When to replace tires on trailer?

scbwr wrote:
It's a good decision to replace the tires. I put Maxxis tires on our trailer this spring before a 4K trip out west and the OEM tires were from 2014....I just didn't want to take any chances.

Same here, mine were 6 year old U.S. made Marathons and never gave me an ounce of troube, they looked perfect. Replaced them with Maxxis.

op wrote:
One thing I have seen some people say "LT tires instead of "ST tires, what is the difference and which is better? Thanks again.

The LT is a better quality tire and has a far superior record than a ST tire when used in a trailer position. LT and P tires were what we used on trailers (all types including RV trailers) before tire makers gave us the ST tire.

Not many 15" LT sizes left anymore as 1/2 ton trucks and SUV/vans/etc have moved on up to a few 16" sizes but mainly 17" up to 20" sizes.

This is a list of 15" LT tires that is popular with trailer owners from various types of trailering websites who can use these sizes/load ranges and capacities.

Goodyear Wrangler HT in a LT235/75-15 C (50 psi) at 1980 lb capacity. Most LT tire makers carry this size.

And a Wrangler HT in a LT215/75-15 D (65 psi) at 2090 lbs capacity.

Maxxis LT U-168 are a commercial grade light truck tire with several 15" sizes and up to 2469 lbs capacity have became popular with all types of trailer owners.

Vanco 2 from Continental another popular tire for trailer users has several 15" sizes and load capacities.

I see the Yokohama RY215 in a 700R 15 D at 2040 lbs capacity is popular on some of the other RV websites.

Goodyear Cargo G26 2470 lb capacity in a 225/70R 15C 65 psi load range D for trucks/vans and trailers. Tires numbered like this are a Euro all position tires for trucks/vans or trailers which is basically the same as our LT tire.

Do your home work on the numbers.

It's a good decision to replace the tires. I put Maxxis tires on our trailer this spring before a 4K trip out west and the OEM tires were from 2014....I just didn't want to take any chances.

With any tire there is a chance of failure. But you can minimize the chance of failure by making sure you aren't overloading your trailer, maintain proper tire pressure, and check your tires frequently while on the road. I make it a habit to do a "walk around" everytime we stop while traveling. I carry a compressor with me and check tire pressure frequently when on longer trips. The only tire problems I've ever had were with some Goodyear Marathons that started wearing unevenly. I noticed it while camping and had the tire replaced with the spare. When we got home, the Marathons came off and a set of Maxxis went on the trailer (back when we owned a 2002 Sunline).

Stay safe!

My STs have been very reliable... They pop at 48 months give or take 2 months. I use 16" LTs now. Craig

lem55 wrote:
Thanks to everyone for the great advise. I will be replacing all 4 before my trip.
One thing I have seen some people say "LT tires instead of "ST tires, what is the difference and which is better? Thanks again.

Problem is that you won't find any 15" LT tires. Unless you upgrade to 16" rims, you're pretty well stuck with ST's. Of the ones available, Maxxis is most likely to be rated #1. The Carlisle RH seems to be holding its own, and is what I have. If you're placarded for D tires, jump up to E tires, and that will help, too.

Lyle

Thanks to everyone for the great advise. I will be replacing all 4 before my trip.
One thing I have seen some people say "LT tires instead of "ST tires, what is the difference and which is better? Thanks again.

I'll offer a counter argument to the others thus far and suggest that your 6-10 year replacement schedule is pretty acceptable. Assuming the tires are of good quality, with proper care(ie. Keep out of sunlight when not using, proper inflation, etc) that timetable is not unreasonable. We replaced our original goodyear marathons(made in Canada) after 12.5 years when I started to see cracks form. I know that is the exception and not the norm. We only had around 15k miles on them because we stay mostly in California and in addition to keeping them covered, I lifted my fifth onto jacks when it sat for more then 3 months. We replaced with the Maxxis 8008 last May. We've never once had any tire issues. No blowouts or nothing. Like someone earlier mentioned, I also know people who replaced after just 3-4 years to be proactive and had a blowout with the new set on their first trip. There's just no guarantee with tires. Some might suggest "if you love your family then you must replace every 3-5 years". Don't buy into this. That's what the petroleum/tire companies hope you to believe. If you've taken care of them and there are no cracks or visible dry rot, you might be able to get another 6-24 months out of them. It all comes down to your comfort level. Goodluck!

Any ST tire should be replaced immeduliately. Worst case they are warrantees for 3 years or 10,000 mile whichever comes first. In reallity they can only be trusted to get the RV from the dealer to your home. GET rid of the immideately and repack with LT tires.

Yep. Get them off. And buy 5. The spare is as old as the tires on the ground. No tire that old should be used for a spare

Per Carlisle tire;

Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
– 3 to 5 years is the average life expectancy of a trailer tire,regardless of mileage.
– It is estimated that in approximately three years, roughly one-third of a tire's strength is gone
– After three years, depending upon storage and conditions of usage, consider replacing trailer tires even if they have tread depth remaining.

– After five years, trailer tires should be replaced in all cases