I need to purchase new tires for our Featherlite 4 horse trailer. It has a 6 1/2 ft. short wall with small living quarters. We purchased the trailer new in Jan. 08 and it came with Carlisle Tires and honestly, we haven't had a problem with them until now and I am sure we would be having the same problem with any tire. The tread is still good but starting to dry rot. Our trailer stays parked on concrete 95% of the time and we haul locally 3 weekends a month April - Sept. and then only a couple of times a month through the winter. We have hauled with these tires to Youth World in Jackson, Ms in the middle of July when it is 100 degrees out about four times. Jackson is a 5 1/2 drive for us one way. We might make a couple of other trips to some money shows that are 2 to 3 hours away but for the most part we stay local. Right now I still have two of the Carlisle tires, one Kender Klever Tire that the tire place sold me when I needed to replace one that we had a blow out on about a month ago and then another tire (not a name brand) the same tire place sold me to replace another one last summer after we ran over a piece of glass somewhere. I have tried to do some research and see what would be best to get but would love to hear from some of you out there that have experience with trailer tires. From what I have read it seems I should get LT not ST if we ever plan to drive over 65 miles per hour and alot of people love the Goodyear Wrangler and some have said Michelins. What do You love???
Posted 2012-05-31 11:46 AM (#144372 - in reply to #144334) Subject: RE: Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: high desert, CA.
Goodyears on my 4 horse, and on the 2 horse bumper pull. Had good luck with them on both trailers. Run Michelins on the truck, and will replace with them again, as they seem to wear like iron.
Posted 2012-05-31 4:08 PM (#144379 - in reply to #144334) Subject: RE: Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
New User
Posts: 4
Location: West TN
Thank You! We love Michelins and use them on our every day vehicles but since we don't make very many long hauls many have told me I would be crazy or wasting money to buy them for my horse trailer. In four years I will have to replace them again whether I pay $1100 for a new set or $800. They will dry rot before we will wear them out. I called our tire shop today and the guy talked with me for several minutes about several different tires and he said he would really recommend the Tow Max 10 ply tire. He said they sell alot of them and don't have any complaints from them. He also mentioned Americus and Firestone and told me he would order the Michelins if I wanted him too. I am really thinking about trying the Tow Max Tires. If I have any problems with them, I guess it will be a lesson learned. Thank You to those of you who have responded. I reallly do appreciate it.
Posted 2012-05-31 4:56 PM (#144382 - in reply to #144334) Subject: RE: Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
The Tow Max tires are made by the Triangle Group in China, tire Model TR644. They are distributed by TBC Private Brands and sold under the PowerKing, MultiMile, and other labels.
Posted 2012-05-31 9:03 PM (#144388 - in reply to #144334) Subject: RE: Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
New User
Posts: 4
Location: West TN
Thank You, I am trying to stay away from made in China but it is hard for me to know. They tell you they are made in the USA but owned by China or at least that is what I was told by the guy at our tire shop. What about Firestone? Do you know if they are made in the USA?
Posted 2012-06-07 7:14 PM (#144650 - in reply to #144334) Subject: RE: Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
Member
Posts: 14
Location: michigan
I just put 4 cooper made mastercraft tires on my featherlite. I was leary because they were lt 235 85 16 load range e but I called cooper corprate and asked them because I didnt trust the tire guy wo talked me out of the uniroyal st tires. They told me I was fine and I havent had an issue yet. Just check and maintain your tire pressure weekly and stay off curbs...lol
Posted 2012-06-14 8:32 AM (#144811 - in reply to #144334) Subject: RE: Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
There are numbers printed on the INSIDE sidewall (the side facing into the trailer/car) that indicate the date the tires were manufactured. Ask for explanation so that you are buying NEW tires.
To reduce dry rot: put down some plywood or OSB where your trailer tires will be when the vehicle is parked and park on it. Cement & limestone are bad for tires and draw "moisture" out of tires. Cut wood pieces to lean against the wheels & tires to keep the sun off them. I was told that the vinyl tire covers ARE NOT RECOMMENDED as they do not let the tires "breathe" (?).
There are also sprays you can use on the tires to reduce drying.
Be sure that your tire pressure is always accurate - even when parked - but most importantly, when hauling to avoid overflexing the rubber and prevent blowouts.
Tires for Featherlite 4H Trailer
