Small cracks around diameter of tire

atx111

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
145
I'm the first owner of an '08 Rolco, tandem axle trailer that I bought with my
'10 Cobalt. Before I brought it home, about 250 miles, I gave it a relatively quick once over before we left, checked tire pressures, looked at rear seals, etc. Stopping for gas on the way out, I did have to put about 10 lbs in each tire to bring them up to 50 psi, which is what the sidewall of the tire said. It was downpouring that day, so really didnt want to be in the rain any more than I was.

Got home and really was able to take a good look. Everything looks great, except for around the periphery of the front tires, about an inch from the rim, are tiny little cracks. The back tires don't show anything like that. The only thing I can think of is dry rot since the trailer had been sitting outside at the dealership since '08. We are heading back down to the area that I bought the boat this weekend. My neighbor thinks I'll be fine on those tires, but I am much more inclined to replace all of them. I don't want to be the guy sitting on side of the road with a mashed up fender and hull from a blowout. Just wondering if two year old tires can get dry rot that fast, and if I should run instead of walk to get new tires. Oh, and what brand do people recommend? Thanks!
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,264
Re: Small cracks around diameter of tire

You need new tires. If you bought a used trailer, or one that came as-is with no warranty, go buy tires. If you bought a "new" never titled trailer, have the dealer replace the tires with ones that are safe to drive on.
 

642mx

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 19, 2008
Messages
1,588
Re: Small cracks around diameter of tire

Just cause the trailer is 2 years, doesn't mean the tires are.... I'd swap them out for some new skins.
 

atx111

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
145
Re: Small cracks around diameter of tire

Oh yeah, they're getting replaced for sure. The trailer was never titled, so I'm going to call the dealer and Rolco. I'm getting them bright and early tomorrow. My choices of brands where I live are Goodyear, Towmaster, and Maxxis. So just trying to research those brands tonight.
 

dwco5051

Commander
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Messages
2,452
Re: Small cracks around diameter of tire

Just wondering if two year old tires can get dry rot that fast, and if I should run instead of walk to get new tires. Oh, and what brand do people recommend? Thanks!

Tires and wheels have a habit of being changed around on trailers sitting on the lot for some time. Check the date codes on all four of the tires and see if they are close.



Locate the 4 digit code pressed in the tire. This indicates when the tire was made.


The first two (2) digits indicate the week. For example 06 would be the 6th calendar week.


The second two (2) digits indicate the year. For example 08 would indicate 2008.


Example Code 0608

This tire was made the 6th week of 2008.

I would not run trailer tires for highway speed that are over seven years old. This is a personal opinion and I am sure someone will say even that is too long.
 

642mx

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 19, 2008
Messages
1,588
Re: Small cracks around diameter of tire

My choices of brands where I live are Goodyear, Towmaster, and Maxxis. So just trying to research those brands tonight.

Of those 3, I would pick the Maxxis.
 
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