How to Check Your Trailer Tires for Wear

Friday, October 20th, 2017

With sunny weather now upon us, many of us will begin loading up our travel trailers and hitting the road with adventure and fun as our destination.

But before you head out, be sure you're traveling safely by not overloading your trailer and inspecting your trailer tires for signs of damage and weathering. Towing with tires that are overly worn or cracked can lead to potential blowouts, putting you and your loved ones at risk.

Checking Your Tires for Wear

There are many conditions that dictate the lifespan of your trailer tires, including how much you use your trailer during the year, parking your trailer for 6 months with little or no rotation, and the amount of ozone exposure.

Fortunately, you can identify potential hazards simply by inspecting your tires before use. A good place to start is by checking your tires for cracking in the area of the sidewall. This is normal and is a naturally occurring condition resulting from exposure to heat and sunlight.

SIDEWALL CRACKING: Caused by overexposure to the sun or other chemicals. Tires that are overexposed or that sit for long periods of time start to develop cracks in the sidewall where the rubber has dried out and is now separating.

FEATHERED WEAR: Caused by aggressive turning, suspension related issues, alignment problems, or misaligned wheels. Tread displays choppy wear patterns, of variable height and stages of wear displayed in a feather pattern.

CAMBER WEAR: Camber is the tilting of the wheel during operation, measured in degrees.  If the Camber is out of line , it will cause the tire to wear more quickly on one side of the tread. This irregular wear will ultimately shorten the life of your tire. 

FULL TREAD SEPARATION:  Caused by continual operation of the tire after a separation has occurred in the tread or between plies. This issue is aggravated by over heating and loss of adhesion, and is the end result of operating a tire with possible ply or belt issues. 

Measuring Tread Depth

Tread depth is a vertical measurement between the top of the tread rubber to the bottom of the tire’s deepest grooves. It is an indication of whether the tire can safely remain in service and maintain sufficient tracking and handling performance.  You can have some idea if the tires have neared the end of their life by using a commonly known practice of using  a U.S. Lincoln penny to confirm the tire’s tread depth.  If Lincoln’s entire head is visible, then the tire is considered legally worn out in most instances.

When in Doubt, Ask a Professional

If upon inspection you see signs of any of the above issues, you should have your trailer tires inspected by your local tire specialist. This is the best safety practice and will result in knowing that you are driving on safe, dependable tires. You should also be aware of any previous tire repairs or any visual signs of tire abuse (sidewall cuts or scuffs, etc.), especially when purchasing a trailer from another owner. When in doubt, we always recommend you consult your tire professional!

Making the Right Choice when Replacing

Purchasing trailer tires is a major expense, but it also speaks to your safety and comfort while traveling. Greenball understands and knows the importance of theses issues and provides quality tires that assure you peace of mind.

Greenball’s Tow-Master “All Steel Construction” special trailer tire is designed to do just that. This ultra-premium trailer tire is engineered to support heavier loads at higher speeds, as well as resist irregular wear and trailer sway. It’s improved durability makes it the perfect choice for a wide range of trailers.   With a powerful construction and research-based design, the Tow-Master ASC remains in a class of its own.

16" tread shown on left

Available in ST225/75R15, ST235/80R16, and ST235/85R16.

• Radial Design for a stable and cooler running tire.
• Tuff casing gives tire excellent resistance against punctures and hydroplaning.
• Perfect for local and nationwide hauling applications.
• High quality steel belts help distribute weight for a smoother ride.
• Engineered to meet the demands of today’s heavier vehicles.

When you're out on the open highway between point A and B, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your tire overheating.  Without sacrificing performance or fuel consumption, the

Tow-Master SS is the ideal selection for drivers who haul heavier loads, in high heat conditions. The revised rubber compound greatly improves heat dissipation, which results in a cooler-running tire.  The Tow-Master SS is also available is a wider range of sizes.

• Specifically created to withstand the rigorous pressure from high heat conditions.
• Inner liner and belt edge package have been re-engineered to ensure proper air pressure, easier maintenance and assured load capacity.
• Advanced siping on tires for maximum traction and stability.
• Wider contact patch means you're getting more tire on the road, and better turning responsiveness.
• Steel belted Radial design gives tire flatter profile and less heat build up.
• Offered in 10 different sizes, 13”-16” rim diameters.

The Tow-Master SS is available in the following sizes:

• ST175/80R13
• ST205/75R14
• ST215/75R14
• ST205/75R15
• ST225/75R15
• ST225/75R15
• ST225/75R15
• ST205/75R15
• ST235/80R16
• ST235/85R16

To purchase the Tow-Master ASC or Tow-Master SS, please visit your local tire dealer.  Or call 1-800-946-9412 for more information.