A: You should always run your trailer tires at the maximum air pressure that is stated on the sidewall of the tire. This will ensure that the tire will carry the maximum load that it was designed for. The most common reason for trailer tire failure is a build-up of heat, which most frequently occurs due to the tire air pressure being too low.

I would need to know the load range of the tire to comment on the approximate load carrying capacity of the tire. For example, a 6 ply (LRC) Carlisle USA Trail at a size of 6.90-9 has a load range of 1100 lbs per tire…so for a single axle trailer, these tires would be sufficient for a total weight of 2200 lbs.

Feel free to call us at (888) 590-6793 with any additional questions.

You’ll want to take a few things into consideration when choosing the proper boat trailer.

Load Capacity: The manufacturer will probably list the weight of your boat, but you need to make sure you take into account the actual weight when the boat is fully loaded with fuel, water, batteries, the engine, and anything else the boat may be carrying while it is trailered.

Length: As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want your boat trailer to be about 2 ft longer than the actual boat it is carrying. You don’t need to include swim platforms in your calculation of the boat length, but you will want to take into account the bow pulpit if there is one.

Ease of Loading/Unloading: A trailer that includes rollers makes loading and unloading more simple; however, make sure you check your manufacturer’s warranty, because rollers can cause dimpling of the hull, which could void your warranty. You may want to opt for a boat with trailer bunks instead, as they provide more hull support. Many trailers also offer a combination of bunks and rollers.

Once you’ve picked out the perfect boat and trailer, you’re ready to have some fun on the water! If you are in need of trailer tires, be sure to check out our store for the best selection at competitive prices!

Some trailer users may assume that there is no difference between ST tires and “LT” or Light Truck tires. It may be tempting, especially with a lower price tag, to fit your trailer with passenger tires. When choosing quality trailer tires, keep these factors in mind:

• Traction: Passenger tires are designed with a more flexible sidewall, in order to bring more rubber in contact with the ground. This allows for more effective turning and stopping. A trailer that is not equipped with brakes has less of a need for these particular capabilities, as it is simply following the vehicle in front of it.
• Sway: While a more flexible sidewall is necessary on passenger tires, when used for trailer applications, the increased flexibility can cause trailer sway. This is especially true of trailers carrying heavy loads, and enclosed/travel trailers. The more rigid sidewall construction of an ST tire keeps your trailer steady and decreases sway.
• Overall Construction: Speaking of rigid sidewall construction, ST tires are designed with heavyweight materials to help them withstand the harsh conditions trailer tires face. This is especially important to consider because most trailers are stored in sunlight or other elements, and/or are not in use for long periods of time.  It is also worth noting that trailer suspension systems are generally not as advanced as passenger vehicles, creating a more demanding condition for the tires.

In the past, many trailer users preferred passenger tires for their trailer because of the option of radial technology. Now that ST tires are manufactured in both bias ply and radial varieties, you can find a quality trailer tire, regardless of your preference. Check out our store for a full selection of trailer tires in a variety of sizes.

Still not sure which trailer tires are right for you? Call us at 888-590-6793; we’d love to share our expert advice. Remember, we always offer free shipping on orders over $99.99 and any order placed by 3 pm CST ships the same day!

The CDC has put together a few safety tips for campers to keep your family happy, healthy, and having fun!

1. Fire Safety: If you’re building a campfire, make sure it’s in an open area free of hanging branches and leaves. Make sure you’re using a metal fire ring, or your fire is surrounded by rocks. Make sure your campfire is always attended, and put it out completely before you leave.
2. Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you could become ill without even knowing it. Make sure you keep your fuel-burning equipment such as lanterns and grills outdoors where there is plenty of ventilation.
3. Protect Yourself From Bugs & The Sun: The easiest way to protect from bug bites is by using insect repellant containing DEET on your skin & clothing. Wearing long sleeves & long pants in more heavily wooded areas is also a preventative. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and hang out in the shade when the sun is at its strongest. Remember: Even on a cloudy day, it’s possible to get sunburn.
4. Be Prepared: This is a good general rule of thumb. Check the weather forecast, bring along a first aid kit and other supplies to deal with the unexpected, and take extra precautions whenever possible.

The most important rule of camping is to have fun! When you follow simple camping safety rules, your family can focus on being outdoors and having new experiences together.

If your RV is in need of some new tires, check out our store before you leave. We carry a wide selection of radial & bias tires to fit your camper, and get you and your family to your destination.

Source: CDC.gov

Last Year's Rental Boat

Do you take an annual family vacation? When I was growing up, summer vacations were sporadic, and not necessarily to the same place twice. My grandparents lived in Phoenix until I was about 8, so we would frequently take trips to visit them. I also had family in Minneapolis, Oregon, and throughout Iowa, which we would visit occasionally. But we never had a family vacation spot.

When I met my husband, his family was gearing up for their annual vacation to The Lake of the Ozarks. They had stayed in the same resort in Osage Beach, MO (save for a year or two when they tried to save money and ended up at a different, shady resort) for over 10 years. My husband, his three siblings and their parents were preparing to head to the lake for a week for swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and general fun on the water.

Currently, my in-laws don’t own a boat. But, as far as I can tell, they are getting closer every year. Their boat experience has progressed as such:

1. No Boat – The first couple years at the lake, they had four small children and mainly stuck to the resort pool, swim dock, and kids’ activities such as go-karts and mini-golf.
2. Rent a boat for a few hours – They eventually decided they wanted to rent a boat. Most boat rental companies offer 4-hour rental periods. This is enough time to cruise around the lake and watch everyone doing all the fun activities on the water. Which leads to…
3. Buying All the Gear – Slowly, they began to build up their collection of life vests, a wakeboard, skis, a tube (or two), even the orange flag warning of a person being towed behind the boat.
4. Renting a Boat for the week – This is where they are now. We arrive on Saturday, pick up our boat on Sunday, and return it the following Friday. This allows my father-in-law to go out fishing with his sons in the morning, or my husband and I to go out for a cruise in the evening, or any combination of us to go out during the day, since we don’t have to cram all of our fun into one four-hour session. This has led to us discovering more of the lake and relaxing more on our vacation.

As you can see, all signs point toward my in-laws owning a boat very soon. How long did it take you to make the commitment to buy a boat? Do you take one big vacation in the summer, or do small getaways throughout the year? Let us know in the comments.

If you are looking for boat trailer tires, check out our store for the sizes and brands you’re looking for, at competitive prices.

The sound of your car stuttering to a stop on the side of the road is plain awful.  Having to get out of the car and dig around under the hood can be very time consuming.  Having to change a car or trailer tire is a situation that is dreaded by almost every vehicle owner. Worse yet, is the moment you realize you cannot fix your vehicle yourself and you are going to require the services of a tow truck.

• Motorcycles
• ATV’s
• Snowmobiles
• Personal watercraft
• Catamarans
• Boats
• Camper trailers
• Travel trailers
• Car transports

For loads weighing more than 5,000 lbs, you will need a full-sized pickup or SUV, at the minimum. Items this large include:

• Airstream-type travel trailers
• Large boats
• Two-horse trailers

And before hitting the road, make sure that your trailer tires are built to carry the weight of your load, as well. The sidewall of your trailer tire should tell you what the maximum load is, per tire. So if your maximum load per tire is 520 lbs, the total weight of the trailer, plus that of your load should not exceed 2,080 lbs.

Source.

• Infrequent use – trailer tires that remained parked for long periods, especially when exposed to sun and wind, are susceptible to dry rot.
• Breakdown of the rubber – this can occur when your tires come in contact with chemicals. Sometimes these chemicals have been applied to roads purposely, and other times they are driven through or parked in accidentally. Normal wear and tear from contact with asphalt, gravel or ice will also break down the rubber.
• Armor All – petroleum-based tire protectants can accelerate cracking, and using them on your tires will also void the manufacturer warranty.

Evaluate your trailer tires regularly and educate yourself on proper tire care. If the normal 4-year warranty is up, you are best to just replace them altogether.

Source.

The quality of a vehicle’s trailer tires has a direct impact on how the vehicle handles and how the trip feels for those within the trailer. As a horse trailer is often attached to the back of another vehicle, the presence of high quality tires is a must, or the ability to control the trailer can be reduced. The next time you are getting ready to travel with your horse or other livestock, take a moment to consider the type of tires you are using. The right choice in tires can mean a more pleasant and safer journey, for all.

One of the most important components of this transport is the quality of the tires used to move the boat from place to place.  The quality of the boat trailer tires used can make a huge difference in the longevity and maintenance of your boat.  Without proper tires, transporting your boat to the water can cause hull weakening or damage, as the boat gets bounced over whatever obstacles appear on the road.  Before you store your boat someplace far from the water, make sure that your trailer is safe, reliable, and “boat-friendly.”