prepared to change both tires on a side. I carry 2 mounted spares and kept another old tire as an unmounted spare.
Also, many failures occur in pairs. You should be prepared to change both tires on a side. I carry 2 mounted spares and kept another old tire as an unmounted spare.
08-18-2006, 12:05 AM
#18
trailer tires also have stronger sidewalls to handle curbing and scraping. they also have more UV stabilization in the compound since they sit idle in the sun for so long
08-18-2006, 12:52 AM
#19
Rennlist Member
1. Sports cars get sport tires. Trailers get trailer tires.
2.. Why does anyone jack up their trailer to change a flat? I drive one wheel onto some 2x10's and the other wheel is free to be removed. Same boards I use to extend the ramps. WOrks great.
2.. Why does anyone jack up their trailer to change a flat? I drive one wheel onto some 2x10's and the other wheel is free to be removed. Same boards I use to extend the ramps. WOrks great.
08-18-2006, 01:10 AM
#20
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I started the trip with 50 pSI cold as per the trailer label, halfway through the trip I checked the pressure and it was around 55 (quite even on all 4 tires). The outside temp varied from 70s in San Diego to 90s while I was going through central Cali.
I made it ok to the track.
Thx again for the advice.
I made it ok to the track.
Thx again for the advice.
08-18-2006, 10:12 AM
#22
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Originally Posted by chrisp
trailer tires also have stronger sidewalls to handle curbing and scraping. they also have more UV stabilization in the compound since they sit idle in the sun for so long
Guys use car tires all the time, but it really is not very smart. Follow someone drawing a trailer and see the crap that trailer tires put up with. Word!
08-18-2006, 10:26 AM
#23
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Another thing that can cause a tire to let go is a bad or loose wheel bearing heating things up. Trailer service/maintenance is not something to skip over or skimp on. I went witht he heavy duty 8 ply's after several problems with the less heavy duty tires.
