I recently bought a used 1996 double axel 3500 lb TT that is fabulous except for the tires. It looks like they have cracks in the sidewalls. I will have them professionally inspected before I start on my one way trip taking the trailer from Wisconsin to my Florida campsite where it will stay for the next few years. It doesnt have a spare, but I will get one in case. What I need to know is if the tires are "iffy" what happens if one of them blows while I am driving 60 mph? Would the trailer begin swinging wildly or what?

Have a look at this simple search for blown tire.Blown tirethen see how you think about it.

drsolo wrote:What I need to know is if the tires are "iffy" what happens if one of them blows while I am driving 60 mph? Would the trailer begin swinging wildly or what?Nah.. it would just wiggle a little bit.. no problem.Are you serious??!!! ANY blowout is dangerous. I hope this "professional inspection" advises replacing them.

" It looks like they have cracks in the sidewalls."Don't need no professional inspection.Buy new tires.Otherwise............tire blows out thread slinging around rips out wheel well area, plumbing lines, wiring and instead of cost of new tire you now have $1500 damage to trailer plus new tire.

With a double axle trailer you most likely will not experience catastrophic sway or an out of control situation. But..and as Homer Simpson would say... "and it is a big but", a blowout at speed can and often does result in lots of damage to your trailer.Tires are a key part when it comes to safety and are often overlooked. Tires that are cracked should be replaced. Good idea to have a professional look at them but my guess is that they will want to sell you some replacements. Get second and third opinions and you will probably hear the same story. This is a great example of "better to be safe than sorry".

Don't even think about a trip like that with iffy tires.A blowout could endanger you and other drivers near you. Majority of blowouts on RVs are due to:OverloadingImproper InflationTire AgeTire Condition (cracks, worn tread, unusual wear...etc)Road HazardsI've read where a blowout has caused the trailer and tow vehicle to rollover. Others have had significant damage to the trailer from tread impacting the bottom and sides of the trailer while trying to slowdown and stop. One RV'er caused damage to the vehicle behind when a piece of the blown tire impacted and broke through the windshield, luckily no one was hurt.

If a tire blows..... | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
May 27, 2015
2012Coleman wrote:
Why are you still on the fence about new tires?
The universal reason.
Hannibal
Explorer
May 27, 2015
I replace tires on the truck or trailer at any sign of "iffy". Too much damage "when" they blow. LT tires cause even more damage when they come apart. Bias ply tires cause little to no damage when they blow.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
May 27, 2015
drsolo wrote:
sdianel wrote:
Find the date code on the tires and if they are over 6 years old, buy new tires.

Where do I find that? the number on the tire is
ST 205 75 R15
I dont know what any of this means.
In your case, the date code is irrelevant. You stated that they have cracks in the sidewalls - or dry rot. Why are you still on the fence about new tires? :h

And when you get into the Florida sun, make sure you cover them.
Dave5143
Explorer
May 27, 2015
drsolo wrote:
sdianel wrote:
Find the date code on the tires and if they are over 6 years old, buy new tires.

Where do I find that? the number on the tire is
ST 205 75 R15
I dont know what any of this means.

Check this site for information concerning the date code.
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 27, 2015
drsolo wrote:
sdianel wrote:
Find the date code on the tires and if they are over 6 years old, buy new tires.

Where do I find that? the number on the tire is
ST 205 75 R15
I dont know what any of this means.

There is a code on your tires... it is 4 numbers. See if you can find it. It is not the tire size.

See if you can find it.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
drsolo
Nomad
May 27, 2015
sdianel wrote:
Find the date code on the tires and if they are over 6 years old, buy new tires.

Where do I find that? the number on the tire is
ST 205 75 R15
I dont know what any of this means.
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 27, 2015
You can restore the old tires...by replacing them...

I am serious about this...

Dry rotted tires are dangerous on any vehicle...not just a TT...

You may make it on the old tires...but do you really want to take the chance?

JMHO based on experience.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
westend
Explorer
May 27, 2015
I replaced the wheel well in my trailer since the previous owner didn't care about tires, he ran whatever was cheap and at hand. The spinning radial belts in a blown tire act like a hammer mill. As the belt spins, it chews through most anything in it's way until the steel belt breaks apart.

I believe the consensus from most tire mfgs is that a tire has a lifetime of five years. There is a date code on every tire.
AlmostAnOldGuy
Explorer
May 27, 2015
My buddy lost a tire running at 65. $2500 damage to his trailer.
mosseater
Explorer II
May 26, 2015
Buy new tires. You don't have to like it, but you should do it. One of us might be out there near you when the balloon goes up. I hate to make it about me, but this is a solution in search of a problem.

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If a tire blows.....

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