When to Replace Trailer Tires on a 5th Wheel Trailer

Published 01/20/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(2218)

$224.64

Classic Accessories RV Tire Covers for 27" to 30" Tires - Single Axle - White - Qty 2

(749)

$34.40

TireMinder i10 TPMS for RVs and Trailers w/ Signal Booster - 4 Tire Sensors

(356)

$238.19

Question:

I have a 5th wheel with a dry weight of 11k, and a pin weight of 2k. The factory only put a 8 ply 235/80/16tire on the trailer. Should I go up to a 10 to 12 ply? I have had 2 blowouts on the front but I think they were from bad roads in the state of South Carolina, trying to figure out something so that I dont have to change tires in the middle of no where. The tires on my trailer are 7 years old. questions 1 should i up the load rating on my tires? 2 how many years should you use a trailer tire? 3 should you change both tires on the same side of a trailer if you have a flat? 4 can you recommend a tire pressure monitor of some kind? 5 if your trailer sits for a period of time should you try and take weight off of the tires? 6 do you replace the spare tire when changing all of the tires? Thanks

asked by: Brian B

Expert Reply:

Trailer blowouts can be caused by several different things including heat, overloading, and road conditions. There is a difference between the amount of plies in a tire and its actual ply rating. Basically, due to advances in technology and materials a tire with 8 plies could have a 10 ply rating.

To answer your first question going with a higher capacity or load range tire than what you have now would provide you with a stronger tire and higher ply rating. It will not increase the capacity of the trailer though. We have 1 tire in size 235/80-16, # AM10248, rated for 3,197 pounds at 90 psi.

Next, the amount of years a trailer tire can be used depends on many factors, just like on a vehicle. Road conditions, tire size, weight on the tires, condition of the trailer, all of these factor into tire wear. So basically you would examine the tires regularly for signs of wear and replace as needed.

If you have a flat tire and the trailer has more than one axle you only have to change that one tire. However, the tire blowing could be an indication that something could be wrong with the other tires and you would need to examine them to determine if any others need to be replaced.

For a tire pressure monitoring system we have the TireMinder unit, # TM89FR. It comes with 4 sensors.

You do not have to have the weight off of the tires if it will sit for a long time, especially on a 5th wheel trailer where there is no easy way to do so. Using tire covers will protect the tires from the elements. For your tire size you could use 2-pack covers, # 052963762501.

For the spare, provided it is in good shape and has not dry rotted or sustained any damage then you will not have to replace it with all the other tires. I have included some helpful links on trailer tires and the monitoring system for you.

Be sure to always inflate trailer tires (ST in front of the size) to the maximum psi indicated on the tire.