Trailer tire pressure

[CoachA]

Just got back from our trip to Custer, SD and have a question.

I put new tires on the trailer before I left, started with 45 in each. When we stopped for the night on our first leg, I noticed some heavy wear on both tires in the middle, no wear on outside tread. So I lowered it to 25. Ride improved and tread wear on one evened out, the other not so much. The middle of the one is toast. Weight was evenly distributed, 25-30 lbs on tongue.

After only 5K I'll have to replace both again before our next trip to be safe.

Anyone have any ideas on why this would have happened?

[wwells]

The air pressure played a role. You might also check the age on your tires. They may be several years old even though you had just mounted them. There is a 4-digit code that tells the week and year they were mfg.

I suspect the air pressure was the real cuplrit. I established the AP for my tires by loading the trailer as I do for trips (around 425# gross) and balance side to side as you did. I try to run around 25# tongue weight as you do. I took it to the pavement (driveway is gravel) and rode a few blocks to clean off the tread. Then I drew a chalk line across the tire tread. After riding a mile or so I looked for the chalk line to be evenly worn off. If it wasn't I adjusted the AP and did it again. I now run about 25# when loaded and 20# when I'm not.

Remember that the trailer will track inside on a curve at slow speeds, but outside at higher speeds. That "slings" the trailer to the outside and puts a lot of wear on the crown if the AP is much too high. I also change the tires at least every 2-3 years even if they aren't worn out. Like someone's sig says: "Tires are cheap, lives aren't."

I may be all wrong about this, but it has worked for me so far. Blessings...

[GoldWingGL]

Aside from a possible bad tire issue, I run 25lbs in the tires on my RH that weighs in at over 600lbs loaded and have never had a tire wear issue.

[CoachA]

I'm going to tow it to Wally World next week and see if they will give me some new ones...I won't hold my breath though.

[CoachA]

Well, they were the closest to me without having to drive about 80 miles round trip to get some. I learned a lesson there. Guess next time I'll go to Tractor Supply.

What size car tires would work on these rims?

[CoachA]

135/80-12 or 145/80-12 car tires. Either size will work, depending on what's avalable in your neck of the woods.

G wizz

Will those fit on the current rims? Probably a stupid question.

[CoachA]

Thanks. I checked at Tire Rack and they have Yokahoma tires that will fit a Ford Festiva...I think that is what they were for. I'll have to check around here first before I order them online.