[300sflyer]

After experiencing a flat tire on my other trailer recently, the tire dealer I bought the new tires from, told me that trailer tires usually only last about 5 years. They tend to dry out, and the rubber starts to go hard, causing blowouts when they heat up while towing at hwy speeds.

I figured I better check the tire age on my 94 Heritage trailer, since we plan to tow the boat around a fair bit this summer, and I dont want to be stuck on the hwy trying to fix a flat again...

Well low and behold, I found out that my trailer has the original tires on it, that were made back in 93. Despite the fact that there was plenty of tread remaining, there were numerous small cracks all the way aroundin the treads.

Needless to say I replaced all 4 tires, and my wallet is about $500 lighter now, but I do have the piece of mind knowing I have all new rubber. Baring any punctures from nails or what have you, I should be good for another 5 years.

[ShabahZ280]

That's probably a wise choice, replacing all 4. What brand did you replace them with?

[300sflyer]

I replaced them with the same tires, Goodyear Marathons, 205-75-14s.

http://www.goodyear.com/rv/products/marathon.html

[ShabahZ280]

Good job... I've read many horror stories about "Carlisle" trailer tires on the trailerboats forum. I towed tvacek's Z278 Shabah over 500 miles with them, but didn't have any issues. I think any trailer tires will last a while, provided they aren't cracked, and are in good shape!

I run something called Road or Load King on mine, it's what was on the trailer when I bought it new in '06.

[WetWilly]

I find that most trailers just sit, exposed to the elements like the hot sun unless their luckly enough to be stored inside and it's the constant exposure and UV that ages the tire and causes the cracking.

Ours sits parked outside most of it's life, so to minimize the "sun" cracking I cover the tires with inexpensive tire covers I buy at our local "Harbor Freight tool" store. We also have a custom cover on the spare.

After cleaning off your boat and trailer, don't forget to give the tires (and spare) a good coat of protectant with UV block, makes them last longer and look a lot better too.

WetWilly

[Captain Steve]

The Goodyear Marathons were a good choice. I read something somewhere on the internet, so it must be true, that these are the best trailer tires you can buy. My tandem Marathons on my trailer are original (1997), still have most of their tread, and basically no indications of dry rot. However, dry rot or not, they are ready to be replaced.

I know what B.O.A.T. stands for, but my First Mate doesn't think that it is at all funny. I will probably need to wait one more year.

Wish me luck,

[300sflyer]

Just make sure you carry a spare tire with you, so that your "first mate" can change a tire if need be.