Average Lifespan of Radial Trailer Tire

Updated 12/17/2018 | Published 12/15/2018

Question:

You talk about the Long Tire Life of the Radiel Tire. What would you say is ok for the life of the tire, time wise? I’m guessing it should be a lot longer than a normal trailer tire? I have the Radiel tires on my 7X14 trailer which I use to carry a Dune Buggy to Car Shows and Parades. I’ve had the trailer for a little over 3 years. When I took the trailer to Discount Tire to get the tires balanced and the air pressure checked they wouldn’t do it. They said trailer tires were no good after 3 years and wanted to sell me new tires! I paid extra for an upgrade to Radiel Tires when I ordered my trailer and no more than I have it on the road, the tread is almost like new. My spare tire has never been on the ground. Do you think they didn’t pay attention to the fact that my tires were not the cheap trailer tires that usually come on a trailer? What is the recommended time life of the Radiel Tire? I doubt if I would ever wear the tread down to the wear bar no more than I use the trailer........

asked by: Butch M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The actual lifespan of a trailer tire will vary greatly depending on a number of factors (mileage, road conditions, weight of trailer, etc) but you are correct that radial ply tires should have a longer lifespan than bias alternatives. This is because the cords on a radial tire run at a 90 degree angle to the direction of travel (as opposed to a 32 degree angle) which allows for better tread wear and a tire that runs cooler overall.

If the tread on your particular tires don't show much wear at all and you don't see any signs of rot like cracks then there is no reason at all that they need to be replaced simply because 3 years have gone by. The "replace without question" age that we recommend is around 6 to 7 years.

I'm not sure why the shop you went to wouldn't touch the tires simply because of their age. It may just be a shop policy but I recommend taking your trailer somewhere else. A couple of ways to ensure a long lifespan of your radial tires is to make sure you don't overload their combined capacity with the weight of your trailer and to stay below the speed rating listed on the sidewall of the tire.

I have attached a great article on trailer tires that you might also find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R