Truck Tires for a Trailer

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm sure this has been discussed, but I like to revisit it. What are the implications of using light truck tires for a trailer vs. using purpose made trailer tires?

I had my old beater trailer out this weekend, and while I had it out I did some work on it. I tightened a bunch of the deck bolts, welded D-rings on the sides for tie-downs, welded a bracket and attached a hand winch, and welded the wheel wells on better. Now that I've done this much, the four mismatched weather checked truck tires on it and rusty rims are begging to be replaced and repaired. The plan is to get the tires un-mounted from the rims so that I can sand-blast and paint the rims. Then I'll replace the tires. I have a friend who can get me any kind of used truck tire I want for only $10 each. He may have some used purpose made trailer tires, but no promises. What would be the advantage to holding out for the trailer tires?

 

[powerstroke444e]

If you go with truck tires they don't hold up as well when you turn with 2-3 axle trailers but I have been using 235/85/16 lt 10ply load range E tires on my trailers for yrs as that is the same tire most of my trucks have used over the yrs.

 

[Builder]

Yep, trailer tires are set up more for tire scrub than truck tires. You'll notice the tread is very straight ribbed and generic so it wears better on those dry turns.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Guys are right but my experience with trailer tires are there are no good ones anymore. 3-4 years ago Goodyear Marathons were the cream of the crop but not anymore. I got less than 3 years and 5,000 miles out of my last set. The trailer lives in a pole barn but still dry rotted all to crap.

Truck tires at that price is a good way to go. I really wanted to put raised white letter truck tires on my boat trailer but could not find them in the proper size. I have been running Greenball Tow Masters made in China for the last 7 years on dozens of trailers with no issues.

I would go for the truck tires. Have him get you a couple spares and wheels if possible.

Chris

 

[Builder]

Just remember, the 14.5, 17.5, 19.5 series rims & tires are heavier duty and have heavier duty tire options available.

Some don't know that.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Here are some pics of the trailer. You can see that it's not something that has to be all perfect.

I've included a picture of the whole trailer and a picture of the mismatched wheels and tires. I also threw in a picture of one of the D-rings and one of the hand winch.

 

[chh]

For that style trailer that you describe as a "beater" I would just put the used truck tires on and and get a spare or 2. would defintely try and get 10 ply or load range E or heavier though. If you were talking about a gooseneck or heavy equipment trailer to use a lot and heavily loaded I would hold out for the trailer tires. If you use your "beater" trailer like I do the tires will probably need replaced from rot before you wear them out. I like the way you have the trailer set up, I wouldn't paint the rims though, you might like the look so well you have to paint the whole thing and then you be afraid to use it.

 

[texasjohn]

I ask that my trailer tires hold air and all be very nearly the same size. I get used truck tires and run them until they self destroy. I have two spare rims/tires for my trailers so when they come apart I can solve the problem. Like you, I can get a used tire, mounted, for $25, from a local tire shop. The owner keeps only tires with relatively new dates and adequate tread. A trailer on my place doesn't get lots of miles so purchase new is not cost effective.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

For that style trailer that you describe as a "beater" I would just put the used truck tires on and and get a spare or 2. would defintely try and get 10 ply or load range E or heavier though. If you were talking about a gooseneck or heavy equipment trailer to use a lot and heavily loaded I would hold out for the trailer tires. If you use your "beater" trailer like I do the tires will probably need replaced from rot before you wear them out. I like the way you have the trailer set up, I wouldn't paint the rims though, you might like the look so well you have to paint the whole thing and then you be afraid to use it.

I actually noticed tonight as I was checking the tire size that the current tires are "P" tires. So I have passenger car tires on it right now. E-load range truck tires will be a big improvement.

I don't use this trailer a ton, but I'm using it more than what I had before. Eventually I do plan to paint the whole thing and re-deck it, but it's going to all happen gradually. I also need to get a break-away battery installed somewhere too. I have already re-wired all of the lights, and I've replaced the jack. I also had to gather parts from all four wheels to get one axle's worth of brakes working. Including purchase price and all of the parts I've bought to fix it, I'm still under $300 for the whole thing.

I need to get a spare. Any suggestions on the best way to mount a spare on a flatbed like this?

 

[Diamondpilot]

To mount your spare get a $10 U bolt made for mounting spare tires. The tire will simply lay flat on the center beam up near the tongue and the U bolt will go around it. The tire will balance by laying on all 3 pieces of the tongue near the coupler.

The only other way I can see is to weld a upright with a angled brace. Then weld on two studs at the proper spacing to accept the tire.

Chris