trailer tires keep exploding!

[2bee]

My tires are "G load range", I have 60psi in them. The LT235. Goodyear tire.

My trailer is a 2005 4-Star, 7'6" X 7'6" X 24', modified 4 horse reverse slant with a 4' side ramp, ramp over door in the rear, dressing room.

I will assume a LT235/85/16 LR G? At only 60 psi that yields enough load capacity for a 4970# axle, I will also assume youre under that? And if I may ask, have you inquired for Goodyear's stand on running at only 55% of the max psi on that model tire? Some tire manufacturers frown on that.

[2bee]

Good. I've seen a 110 psi tire blow and take out the whole side of an RV. I built a trailer once that I used G's on. It had air ride axles and I had a switch in the truck that would pick up one axle so it didn't slide one set of tires sideways in a tight, slow speed turn- hence the need for the G's.

A lot of people inflate their trailer tires to the Max pressure just because it says what it is on the sidewall.

True, and its a pretty good idea since Goodyear recommends it.

[Valentina_32926]

When we filled our 3 horse trailer with 3 WBs the tire blew. Hubby replaced with larger tires (largest tire well would hold) that are made for trucks - and they last.

Car tires won't last, even those "made" for trailers are not always strong enough, and trailer manufacturers tend to put smallest on they can - to reduce cost of trailer.

Also - running with max air makes smoother ride but can cause tires to blow earlier - especially in Fliorida where it gets really hot in the summer!

[Tom King]

Max air pressure is just that. The maximum design pressure for maximum rated load-not required pressure or even recommended pressure just MAX pressure. Running too much pressure causes faster wear in the middle of the tire. Too low and the tires wear faster on the outside edges. Either will cause less than ideal braking because of uneven rubber to road contact pressure. Watch you tire wear and adjust accordingly. For instance on my dually pickup I run 70 on the front and 65 on the rears and the tires wear evenly accross the E's.

If you are running tires way over your required range there is no good reason to run max air pressure. It does make it more idiot proof for the tire manufacturers though so I wouldn't expect them to say anything else.

Never run 110 psi on a horse trailer unless it has VERY overbuilt fenders from what you normally see.

[2bee]

Max air pressure is just that. The maximum design pressure for maximum rated load-not required pressure or even recommended pressure just MAX pressure. Running too much pressure causes faster wear in the middle of the tire. Too low and the tires wear faster on the outside edges. Either will cause less than ideal braking because of uneven rubber to road contact pressure. Watch you tire wear and adjust accordingly. For instance on my dually pickup I run 70 on the front and 65 on the rears and the tires wear evenly accross the E's.

If you are running tires way over your required range there is no good reason to run max air pressure. It does make it more idiot proof for the tire manufacturers though so I wouldn't expect them to say anything else.

Never run 110 psi on a horse trailer unless it has VERY overbuilt fenders from what you normally see.

Did you click the Goodyear link? And technically we were talking about trailer tires, not tires on the truck.

And is there a "good reason" to run tires way over the required range? I cant think of one.....especially if your only going to fill them up halfway.

[jcotton]

Yes, the tires are Lt235/85/16 LR G. The torsion axles are 7000 lbs.
All 4 of my are kept at 60psi. And that includes both spares, too.
I have not had any trouble with blow outs, on this trailer. I do get flats because of the odd nail or from road construction garbage.

On a past trailer (2 trailers prior to this one), I had a lesser heavy duty tire and made the decision then that my future trailer tires on this trailer and any trailer I own, would be heavy duty, commercial grade trailer tire.

Most of the time, I carry two horses. This trailer also can take my riding lawnmower, or gators to be serviced --why I have a rear ramp over doors.

[2bee]

When we filled our 3 horse trailer with 3 WBs the tire blew. Hubby replaced with larger tires (largest tire well would hold) that are made for trucks - and they last.

Car tires won't last, even those "made" for trailers are not always strong enough, and trailer manufacturers tend to put smallest on they can - to reduce cost of trailer.

Also - running with max air makes smoother ride but can cause tires to blow earlier - especially in Fliorida where it gets really hot in the summer!

I believe you've mis-typed. Running max psi will make a firmer ride due to less tire flex, but will also make the tire run cooler (due to less tire flex) and there will be less chance of a blowout.

[2bee]

Never run 110 psi on a horse trailer unless it has VERY overbuilt fenders from what you normally see.

Now that I think about it, that is an extremely strange thing to say. I know at least two people who have larger LQ trailers that run the 235/85/16 110psi tires on their 7K axles........and need every bit of that capacity. What do the fenders have to do with it?

[Tom King]

Yes 2bee, I did read that link. I have also read truck manufacturers literature that tells you that a short bed, single cab, single rear wheel truck in the same truck range ( like the GM HDs)as a crew cab dually will pull more weight simply because the truck is lighter. Actually the gross weight ratings are based more on keeping the total weight below CDL level but it's just easier to tell it to the general public the first way. Easier for them.

Ford left the manual button off of it's built in brake controller because it's one less thing for the salesmen to worry about screwing up on when talking to potential customers. It doesn't make it a better controller. Easier for them.

jcotton is running Gs because she feels safer having thicker tires. If she ran max pressure of 110 psi it would be MORE dangerous than merely running enough air pressure in the heavier tire. 60 sounds like enough to me on that trailer. A blowout at 110 would probably blow the fender off the trailer. Running a G at 60 has to be more durable than running a D at 60.

Enough air pressure is the right amount. It's too much trouble for manufacturers to explain to people what the right amount is. That's the reason it says right on the sidewall "MAX" pressure. Enough air pressure is that which supports the load the optimum amount. It can be the same pressure whether in D's or G's.

Manufacturers go to a lot of trouble to idiot proof their instructions to their advantage. Easier for them. Fewer phone calls from people who don't understand.

[Tom King]

2bee, Have you ever been behind a semi trailer when a tire blew. Those typically run at 110 psi. It would take the fender right off of a trailer not designed for it and heaven help the horses if it was a trailer with fenders enclosed inside the box.

Some of the larger trailers are heavy enough to need G's at 110 and they are designed for them, but running them on one designed for D's or even E's would absolutely be more dangerous.

[SimpleSimon]

Ford left the manual button off of it's built in brake controller because it's one less thing for the salesmen to worry about screwing up on when talking to potential customers. It doesn't make it a better controller. Easier for them.

A little off topic - but TK can you explain what you mean by "manual button"?

My '08 certainly has the manual lever that allows you to apply the trailer brakes independently of the truck brakes.

And this picture shows an '05 with the manual lever. But maybe you mean something else by "manual button".

Sorry for the brief sidetrack OP.

[marta]

so how do you folks determine what psi to run your trailer tires at?

i believe my trailer tires say max psi 60 but that creates a terribly uncomfortable ride with the trailer bouncing over bumps like crazy. i run it and 45 psi and all seems fine.
i'm curious how others figure out what psi to go with.

and one more question, that goodyear link makes a reference to RV tires, however, isn't it a bit different hauling an RV than a trailer with livestock?

[Seven-up]

Another possibility...

check the walls of the trailer where the tires are. I knew someone who kept having blowouts, and it turned out that a horse had kicked the wall and bent it, right where the tires were. The tires were rubbing up against the wall, which ate holes in them.

[gabz]

When checking the air in your trailer tires - read the data plate on your trailer. It will tell you what psi for the size tire and GAWR.

My first thought was underinflated tires, then bent axle.

[2bee]

2bee, Have you ever been behind a semi trailer when a tire blew. Those typically run at 110 psi. It would take the fender right off of a trailer not designed for it and heaven help the horses if it was a trailer with fenders enclosed inside the box.

Some of the larger trailers are heavy enough to need G's at 110 and they are designed for them, but running them on one designed for D's or even E's would absolutely be more dangerous.

I drive big rigs for a living, deliver mobile homes currently. So, yes Ive seen all sizes of tires let go. We have several tractors as well as chase pickups and trailers for gear, bobcat etc. So you might say I am more than a little 'familiar' with several tire dealers.

I agree the manuf have to idiot proof their products, the lack of empty vs. loaded tire psi on 3/4 ton pickups is a prime example. However I believe you will find few, if any people that haul enough to matter (read 'commercial or pro') who run less than the max in their trailer tires. Check around the hotshot forums, its generally the consensus that a fully inflated trailer tire will give better service.

As for running an excessive load range tire at lower psi being more durable; Ive heard that story both ways......which is why I suggested contacting the tire manufacturer.

I have seen fenders blown off by D and E tires, I seriously doubt the G tire would do much more damage. I also seriously doubt the horses inside the trailer would be in any danger, unless said trailer was a piece of junk. A big rig tire is hardly a relative comparison at their 110 psi. They weigh considerable more and while flapping around I suspect it is the mass that could cause more damage, not the psi.

After saying all this; I know some people, in some situations can get away with running less psi........but they are generally the exception and not the rule.

OT, Im with SimpleSimon.......what manual button did Ford leave off? All the Fords Ive driven with the IBC had a manual slide.

[2bee]

i believe my trailer tires say max psi 60 but that creates a terribly uncomfortable ride with the trailer bouncing over bumps like crazy. i run it and 45 psi and all seems fine.
i'm curious how others figure out what psi to go with.

and one more question, that goodyear link makes a reference to RV tires, however, isn't it a bit different hauling an RV than a trailer with livestock?

Your bouncing is most likely caused by being "over-axled" or "over-tired", somewhat common on smaller trailers. How big, what axles/tires on your trailer? I knew a lady that had a 12' BP stock trailer fitted with 235/85/16 LR E tires. Trailer was a little over 2000# empty, you didnt pull that trailer.......you bounced it down the road. That was a lousy hauling trailer, even loaded. Her salesman preyed upon the "bigger is better" fear/belief that is so commonplace.

Towing a livestock trailer is not really any different than an RV, PWC, cargo or any other type of trailer. All trailers "should" be fitted with ST or LT tires, which is essentially what the Goodyear link is referring to.

[jcotton]

Not every horse trailer should have commercial duty trailers, only if the use of the trailer demands it.
My trailer has the commercial tires because of the way I use my trailer. I do make long trips with it annually from Texas to Chicago - loaded with two horses and plenty of hay and all my gear that I need.

[grinanride]

Some may find this article on my blog of use. ( Correct tire pressure?)

http://www.happytrailstrailers.blogspot.com/

( I have never been able to get any tire manufacturer to help me understand correct pressure, liability issue I suppose )
Risa

[marta]

why would you run trailer tires at max psi listed on the tire?

you don't do that w/ cars???

[marta]

2bees

while i don't recall specifically what tires i have on my trailer, they are what Gore (mfr of my trailer) puts on their trailers.
and see my question above, why would you run your trailer at max psi but not the car? or i should say, at least i don't run my car at the max psi listed on my car tires...