Reason for Tire Wear on Motorcycle Trailer Tires
Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 03/03/2025
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Question:
Hello. I have a small motorcycle trailer and I found the belt coming out of the side wall. These tires only had 2, 1200 mile trips before they started to vibrate. Bearings are good. Wheels are straight. No end play. Both tires warped then sprouted wires. I kept air pressure at 45psi. Why? Also, these are on new 13inch rims. Due to the lack of fender clearance close can go down a size from 175 80 13? Thank you.
asked by: Craig
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Expert Reply:
Hi Craig; are they the tires you got from us 6 years ago? If so, I expect it is simply the age of the tires. If they are newer tires then it could be several things. Overloading, surpassing the speed rating, flat spots, or even a bent axle/spindle can cause these problems. Is 45 psi the max psi listed on the tire? You always want to keep trailer tires at the max psi unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
If you want to move to a 12" it is possible. The Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum AM02 Wheel # KE96EV would give you another 1.35" of clearance on top of the tire so you don't have to worry about clipping the fenders. However, you need to make sure the capacity is high enough for the trailer. These tires have a max load of 1,220 lbs at 65 psi.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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Robin H.
10/27/2025
Hey Craig, how did things turn out with the Karrier S-Trail tires on the 12-inch wheels for your motorcycle trailer? Did the extra clearance help with the fender issue and stop the vibration problems? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with the same tire wear.