What Can Cause Frequent Trailer Tire Blow Outs

Updated 02/05/2025 | Published 06/16/2011

Question:

I am having tire blowouts every two trips with my horse trailer.My trailer is 40 feet full living quarters.I need help finding a tire that will not cause this probelm.I have been using 235-85-16 10 ply.Can you hlep with a different ply rating or any help with my problem.

asked by: STEPHEN T

Expert Reply:

A lot of trailer tire blowouts are a result of heat build up that causes the tire to fail. There are several things that can cause too much heat to build up but the main two most likely suspects are overloading the trailer and/or under inflated tires.

The trailer axle capacity should be located on a sticker or plate on the frame. Avoid loading the trailer beyond its capacity and use tires with an appropriate weight carrying capacity. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire for longest life and best performance.

If a tire were under inflated, this would cause excessive heat build up on the side wall. Trailer tires have a thicker side wall to handle the vertical load associated with trailers. While the thicker side wall is able to handle more vertical load, it can also add to heat build up if not properly inflated.

Make sure that the tires you use have ST in front of the size. This indicates Special Trailer. Light truck or passenger vehicle tires should not be used.

In the size 235/85-16, the highest capacity tire we carry is the Karrier Load Range F, # AM10501, that you have referenced. This is a radial tire which would be a benefit if you tow the trailer often. The capacity of this tire is 3,960 pounds at 110 psi, but you want to make sure to stay within the limits of the trailer axle. I have included a link to a tire FAQ article that may be helpful.

expert reply by: Michael H

Steve

5/25/2020

I blew both rear tires on my living quarter horse at the same trip!! Inflated properly ST 10 ply tires!! Don’t know why??

Chris R.

5/27/2020

I'm sorry to hear that! I hope everyone is okay. They could have blown for a number of reasons - in addition to making sure they're properly inflated (which you did), also ensure that you're always traveling under their speed rating and that they aren't overloaded. Of course trailer tires can also fail from good ol'e bad luck just like those on our vehicles - hitting something in the road, a slow leak ripping open, etc.

David

10/27/2024

@ChrisR I always have three spare tires with me if you blow one you still have a chance blow two same trip you still good but you need to fix the problem I keep a air compressor in my truck Incase I always ck my tire pressure before I move the trailer in a trip I'm a fisherman my boat is doin same thing so I made sure I can get home I didn't know I had a small leak in two tires at one trip but I figured it out fast

Kevin C.

2/5/2025

Hey Michael I have new Gladiator radial trailer 14 gauge tires st235/80r16 I'm trying to figure out tire pressure when it's cold, it says 110 psi on the tire, is that accurate and what about after I put 3,000 lb on the double axle trailer & what to keep the tire pressure at for the drive? I Googled these tires and it says 96 lb Max pressure, so I'm confused here.

Bryce D.

2/5/2025

@KevinC Hey Kevin great question. So the 110 PSI is accurate, but that's when the tires are warm. When the tires are cold, you can expect about a 1-lb difference for every 10 degrees. So if it's 110 PSI when it's 70 and sunny out, it might be ~106 PSI when it's 30 degrees out. I'm not sure where you read 96 PSI but that's not correct, the 110 PSI is.