Wear on Boat Trailer Tires After Changing Tires to Higher Load Rating

Published 08/19/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range D

(3738)

$59.14

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range B

(3738)

$44.53

Wheel Masters Analog Tire Pressure Gauge for Trucks and RVs - 10 to 160 psi

(45)

$24.57

Question:

I replaced my worn 4,80 X 12 Range B boat trailer tires with 4.80 X 12 Range C tires in hopes they would last longer but theyre worn out after two years. Ive read that they should be run at max. psi of 90 but after the two years the center treads are gone on both tires. I then started running them at 40 psi and I have a contact area of about 4inch on the road and the tires do not run hot after traveling 2 hrs. at 60 mph. The axle weight of the trailer including the loaded boat is 1550 lbs. Am I wrong in believing the C Range tire should last longer than the B range tire under the same conditions.

asked by: Bob L

Expert Reply:

Theoretically, the C Range tires would last longer than the B Range tires, but there are so many factors that play into trailer tire wear that it is impossible to say how much longer they should last. Some of the things that play into tire wear are overloading the tire's weight capacity, not keeping the tires inflated to the recommended psi, and not observing the tire's speed rating.

Your tires should have their weight capacity and recommended psi stamped on the tire wall. If your tires are recommended to be filled to 90 psi, running them at 40 psi likely shortened their life span. At the maximum air pressure, the tires will perform and wear best, and get the best gas mileage. If a tire is over-inflated, it will wear more in the center of the tread, all the way around the tire. If a tire is under-inflated, it will wear on the outside edges of the tread, all the way around the tire. Since you said your tires are wearing at the center, I recommended checking your tires recommended psi. It may be lower than 90 psi. The tire pressure gauge you have may be faulty. If you need a new pressure gauge, I recommend # WM8216. This dial-style, shock-resistant gauge is highly accurate.

Since your trailer's loaded weight is 1,550 pounds, if you have a single axle trailer, I recommend using trailer tires with Load Range B for their weight capacity. Our Range B tires have a maximum load capacity of 785 pounds at 60 psi. The Kenda # AM10060 is a fit for your 4.80 x 12 tire size.

expert reply by: Victoria B