Troubleshooting Tire Problems on a Heritage Boat Trailer with 2005 Crownline 240 EX

Updated 06/02/2011 | Published 05/31/2011

Question:

I have had blown tire problems and cant seem to get any help from the boat dealer or trailer manufacturer. In 2005 I purchased new a Crownline 240EX with a Heritage trailer. The trailer came with 14 wheels and 215ST Goodyear tires. After the 2nd year I have consistently blown at least 2 tires a year. This was my first boat and I assumed the trailer was made for the boats correct weight. I looked up the load for the tires and it seems as though its on the maximum weight without adding for gas or any extras that would be carried in the boat. The boat weighs around 6000lbs plus the weight of the trailer. The tires load range is 1870lbs. 4 tires = 7500lbs. This seems to be on the edge of not enough tire loads considering the weight of the trailer. I contacted the boat dealer and Heritage Trailer Company but no help from either. What do you think?

asked by: Paul K

Expert Reply:

I would start troubleshooting with the capacity of your trailer axles and the total weight of your boat, trailer and contents when loaded and ready to travel. Make sure the fuel is topped off and all your normal contents are in the boat. Take the loaded rig to a local scale and have it weighed. When weighing, unhitch the boat trailer on the scale and make sure the vehicle is pulled off of the scale.

Once you have the loaded weight of the boat you can verify that the trailer axle capacities are high enough for towing your loaded rig. You will find the trailer axle capacities on a sticker near the tongue. Sometimes this sticker is inside and you have to get under the tongue somewhat to see the capacity ratings.

Now, say the loaded boat and trailer weigh 6,800 lbs, and that your axles are each rated for 3,500 pounds, that would mean that your axles are rated for 200 lbs more than the boat, trailer and contents.

This would indicate that the tire load range of 1,870 lbs is correct for the trailer. If your trailer weighed in at over 7,000 pounds then the axles would not be rated high enough and you would need to reduce the weight on the trailer to below 7,000 pounds for towing.

It seems likely in your case that the axles are overloaded causing the tires to wear abnormally which is causing heat buildup and eventual tire failure. In this case higher rated tires would only bandage the situation. Reducing the weight on the axles, or putting higher rated axles and tires on the trailer would be the best solution.

If you would like to let me know the axle capacities on your trailer and the actual weight of the boat, I would be glad to try to help determine the best solution for your trailer.

expert reply by: Robert G