5.30-12 Trailer Tires are Wearing Out After 300 to 600 Miles

Updated 03/17/2017 | Published 03/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier KR03 ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2348)

$104.94

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

(3888)

$61.22

Question:

I have a pull behind motorcycle trailer with 5-30 12. I am only getting 300-600 miles before the tire blows. They evenly wear accross the tire. What tire should I use and what could be causing this extremely short tread life?

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The smaller the tire the more revolutions it will have in a given distance. The tread wear is even which means the tires aren't leaning in or out, cupping, or doing anything else out of the ordinary. So it could be something else.

But consider the amount of revolutions of a 12 inch tire in the span of 300 to 600 miles. I did the math and for 300 to 600 miles a 5.30-12 trailer tire will make roughly 276,000 to 552,000 revolutions. That many revolutions, especially when under load, could account for the wear as well.

It is possible that they are overloaded and that is causing excessive wear. Or the tires may not be properly inflated. Trailer tires should be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. Going with a higher load range than needed will give you a higher ply rating (stronger tire) and that could help as well.

The highest load capacity tire we have in a 5.30-12 is a load range D, # AM10068, rated for 1,250 pounds at 105 psi. It has an 8 ply rating.

expert reply by: Michael H