What Causes Trailer Tire Blowouts

Updated 12/26/2017 | Published 12/23/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Westlake ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(540)

$199.04

TireMinder i10 TPMS for RVs and Trailers w/ Signal Booster - 4 Tire Sensors

(362)

$244.39

Question:

I own a single axle airstream trailer with a unloaded weight of ~3250. Last June I experienced a blow out on a single axle trailer and it was not very frightening. There was no visible wear on the tires and was inflated appropriately. I replaced both tires and the spare with Marathon ST22575R15. What should the cold tire pressure be Florida in December with the trailer loaded - 50, 55, or 60 psi? Also I am reading that there are issues with these tires as well - are there known issues with these tires? Finally, are there any early warning detection systems to avoid blowouts such as quick rises in pressure. With the last tire blowout - the pressure in the right tired raised 30 degrees, indicating that if I had a pressure warning system, I might have avoided the accident - despite a faulty manufactured tire.

asked by: Rhonda

Expert Reply:

Every trailer tire has a load range rating specific to that particular tire. For example, we have the ST225/75-15 trailer tire in three load range ratings; Load Range C (2,150 lbs per tire), Load Range D (2,540 lbs per tire), and Load Range E (2,830 lbs per tire). If the gross trailer weight (GTW) exceeds the tires load range rating then the tires will be susceptible to blowouts.

In addition to load range ratings, trailer tires also have a speed ratings specific to the tire. The speed ratings for a ST225/75-15 tire can range from J (62 MPH) to M (81 MPH). Exceeding the maximum speed rating of a trailer tire also makes them susceptible to blowouts. Please note that not all trailer tires with the same size will have the same load/speed rating. The sidewall of the tire will specify what the load range/speed rating is. I have attached a help article that will show you where to look for these ratings.

In addition to overloading the tire and exceeding their maximum speed rating, another common cause of tire blowouts is improper inflation. Like the speed rating and load range, each trailer tire will have a maximum psi rating listed on the sidewall of the tire. The tires should always be filled to the maximum PSI rating while cold. The PSI of the tire will increase about 5-10 PSI while in use but this should not be of a concern to you. You can always use the TireMinder i10 TPMS for RVs and Trailers # TM89FR to keep an eye on your tire pressure.

Unfortunately, we do not carry Marathon brand tires so I cannot speak of their durability, but I can tell you that our premium trailer tire we offer in a ST225/75-15 is the Westlake Radial Trailer Tire part # LHWL304 which has a radial ply construction, load range E rating (2,830 lbs per tire) , and 75 MPH speed rating. This tire comes with complimentary roadside assistance for 2 years. If your RV or trailer has a flat tire, call the helpline and a technician will come change the flat for you. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year from anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico.

expert reply by: Conner L