What To Check If Trailer Tires Are Not Holding Air And Slowly Losing Pressure

Updated 10/30/2026 | Published 10/28/2026

Question:

I purchased two dolly tires and after receiving them I inflated to 85psi and within 2 days one is down to 74psi the other is at 80psi, I need these tires to hold air properly, how do i proceed?

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

Hey Michael, thanks for reaching out. Losing 5-11 psi in just two days is definitely more than I expect to see. I recommend inflating both tires back to 85 psi when cold, then spraying some soapy water around the valve stems, valve cores, tire beads, and tread to check for leaks. If you see bubbles forming, that will help pinpoint where the air is escaping and what the best fix will be. Typically, when we see this issue, it is due to a loose valve stem, but there could be a few other reasons this is happening. Temperature changes could explain it too.

Also, make sure you're checking the pressure with the same gauge at roughly the same temperature each time. If everything checks out and the tires are still losing air, let me know and we can ship you out a new one if needed.

Have you towed with them yet, or was the dolly just sitting when this happened?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E
(click to enlarge)

Curt B.

10/29/2026

I’ve noticed the same issue. Discovered the leaks are around the valve stems at the rim.

Jesse M.

10/29/2026

@CurtB Hmm interesting. Were you able to fix it?

Curtb

10/29/2026

@JesseM Haven’t tried yet. Noticed it when I was putting the boat away for the winter. Will work on them next spring!

Jesse M.

10/29/2026

@Curtb Fair enough. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. You know where to find me!

See All (4) Replies to Curt B. ∨

Danny

10/29/2026

I’m experiencing the same issue. I have a tandem-axle trailer, so I purchased four wheels plus a spare, for a total of five. All five tires lose air intermittently, but never at the same time. This happens even when the trailer is just sitting in my driveway, including the spare tire, which isn’t being used. I’ll try the soapy water test to check for leaks and go from there.

Jesse M.

10/30/2026

@Danny Dang sorry to hear that is happening. Seems like there are several people reporting this same issue with this same tire. Almost makes me wonder if we got a bad batch from the manufacturer. Let me know how your soap test goes. You know where to find me if there is anything else I can do to help!