DCP

Nice find. I barely know more than you, but from my research, the general recommendation is that trailer tires (ST designation) should be replaced every five years regardless of condition. Trailer tires have a terrible reputation anyway for failing so I know that, if it were me, I would replace them.

por944s2

Ditch the tires now and every 3-4 years after. The "savings" from running old tires will be lost 10X with a blow out. Looks like a nice trailer!!

mglobe

There are only two brands of trailer tires. Mayblow, and Willpop. Replace them now!

multi21

Replace the tires for sure. Dry rot on 10 year old tires not a good thing.
Also, because it sat so long, taking a look at bearings wouldn't hurt.

GuyIncognito

OK, you guys talked me into new tires

interesting point on the bearings. Ill take a look.

Matt Romanowski

Goodyear Marathon. You can thank me later.

linzman

Good decision. Now, on to the tow vehicle. Are you planning on using the Jeep? How much do the car and trailer weigh? And what's the Jeep rated to tow? Maximum tongue weight? Might want to consider a weight distribution anti sway hitch.

pontifex4

Matt, I have these on my Trailex (they came with it). Why do you think they're superior?

GuyIncognito

was planning on using the Jeep but now I'm not so sure....

trailer/car combined is roughly 6600 pounds (not including tools, tires, fuel cans, illegal immigrants, etc).

Jeep is rated for 7400. so yes, it's close.

don't really want to get rid of that Jeep (it's the perfect vehicle for 90% of my driving), don't really want to add another vehicle specific for towing...

GuyIncognito

a friend who tows A LOT told me to use Hercules tires (?)

DCP

It does not take much internet looking to conclude, rightly or wrongly, that all trailer tires are crap. The guy who sold me my trailer replaced the new tires on his new trailer with what he described as heavy duty truck tires. You will find a lot of internet discussion on that topic. The trailer tire industry suggests that this is a bad idea, but others seem to think that if you watch load ratings, it works well. At least using truck tires gets you away from the 65 mph speed limitation on trailer tires. It seems really stupid to design tires for speeds lower than you know your customers will go. Matt notwithstanding, the Goodyear Marathon tires do not seem to receive great comments either, but at least Goodyear published a statement that if you inflated the tires by an extra 10 psi over what the sidewall maximum says, you can drive 75 mph.

I could not find a truck tire size that was a good match for the skinny trailer tires I have so I may be stuck with trailer tires. I am thinking that I will go with the Goodyears just because it specifically allows the higher speed.

linzman

Agree that all trailer tires are not great. Make sure you check tire pressures and torque lug nuts before every trip. Trust me on this one 😁

As far as the jeep goes, it's mostly the transmission you have to worry about. If you're in Florida, and it's nice and flat, you might get away with it. If you start hauling up and down hills and such, you have to be very careful.

MarkPcar

Love my Trailex 8045 which I have been towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee V6.

BUT... two difference between the Trailex and the Featherlight. On the Trailex you can not build storage boxes in the front nose V and you can not use a weight distribution hitch.

I just bought a truck with camper in the bed and I need gear storage. I will likely be selling my Trailex and get a Featherlite so I can build storage boxes on the front.

GuyIncognito

no affiliation, this trailer just popped up on FerrariChat for those of you looking for a Trailex.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/oth...#post142330891

gallowrm

MarkPcar, I understand your comment about not being able to put a storage box on the front triangle on a Trailex. However, why won't a weight distribution hitch work? Am hoping to buy one of these trailer brands, so would really like to know!