Trailer tires

[Pete12]

Trailer I picked up last fall has power king tow max tires with date code of 2020. Previous owner only used trailer to move back and forth for winter storage. No other trailering so tires look brand new. We trailer a lot so I'm thinking about upgrading tires. Any thoughts about this?

[jhnmdahl]

2020 isn't that old if they're not showing signs of wear and were stored well. Goodyear had a poor trailer tire reputation with the Marathon, but their Endurance is a pretty popular tire and has a good reputation as an upgrade tire. Lots of mid-tier and asian-made tires out there are cheaper and quite common, such as Carlisle, Maxxis, and the like, but I don't think there's any reason to replace what you have with a mid-tier tire.

As an alternative, some people just run light truck tires in an appropriate size on their trailers. Costs a few bucks more, but usually a superior tire.

If you're anxious about a flat, maybe look into mounting a spare on your trailer if it doesn't already have one?

[Kate]

"No other trailering so tires look brand new."

Mine had low mileage, lots of tread and looked good. Then one blew out from dry rot.

The issue is under what conditions were the tires stored. I've seen recommendations to replace trailer tires every 4-5 years, irrespective of condition. and that such tires lose about 1/3 of their strength after 3 years.

[bruceb58]

Trailer I picked up last fall has power king tow max tires with date code of 2020. Previous owner only used trailer to move back and forth for winter storage. No other trailering so tires look brand new. We trailer a lot so I'm thinking about upgrading tires. Any thoughts about this?

Maxxis 8008 or Goodyear Endurance. Whichever one of those is cheaper.

[NautiWeasel]

I got rid of my Tow Max tires after 2 years, because they both blew up. Two years old, one went out 5 days before the other. Unfortunately, we were on vacation, and that's what I had to replace them with as well. Then sold the boat a year later. I won't own those anymore after 2 years, period. I replaced my RV tires with Carlisle, and really like them. 3 years old, and about 2,000 miles on them thus far. That is what I plan to replace the cheapo tires that are on my almost 2 year old Maclain trailer this summer. Goodyear endurance are good as well, so I've heard, but not as available in my size as I'd like. If I were you, I'd replace the Tow Maxx ASAP.

[sailor55330]

I had Towmax and while they did fine, I was nervous about them from day one. I changed them out at 2 years and went to Goodyear Endurance. Night and day difference. Seems to be less rolling resistance, higher speed rating and higher load capacity. It's the only tire I will run from here on on trailers. (I can't stand Goodyear car tires)

[Tuscany]

I went full stop on standard ST trailer tires and went the LT “G” rated route. Overkill should be my middle name, but I have no fears of blow outs tearing up fenders or speed limits anymore.:.

[mdadgar]

I've switched both my race trailer and my Cobalt trailer to Endurance tires over the last few years. My stress level went way down. Recommended.

[ajfdj55]

I too still have the same four tires plus a never used spare that came with my new boatmate trailer back in 2019. They are west lake brand. I have done very little towing. Maybe at most 100 miles a season. So my tires have at most 700 miles on them. And my trailer is stored in-doors all year long. However I assume these west lakes are lower end Chinese manufactured. When you are replacing your trailer tires with good year endurance do you purchase these at tire rack or equivalent and ship to you and then do the install yourself or do you bring your trailer to a good year tire center or equivalent and have them change and re-torque the wheels? Are these types of tire shops knowledgeable and capable of changing trailer tires and torguing wheels?

[bruceb58]

When you are replacing your trailer tires with good year endurance do you purchase these at tire rack or equivalent and ship to you and then do the install yourself or do you bring your trailer to a good year tire center or equivalent and have them change and re-torque the wheels? Are these types of tire shops knowledgeable and capable of changing trailer tires and torguing wheels?

I use America's tire and I typically take all 4 wheels off and bring them down since it is incredibly hard to fit a large boat trailer in the parking lot of the stores near me.

My next set of tires will likely be a cheaper tire than the GY Endurance or Maxxis since my trailer travels a grand total of 50 miles with a boat on it and 50 miles empty per year.

[kas232ca]

I ordered my new Loadmaster with the Goodyears. They weren't much more than whatever Chinese tires that were standard. Towing in 115+ heat, I feel more comfortable with the Goodyears. One thing I also really notice (and my son following me) is how much water is displaced by them out the sides in the rain with these tires.

[AsLan7]

If the tires are from 2020 and still look brand new, they may be fine for occasional use. However, if you trailer a lot, it might be a good idea to upgrade for added peace of mind, especially considering the age. Trailer tires can start to degrade after a few years, even if they look good. I’d recommend checking for any signs of cracking or wear. If you're upgrading, brands like Goodyear Endurance are popular for frequent towing due to their durability and reliability.

.
So glad you found us mm….
Thanks for the trailer tire advice contribution.

Any pics of your Cobalt?

And welcome aboard mate.
.

[Tuscany]

So, here I go against all common sense.
I bought a brand new 26’ Classic Dominator race car trailer back in 2001, and it still has the original Good Year Marathons still mounted. The good ones that were once built in Canada. As weird as it is, no cracking, no checking, and still in perfect condition. Obviously no winter use.
I used this trailer for my business back when some product pick up or delivery was needed. Today, it gets a few 100 mile round trips a year for my business, and then used for winter storage of my deck furniture and other summer outdoor stuff.

Anyway, once upon a time, trailer tires were built with quality materials to last. Today, if it’s not an GY Endurance, or a 16” G rated truck tire, it’s junk.
So honestly, if I were to take a long trip with it, I would change them out.

[jhnmdahl]

Goodyear Marathons are a tricky tire - the older ones had a great reputation, but the newer ones made overseas had a terrible reputation among trailer owners online. Look for where they were made molded into the tire. It sounds like you have the older ones, but if your tires are old enough to buy a beer it may be time to think about swapping them out anyway