Troubleshooting Overheating Trailer Tires on a Tandem Axle Trailer

Updated 03/12/2015 | Published 03/11/2015

Question:

Tandem axle cargo trailer loaded weighs 5000 - 5500. I consistenly put highway miles on, and drive at the posted speed limit 75, I have noticed the tires are getting hot, they are properly inflated, and there are no brake/axle issues. Is there a better option in a speed rated tire? I know they are rated to 87.

asked by: Will

Expert Reply:

I may have some information that will help, but we do not carry any trailer tires with a speed rating higher than 81 mph. N-rated tires (tires rated up to 87 mph) are one of the higher speed rated tires for trailers and it would be difficult to find a trailer tire rated higher. There are not many companies out there willing to make high speed trailer tires because it is difficult to keep the load rating.

Since you have checked for proper inflation and axle/brake issues, my next thought would be to check the tire construction. Are you using bias ply tires or radial tires? This should be indicated on the sidewall of the tires.

If you have bias ply tires, then I recommend switching to Radial tires like the Taskmaster ST205/75R15 Tire, # TTWTRTM2057515C. A Radial tire has more flex, giving it better ground contact, traction, tread wear. It will also run cooler than a bias ply tire.

Trailer tires are often tested far beyond the speed ratings that they are given, so I don't think the heat build up is solely related to the speed rating, especially if your tires are rated for 87 mph. You may want to take your trailer up to a shop and have them inspect the axle alignment. If the axles are not aligned to the trailer centerline, then that could cause some friction on the tires that may not show up in the tread wear right away.

You may also want to pull your hubs to make sure your bearings are greased properly. Bearing issues can frequently cause over heating and ruin a trailer hub and spindle. This would cause the hub, wheel and tires to heat up. If you see any gouges, discoloration or cuts on the bearings or spindles, then that could be the cause of your problem and the affected parts should be replaced.

expert reply by: John H