Trailer Tires
Trailer tires are a key part of your transportation experience. Without them, you wouldn't be able to leave your house! It's easy to overlook the care of trailer tires, but proactive maintenance can help them perform better and extend their life.
We've gathered up our favorite tips for taking care of trailer tires below. If you want more maintenance tips or want to look at trailers for sale, visit Victory Custom Trailers. Our expert staff is ready to assist you! We are located in Metamora, Michigan. We also proudly serve those in Detroit and Flint, Michigan.
1. Proper Inflation
Trailer tires need to be inflated to the proper level. If they are not, they will have a difficult time coping with the forces pushing on them. This can lead to the tires wearing out faster and needing to be replaced sooner. Keeping the tires at the right air pressure levels helps extend their life and improve their performance.
A tire pressure gauge is an easy tool for measuring the inflation levels. Use it in the morning when the tires are cold to get the most precise reading. Compare this measurement to the manufacturer's recommendations. Then adjust if needed.
2. Axle Health
A bent axle is a common problem for trailers. Anytime you notice increased tire wear and can't pinpoint the issue, the axle is a safe bet. You'll want to visit a trailer service department to get it checked out.
3. Weather Protection
Trailers can suffer damage due to weather. The unrelenting sun rays can cause issues such as cracks in the tire sidewalls. The best way to deal with this problem is prevention. If possible, store your trailer inside. That way, it'll be shielded from sun damage (and other weather issues).
If indoor storage isn't an option, then you will need to be proactive about checking your tires. Inspect them regularly to see if they are getting damaged.
4. Loading Your Trailer
How you load your trailer impacts the health of your tires. Trailers have a number called the Gross Combined Weight Rating. This refers to the total weight your trailer (and its tires) can safely handle. It's important to always operate within this limit. First of all, it's illegal to exceed it. Second, it creates a safety issue for yourself and those around you on the road. Third, it can cause increased damage to your trailer and the tires if you go over the limit.
5. Weight Distribution
How you distribute the weight in your trailer is also important. Shoot for even distribution from left to right and from front to back. When loads are unbalanced, there's an increased chance of a tire blowout.
6. The Type of Tire
There are plenty of tire types out there. You'll want to ensure you are using the right one for your trailer. Radial tires are a highly sought after option - and for good reason. They offer plenty of benefits such as optimized results, improved traction, an extended lifespan, and better fuel efficiency. It's amazing the impact changing your tires can make!
We hope you found these tips helpful! Taking care of your tires is an important part of trailer maintenance. If your trailer is experiencing performance issues, bring it in to the service department at Victory Custom Trailers. We can repair it in no time at all! We also offer custom trailers if you are looking to buy. We can help build the trailer to best suit your unique needs. Whatever you need, you'll find it with us! We are located in Metamora, Michigan. We also proudly serve those in Detroit and Flint, Michigan.