Tire

[apexrig1]

I am wondering if anyone has any Bf Goodrich radial t/a's on there trailers? I have always liked the looks of those tires. They run lower pressures than most trailer tires. 35psi I think most trailer tires are around 50psi? I just don't want to overload these tires. I don't think it will be cause a boat isn't much more that a car.

[AirTool]

RE: Tire

Most boat axle weights are much more than car axle weights.....especialy single axle trailers.

AirTool

[dsums]

RE: Tire

I'm not a tire expert but typically trailer tires have a stiffer sidewall to reduce sway and handle a higher load rating in similarly sized tires. I ran passenger tires on my previous tandem axle trailer for 15 years with no issues but you would have to pay attention to the load ratings to reduce risk of premature blowouts or wear. Might be an idea to check into insurance requirements prior to running them as well in case a blowout caused an accident and someone decided the tires were not up to the task. I have trailer tires on my new tandem axle now and it does seem to ride different. JMO.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Tire

Don't use car tires on your trailer. You'll be asking for trouble.

[TravisFling]

RE: Tire

I"m with Jeff. I don't put cheeseburgers in my armpit either.

[maxpower220]

Tires are made for specific jobs. You need to have trailer tires on your trailer. First, their side walls are must stiffer. This reduces flex in the tire, which in turn reduces heat. I have not seen a radial trailer tire (that doesn't mean they aren't made), but radial construction helps the ride of your car. Using car tires on your trailer will work, but not recommended. Over time, or on a trip, car tires will overheat and have premature failures.
Boats and trailers are too expensive to use the wrong tires. The difference in price between car and trailer tires is minimal. If you want to improve the look of your trailer, get new wheels.

[j2nh]

Goodyear Marathons are of radial construction as are most semi truck tires. Stick with a tire designed specifically for trailers.

[Quinner]

Had a tire store once tell me you should not mix tire types between the tow vehicle and the trailer, if tow vehicle runs radials so should the trailer, always wondered if that was fact or fiction.
What about some of these trailers with the taller rims, 20's or whatever, or as another example the BU corvette boat with the big corvette wheels, are those "trailer" tires used in those applications?

[TravisFling]

Sure are, but it sounds like your tire shop was out of trailer tires... From what I understand trailer tires should have the stiffer walls and a higher weight rating. I think there's more front to back action on regular tires due to acceleration, or some such nonsense...

[TRBenj]

Im gonna call BS on the tires matching that of the tow vehicle. It shouldnt matter.

Id be more inclined to run trailer tires on a single axle trailer, though Ive seen car tires with the proper load ratings used before without issue. Ive always read that you can run car tires on a tandem safely- but dont mix and match car/trailer tires at the same time. My last tandem came all the way across the country (AZ to Chicago to CT) on car tires. I ended up replacing them with Marathons, but Im leaning towards car tires for my new tandem. Actually Im planning on going with the BFG Radial TA's as well.

[wake_fun]

Buy Goodyear Marathons and be done with it!

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I thinks its preferable to have "trailer" tires but not a necessity. What you have to look at is that the load rating is equal to the amount of weight on the axle.

Remember that a car has 4 weight bearing points while a single axel trailer only has 2, so it will require double the load rating of a passenger car tire carying equal weight.

If you get the correct load rating, the tire will ahve sufficient sidewall strength regarless if its labeled as a "truck" or "trailer" tire

[apexrig1]

I see so its probably not worth it to put them on. Understandable. The tires I want are rated for 1750lbs a tire which should be lots. I only want to change the tires is because of the raised white lettering on the Radial t/a.

[AirTool]

Buy Goodyear Marathons and be done with it!

The best choice....but still Chinese.

AirTool

[maxpower220]

http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/trailer_tires.asp

This helps explain it from "experts".