Do you need special tyres for a trailer?
Regular tyres and trailer tyres are not interchangeable on account of their different uses and characteristics. Swapping in regular car tyres for trailer tyres could lead to both the tyres wearing down far quicker, and to dangerous situations like your trailer swaying, the tyres failing, or even accidents. No, regular car tires cannot be put in a trailer. This can be dangerous. Tire tread on car tires is different than the tread designed for trailers, which can cause irregular wear on the tire and will blow. Load ratings are also carefully chosen for car or truck tires and completely differ from trailer tires.There are two types of trailer tires: Radial and Bias. A radial tire has steel belts that are oriented at a significantly different angle than the 90 degree radial plys. This allows the sidewall and tread to function as two independent features of the tire.Special Trailer Service (ST) tires typically feature a symmetric tread design with a solid center rib to provide constant rubber-to-road contact to enhance highway stability, traction and wear.Not recommended. ST tires are made specifically for trailers. A towed vehicle has different tire stresses and needs than tires on a steering axle or a drive axle.
What size are trailer tires?
The most common wheel sizes for trailer tires are going to be 15 and 16 inches. For this size wheel, the most common tire sizes include: ST205/75R15, ST225/75R15, ST235/80R16 and ST235/85R16. These sizes increase in both diameter and width and as they get larger the ply rating of the tire also increases. It is not recommended to use LT tires on trailer applications. There is a good reason why LT tires vs ST tires are different. ST-rated tires are specifically made for free-rolling axles, which allows them to optimize trailer operations.The tire size is listed on the sidewall where the red arrow is. Trailer Tire Information: Trailer tires are designated as “ST” tires (Special Tire). Your tire size will start with ST.Special Trailer Tires (ST Tires) ST or Special Trailer tire have been designed specifically for use with all types of trailers. Because of their design characteristics, ST tires are most often the type of tire that is fitted on most small to medium-large sized RV trailers.Don’t. Trailer tires and passenger car tires have different structures to respond to different stresses. Using a trailer tire on your car, or a car tire on your trailer, could lead to disastrous consequences. Passenger vehicles interact with the road through their tires.
What type of tires do trailers use?
C and D load range tires are the most used when it comes to medium to larger-size trailers, but if you’re hauling a heavy-duty trailer, load range E tires are probably what you need. Load Range B: 4-ply rating, typically used for smaller trailers with lower load requirements. Load Range C: 6-ply rating, a common choice for medium-sized trailers. Load Range D: 8-ply rating, suitable for larger trailers or heavier loads.LT means Light Truck, while ST stands for Special Trailer. The LT tire can be used on light trucks, SUVs, or vans. Universal use—for towing as well as in everyday driving.Common Ply Ratings: 6-ply tires: Light-duty tires for smaller trailers. Suitable for medium-duty trailers and small RVs. Standard for heavy-duty trailers, utility trailers, and some RVs.ST tires feature firmer sidewalls, contrasting with the flexibility of LT tires. LT tires prioritize traction, unlike ST tires, which prioritize load endurance. LT tire sets offer elevated driving comfort levels, whereas ST tires prioritize load capacity over comfort.Thankfully, trailer tyres are designed to accommodate the sway that trailers typically experience – that’s what they’re good at, and that’s why you need to ensure that you have the correct tyres fitted to your trailer. ST’ tyres, which stands for ‘Special Trailer’ tyres, are designed for your trailer’s specific needs.
What is a trailer tyre?
Trailers are designed to carry heavy loads safely and efficiently and as such, they need suitable trailer tyres which are able to withstand this weight. Trailer tyres are engineered to support excess weight and help you to remain safe when towing a trailer. SL Tyres: Ideal for most passenger cars, sedans, and vehicles within the standard load range. C1 Tyres: Designed for larger vehicles that require a higher load-carrying capacity.SL, or Standard Load, tyres are designed to meet the load-carrying capacity requirements of most passenger cars, sedans, and compact vehicles. These tyres offer a balance of performance, comfort, and handling suitable for everyday driving scenarios.
Is there a difference between trailer tires and regular tires?
Once you know what you’re looking for, they’re easy to differentiate. First, most passenger tires will bear a code of P for Passenger, or LT for Light Truck in front of the other numbers on the tire. Trailer tires have a code of ST. Second, trailer tires have thicker sidewalls, and narrower tread width. Radial, bias, and solid are the three different types of tire constructions. Each construction has its strengths and it is important to pick the correct tire for your application.Radial tires tend to last longer overall and are less likely to develop flat spots when parked for extended periods of time (some trailers are parked over the winter). Radial tires perform well at highway speeds, dissipate heat better, and offer lower rolling resistance for a smoother ride.Radial tires are the most common type of tire today: Almost all passenger and light truck tires are radial, as are most trailer tires. Radial tires are indicated by an R before the rim size—for example, ST205/75R14. Radial tires ride more smoothly and are better for highway towing.Lt tires explained LT-metric (Light Truck) tires are specifically engineered to work with trucks, full size SUVs and Vans. Including also 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton load capacity. An LT tire is basically a reinforced tire with extra steel belt, thicker, stiffer sidewalls and a deeper tread.
How many ply should trailer tires be?
Standard for heavy-duty trailers, utility trailers, and some RVs. Built for heavier loads, commonly found on larger trailers and RVs. Heavy-duty tires designed to support very large, heavy loads, often found on commercial trailers, large RVs, and industrial applications. Tire Durability: Tires with higher ply ratings are generally more durable because they are designed to withstand higher loads and harsher conditions. This makes them less prone to punctures, blowouts, and wear and tear, especially when towing on rough or uneven surfaces.A 12-ply equivalent tire will effortlessly manage or carry over 4,000 pounds per tire. These heavy-duty tires are perfect for off-road trucks, large commercial vehicles, and trailers carrying substantial weight.Conclusion. RVs, horse trailers, and industrial equipment. With their high load capacity, durability, and heat resistance, they offer the strength and stability needed for safe and efficient towing.A 12-ply equivalent tire will effortlessly manage or carry over 4,000 pounds per tire. These heavy-duty tires are perfect for off-road trucks, large commercial vehicles, and trailers carrying substantial weight.
How long do trailer tyres last?
Generally speaking, trailer and caravan tyres should be replaced every 5 years. Each tire manufacturer will likely have different recommendations on the service life of a particular type of tire, but statistics suggest the average life of a trailer tire is about five years under normal use and maintenance conditions, and that tire replacement should be considered after three years, even if the .Most trailer tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 5 to 6 years, even if the tread still looks good. If the tires are showing signs of cracking, dry rot, or have been exposed to prolonged UV rays, they may need to be replaced even sooner.Tire Lifespan During use, tires release compound lubricants that can help extend tire life. A tire that is not in use can degrade from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The life expectancy of a trailer tire varies from manufacturer to manufacturer; however, most are between 3 to 8 years, regardless of mileage.Replacing your trailer tire depends on several factors, including their age, wear, and usage. As a general rule of thumb, consider replacing trailer tires every 3 to 5 years, even if they appear to have sufficient tread.Although most trailer tires will not spend enough time on the road (typically) to wear out, there are several things we can do to keep them from premature death. From item 5 above, I generalize expire time for something like 5 or 6, maybe 7 years, so replace trailer tires by then.