I have a 2002 Silver Star gooseneck (3-horse) trailer with the original tires. I just returned from Iraq to find that the tires have dry rotted somewhat while the trailer has been sitting in storage. Is it safe to pull with this trailer? Dry rot does not appear to be very deep.
If the dry rot is a problem, I have a set of tires that have worn tread but no dry rot. Only problem is they are a different size. The original tires are LT 235 85R16. The used tires that are in better overall shape are LT 245 75R16. So I guess a bit fatter and a bit less height, if I remember my tire size specifications correctly.
Can I run these tires on the trailer?
Can I use the larger spare if I have a flat? (LT 235 85R16).
Lastly, what would be some CHEAP tires in the LT 235 85R16 size that I could use to replace what's on the trailer now. Main issue is I can't afford new tires at this time, and don't want to throw Goodyear Wranglers on the trailer (they came on it, new) at $165 apiece!!! Especially if I'm only going to put 10,000 to 20,000 miles on the trailer the next 6 years or so.
Posted 2008-11-10 4:09 PM (#94637 - in reply to #94635) Subject: RE: Tires
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Call your local tire and automotive dealers and ask if they have any truck "take offs". These will be new tires that are swapped out for upgrades by new truck owners. They typically will sell for about 2/3 the price of new ones. "E" range 16' truck tires work well on medium weight trailers.
I would not use any of your old tires that are dry rotted. I suspect their ages exceed six years of age. You might want to keep a couple of the best ones for spares. Blow outs are expensive and dangerous. It simply is not worth your equipment and health of your livestock to use old tires.
Posted 2008-11-10 4:35 PM (#94640 - in reply to #94635) Subject: RE: Tires
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
My Silver Star had GoodYear Wranglers on it, same as yours... They had a build date of 4400. On 08-10-2006 the belts started breaking in the tread. Tires looked like new, a few weather cracks but they were coming apart on the inside..... They are trash after six years. As Gard said, replace them with some cheap takeoffs.... Those 245's are about an inch wider and an inch shorter than the 235's. As long as you replace all four and they're not rubbing the frame and fenders then go for it.
Posted 2008-11-11 8:18 AM (#94666 - in reply to #94635) Subject: RE: Tires
Elite Veteran
Posts: 795 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Mike,
Let me take Veteran's Day to Thank You for your service in Iraq. We all are very appreciative for those who venture far and wide to protect us here.
On the Goodyears, our experience has been they are great- for about 5 years. After that, casing failure occurs with more regularity than we care to see. Heed the advice you've seen here- short term spare use only. I have been known to put them on my in the field hay wagon and get a few more years out of them!
RTSmith
www.SelectTrailer.com
Posted 2008-11-18 5:46 AM (#95035 - in reply to #94635) Subject: RE: Tires
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Stumbled across this video... Nothing against the trailer Mfg. from me. It would be hard for me to even blame "Chinese Tires" for all of this hate and discontent!! I tend to believe that most of the fault is to be blamed on the trailer user, not the trailer Mfg. Unbelievable!! Some of this nonsense has to be self inflicted!! They may just need to sell the horses and trailer, move to an Amish community and take on their ways of travel... NO MORE FLATS!!
Posted 2008-11-18 10:19 AM (#95060 - in reply to #94635) Subject: RE: Tires
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
That is a large (8' wide) trailer and has a good sized LQ, so its weight is significant. Assuming that the axle alignments are correct and there are no mechanical issues, it has to have a tire capacity problem. If the tires are adequate and not overloaded, then the running pressures must be too low.
The only way I can see it being the fault of the owners, is if they are replacing the blown tires with ones of the same ratings. They should have upgraded to a larger capacity tire after the first blow out.
I find it criminal that SD will not help these owners solve a dangerous, chronic problem.
Posted 2008-11-18 10:21 AM (#95062 - in reply to #94635) Subject: RE: Tires
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
Notice on the right side the mismatched wheels AND tires. Wonder if they ever check the air pressure. Also wonder why if they were having so many problems they waited 6 years and 9 months to complain?
Tires
