Trailer - tire problem

[PencilPlugger]

I've got a single axle boat trailer with 14" bias ply tires and I just noticed a "bubble" on one of the tires. I don't remember hitting anything with it when I used it this weekend. What could have caused this?
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/rufusdoofis/tire_tumor.jpg

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Broken belt inside.

[scottyhoover]

I don't know but I bet it doesn't go 2 miles before blowing out.

[PencilPlugger]

I forgot to add that about 3 weeks ago the inside bearings blew out on this same side and had to be replaced.

[waterfoul]

Yup, broken belt.

How much does your boat weigh? My Glastron weighs about 1000 lbs fully rigged rolling down the road, trailer included. I went with radial car tires with my new tires. They roll better, and are rated for 1500 lbs each... more than enough. They seem to be doing well... I've noticed NO wear on them in 2+ seasons now.

[glockman55]

Yup, broken belt.

How much does your boat weigh? My Glastron weighs about 1000 lbs fully rigged rolling down the road, trailer included. I went with radial car tires with my new tires. They roll better, and are rated for 1500 lbs each... more than enough. They seem to be doing well... I've noticed NO wear on them in 2+ seasons now.



:yeahthat: Dump the bias ply,

[roger23]

I had this happen on my car going to Florida They were Uniroyal one happened on the way down the other on the way back.When the first one happened I heard a thumping could not see anything went to a Chevy Dealer they put on hoist it was a bump on the inside they replaced it under warranty. when the second one started I knew what it was .I contacted Uniroyal they gave me the run around.A Goodyear Rep said that it was just a defect that happens during MFG

[vans]

Goodyear Marathon are an excellent choice, been around quite a few different boaters and I think this may be the best trailer tire out their. I know I've had them on different boat trailers for the last 15 years and have had no unusuall problems.

[PencilPlugger]

Dump the bias ply,
Why should I switch to radials? I thought that the advantage of bias ply is that the sidewalls are stiffer, which leads to less trailer sway.

My boat, with trailer weighs about 2,600.

[motcityman]

Why should I switch to radials? I thought that the advantage of bias ply is that the sidewalls are stiffer, which leads to less trailer sway.

My boat, with trailer weighs about 2,600.

they say if your tow vehicle has radials then you should have radials on your trailer for better control of the trailer vs tow vehicle...makes since and works..pulls better..just my 2 cents

[glockman55]

Why should I switch to radials? I thought that the advantage of bias ply is that the sidewalls are stiffer, which leads to less trailer sway.

My boat, with trailer weighs about 2,600.

I had bias ply on my old 22' Penn Yann boat trailer tandem axle, a heavy old tank, It had bias ply 13" tires, year 1981, Did the same thing, big bulge in the side wall. You can get any ply radial tire you want. I have Load range C on my 17' boat trailer now and you can go up to range E (10 ply) if you want. I didn't think you could buy bias ply any more. Nothing like a tire blow out to mess up a fishing trip.
Just my $.02 worth
Glock

[roger23]

In general, trailer tires have the same load range (or ply) from bead to bead and are bias ply construction. This allows for a stiffer side wall which provides safer towing by helping to reduce trailer sway problems. The use of 'Passenger Car' (P) or 'Light Truck (LT) tires a on a trailer is not recommended because their construction, usually radial or bias belted, allows for more flexible side walls. This could lead to increased trailer sway and loss of control.
This is from Goodyear :confused:

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Goodyear Marathon are an excellent choice, been around quite a few different boaters and I think this may be the best trailer tire out their. I know I've had them on different boat trailers for the last 15 years and have had no unusuall problems.

Yes, get Goodyear Marathon.

[glockman55]

In general, trailer tires have the same load range (or ply) from bead to bead and are bias ply construction. This allows for a stiffer side wall which provides safer towing by helping to reduce trailer sway problems. The use of 'Passenger Car' (P) or 'Light Truck (LT) tires a on a trailer is not recommended because their construction, usually radial or bias belted, allows for more flexible side walls. This could lead to increased trailer sway and loss of control.
This is from Goodyear :confused:

My fifth wheel trailer came with radial, H78 15, load range D. No Sway Here.:tdo12:

[bucknduck]

Good info. I'm having new axles built for my tandem trailer and they should be done and installed by Friday and I was wondering about replacing the tires but not sure what to look for.
For those of you buying used boats, make sure you check the trailer before you buy. I failed to and it cost me 2 new axles.

[PencilPlugger]

I spoke to some guys at a store that specializes in trailers and they said stick with the bias ply. It'll be cheaper that way because I'll only have to replace 1 tire, as opposed to 3 (2 main plus the spare) if I had changed over to radials.

[steve ypsi]

thats just a pimple, look what happened to mine yesterday and the other one blew 4 1/2 miles from home, look on the inside, now this is a bump, I would get 2 if I were you, I lost both the same day

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/medium/tire_001.jpg

[salmonslammer]

Dang.....That reminds me, I need to get a spare!!!!

[jakeo]

Buy new Tires
If you have that many questions, PLEASE stay home.:tdo12:

[Captain Tan Can]

I swear by the Goodyear Marathon's and also agree that you should go to radials. They are absolutely necessary on tandem axles as the tires have to flex on turns. I also had great performance and longevity from POWER KING S/T radials which I used as replacements for some offbeat ones that came on one of my trailers in the past.

[FishTales]

I also had great performance and longevity from POWER KING S/T radials
You can get trailer tires in bias ply or radials, but don't use car tires.
You can check online with trailer parts suppliers and they have S/T (special trailer) tires.
Personally I would go with the S/T.
Rich

[bklompy]

Always get your trailer tires balanced most places dont just do it increases longevity of tires and bearings