tires

[cleve]

i saw the size trailer tire i need (155 80 r13) at wal-mart for $35. they are passenger car tires where i have st tires. i'm tempted to try them for that low cost. has anyone tried wal-mart car tires on their trailer?

 

[Pas Bon]

Re: tires

If your not hauling alot of weight I'd buy them. I have always run car tires on my little 16 ft boat trailer

 

[relstabw]

Re: tires

Generally trailer tires have a higher ply rating (which nowdays is mostly a load range) are constructed with a different set of load factors in mind since trailer tires don't corner, have less rolling resistance and have a higher heat tolerance. It's usually hard to compare passenger and light truck tires to trailer tires since they are rated differently. That being said if you tow short distances or have a multiple axle trailer it may be worth the risk. That's one of those risk vs. benifit calls.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: tires

It all depends on what you are towing. "ST" tires are designed for trailers and have a heavier sidewalls for turning with higher or heavier loads. If you are towing a light, low boat, there's no issue. But, if it's a heavy beast, get the right tires.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: tires

What you need to look at is the load capacity on the sidewall of the tire. If it is less than what your trailer tires indicate you are asking for trouble, especially if the rig weighs 75% or more of the total capacity. In other words, just because the existing tire and trailer tire are the same size, does not mean they can carry the same weight. That's where the "Load Range" comes into play.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: tires

Here I go again being negative but just ask yourself if you blow a tire driving home on Sunday evening and have to leave your treasure on the side of the road while you search for a replacement? Oh well I just hate to break down because now days it normally means big bucks and a lot of aggravation.

Oh well, guess the wheel bearings could shut you down just as fast, or anything for that matter.

Most of the trailor tires come premounted on newly painted rims and are made by the same manufactuer here at home. Remember from the factory they are tubeless and any rust can allow air leakage.

My local tire dealer stocks most sizes and are about the same price as Tractor Supply which also sells the complete axles.

Just an opinion

 

[JB]

Re: tires

Yeah, I tried 155/80/r13 car tires on a light trailer. . . maybe 1500lb.

The first one blew on the interstate at 3:00AM in the middle of S. Dakota in the rain.

The second one blew on a city street in Arlington TX at 5:15PM on a Friday.

That was one trip.

I ceremoniously burned all four (originals plus 2 more purchased on the road) in my yard, causing consternation at the local VFD.

PLEASE use ST tires rated for at least 150% of actual load.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: tires

All good responses. If it were me, I would use them it is was a light load. I would compare the load ratings.

I do agree that you should use ST (Trailer) tires, but $35 a tire, not a bad price, your call....

I tow trailers all day everyday for my business. After you start replacing 2, 3 and 4 tires a year (ST tires) you start asking yourself it used truck tires would work just as well for just as long. I have 3 trailers right now with truck tires on them on one axle or another. One trailer, all four tires are truck tires... have not had a problem with them at all....

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: tires

Hi,

There are dozens; perhaps hundreds of threads on this forum relating to your question. Many of the responses state what I am sure are valid reasons for using "trailer tires".

My experience is like yours. I bought two 14" tires at Wal-Mart and have been using them for three years now with no problem.

I can't dispute people who certainly know more than I do about the subject; but it has always seemed odd to me that tires than can withstand high speed driving on the front wheels of a front-wheel drive car, where they are subject to all the cornering thrust, acceleration thrust and braking thrust of wacko drivers....those same tires are somehow going to be dangerous on a trailer with a boat on top...just cruising down the highway?

Why?

No cornering; no braking; no acceleration.

Anyway; I have had no problems.

I just wish I hadn't let Wal-Mart try and mount them. My wheels are reverse offset...and the in-experienced tire guy there completely ruined one of my rims. Wal-Mart eventually re-imbursed me...and I took the two tires and had them mounted elsewhere.

Good luck. If you feel afterr reading all these replies that ST tires are safer; then pay the money for your peace of mind.

Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[reelfishin]

Re: tires

I have to agree that so long as the weight rating is not exceeded a passenger tire should be fine. While all my boat trailers have ST rated tires, I have had a set of passenger tires on one of my utility trailers for 10 years now with no issues. Plus, I have several pickup truck bed trailers which have been running the tires that were on the truck they came from for years.
The biggest advantage to trailer tires is the heavier sidewall and in most cases less rolling resistance. The heavier sidewall also gives them a higher load rating.
With heavier loads, passenger tires, with their softer sidewalls, can exhibit some sway where as the appropriate trailer tire will not. This will not likely ever come into effect if your towing an 800lb boat around.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: tires

Trailer rated all the way. No matter what the load.
Does not make sense to me to use something that is not rated for the equipment it is fitted on.
Just my thoughts though

 

[HappierWet]

Re: tires

What you need to look at is the load capacity on the sidewall of the tire. If it is less than what your trailer tires indicate you are asking for trouble, especially if the rig weighs 75% or more of the total capacity. In other words, just because the existing tire and trailer tire are the same size, does not mean they can carry the same weight. That's where the "Load Range" comes into play.

I have to agree that so long as the weight rating is not exceeded a passenger tire should be fine. While all my boat trailers have ST rated tires, I have had a set of passenger tires on one of my utility trailers for 10 years now with no issues. Plus, I have several pickup truck bed trailers which have been running the tires that were on the truck they came from for years.
The biggest advantage to trailer tires is the heavier sidewall and in most cases less rolling resistance. The heavier sidewall also gives them a higher load rating.
With heavier loads, passenger tires, with their softer sidewalls, can exhibit some sway where as the appropriate trailer tire will not. This will not likely ever come into effect if your towing an 800lb boat around.

These two seem to have the same view on the topic as I. My trailers all have various P or LT tires on them and have had for years. There's alot to be learned about tires versus load and if you're just looking for someone to say "yeah go ahead.".... Most people here ERR on the side of caution and safety.