New trailer tire $ shock

txdon · Jan 15, 2009

I need to replace the tires on my Dad's trailer. It is a 16'x6.5', 2 axel trailer. I plan on keeping the load limit under 6,0000 pounds. The tire size is 225 75R15. I do not need to haul my tractor on this trailer.

Discount tire said four of the 10 ply tires will be $550.00 installed!

Is this the right ply tire for the 6K load and is there anything special about a trailer tire I should be aware of. (I did find out this was the only trailer tire this particular store had in stock.)

Thanks.

Philscbx · Jan 15, 2009

You didn't say what brand, but if they are GoodYear, it's good & cheap insurance @ 130.00 a tire on the road.

You by all means can use light truck tires by the thousands of options in 15 inch. That would get you to 1/2 the cost.
Upgrade the size for more cushion if the fenders allow.
The more volume the tire has, the softer the ride for the same air pressure.

Diamondpilot · Jan 15, 2009

You do not need 10 ply for that load. You could get by with 6 ply but 8 ply will only be about $5 more per tire and money well spent.

Tires have gone up on everything. We just put new set of good tires on my girls 05 Civic and it was nearly $600. Remember they are a petroleum product so they are sticking it too us.

Chris

txdon · Jan 16, 2009

The trailer tires are "Carlisle" 10ply - $113
or
"Good Year Marathon" 8 ply- $120

Which is the better tire for the trailer or is there another one?

I have seen some bad reviews on both, but maybe, only when tires fails the owner feels the need to tell about them online.

There is no more room for a larger tire in the fender, should they be specifically trailer tires? Thanks.....

Lunk · Jan 16, 2009

txdon said:
The trailer tires are "Carlisle" 10ply - $113
or
"Good Year Marathon" 8 ply- $120

Which is the better tire for the trailer or is there another one?

I have seen some bad reviews on both, but maybe, only when tires fails the owner feels the need to tell about them online.

There is no more room for a larger tire in the fender, should they be specifically trailer tires? Thanks.....

Supposedly trailer tires are made with a slightly different compund which helps resist UV degradation of the rubber, and weather-checking...

Diamondpilot · Jan 16, 2009

I am a trailer dealer, hobby dealer, but I have to get a few sets of tires a year put on. I just pulled the last receipt for 4 205/75/14 6 ply Green Ball Brand tires put on with new valve stems and balanced at Discount Tire here in Muncie Indiana for $267.03 That was just 2 months ago in late November.

Make sure you are getting radial tires. I have not seen 10 ply in the size you are talking about other than bias, and you know the problems associated with bias tires.

Seems like you are paying way too much. Shop around. I personally have never had a set of Carlisle last. The seem to de-tread or blow sidewalls.

I like the Chinese tires that Tire Barn sells. I think the brand name is "Tow Master".

Chris

ArTrvlr · Jan 16, 2009

txdon said:
should they be specifically trailer tires? Thanks.....

For what it's worth:

"These 'Special Trailer' (ST) tires have been constructed for better high speed durability and bruise resistance under heavy loads. Trailer tire construction varies substantially from automotive tires, therefore it is essential to choose the correct tire for your towing application. In general, trailer tires have the same load range (or ply) from bead to bead and are bias ply construction. This allows for a stiffer side wall which provides safer towing by helping to reduce trailer sway problems. The use of 'Passenger Car' (P) or 'Light Truck (LT) tires a on a trailer is not recommended because their construction, usually radial or bias belted, allows for more flexible side walls. This could lead to increased trailer sway and loss of control."

Copied from trailertire.com

Prices there are 80 bucks for a 6ply and 85 bucks for an 8ply. Plus shipping I suppose. Then you have to pay to have them mounted. I have always bought trailer tires (any tire for that matter) locally. I just checked there for a price comparison. I think you should shop around locally for a better price. And don't use P or LT tires on a trailer. You can tell the difference if you get it loaded close to max. And, sooner or later, you WILL load it close, or over max.

jp

ultrarunner · Jan 16, 2009

I switched from 16.5" split rims to 15" and went with 10 ply non-radial tires for my Hauler... it was the best money I spent...

The 16.5 tires were really expensive and very little to choose from

New rims at the time cost around $31 each.

fltem06 · Jan 16, 2009

If you're going with radials...make sure they're made for trailering. Regular radial tires side walls are too plyable,thus causing sway. That's one thing they had to do for trailers, is beef up the sidewall ride.

john_bud · Jan 16, 2009

Lunk said:
Supposedly trailer tires are made with a slightly different compund which helps resist UV degradation of the rubber, and weather-checking...

That may have been true at some time, maybe in the '50's? But, when is the last time you had a set of modern tires fall apart from UV exposure? I park several vehicles outside and that's the least of my concerns.

To the OP, I try to avoid trailer tires as they seem to blow out much easier than standard passenger tires.

jb