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 Regular
Posts: 50
Location: Tamarack, PA, USA | I have read two different recommendations recently to have horse trailer tires replaced approximately every 6 years. Actually the one article said 3-6 yrs! I can't imagine doing so every three years except maybe when I'm retired and can go horse camping to my heart's content. Anyhow, for those of you that have done lots of hauling over the years, what guidelines do you go by?I have a small alum stock trailer that I bought in 2007 but it had been a "last year model" on the lot for a year prior. I have not hauled any where near enough to worry about tread loss. But, I'm concerned about the basic life span of the tire rubber. No visible signs of dry rot yet either. Wondering if it is time to replace them anyhow? |
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Expert
Posts: 3802
   
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | I just replaced a set of China buit tires that were three years old.... Put on a set of GY Marathons, we'll see how they do in three years. Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire. In approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone. Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire. It is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.
Edited by retento 2013-04-21 4:15 PM
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 Veteran
Posts: 218
Location: Ohio | Five years is the max I will run a set of tires. Even if the tread is left, they just have simple rot that will be dangerous. We had a trailer that had great tread left when we bought it but they were five years old. The first time we hauled our horses one of the tires blew. No damage but ruined our riding day.
Don't go over 5 years. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Most ST tires have a shorter life span than LT tires. Another reason to upgrade if possible. |
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Regular
Posts: 50
Location: Tamarack, PA, USA | Thank you for your replies...guess I've got to go raid my "horse expense" account for some tire money! ugh. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | You should notice that the shorter time replacement periods are for ST rated tires. Lt tires are 6-7 years, the same as your towing vehicle. Truck tires generally wear out by mileage; trailer tires usually wear out by age well before the thread is gone. |
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Veteran
Posts: 170
Location: Minnesota | Some GY Marathons are made in China - look on the sidewall. Most companies claim 5 years as max on a trailer tire. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322
Location: Fort Madison, Iowa | When I bought my last trailer, I bought it in July and I thought the tread looked good I'll wait until next year. When l went on vacation in October, I had a blow out and it ended up costing me $400.00 to fix the trailer which the money could have paid for two new tires. |
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when to replace trailer tires
