Regular wheels vs. Trailer wheels
- Thread starter MOBYDICK
- Start date
Do your homework then decide.
www.prioritytire.com
Car Tires vs Trailer Tires (Full Comparison)
Trailer tires vs car tires have been debated for a long time. What's the difference and why are ST tires so special? Learn more at Priority Tire!
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Lug_Nut
Active Member
flame suit is on.
I'm running P metric radials on my car dolly and car carrier trailer specifically to permit lowering the tire pressure when those trailers are unloaded. A 750 lb. empty trailer does not need to have tires inflated to a pressure capable of a 3,200 lb. load. I pump those tires back up to the tire's max pressure allowance to regain the load capacity rating (matched to the original ST tire's weight load rating) when the car is on them.
The campers don't have as much of a percentage difference in total weight between empty and loaded as my car trailers. For these trailers that have a more consistent load I use ST tires, radial on the Casita, bias on the Coleman.
I'm running P metric radials on my car dolly and car carrier trailer specifically to permit lowering the tire pressure when those trailers are unloaded. A 750 lb. empty trailer does not need to have tires inflated to a pressure capable of a 3,200 lb. load. I pump those tires back up to the tire's max pressure allowance to regain the load capacity rating (matched to the original ST tire's weight load rating) when the car is on them.
The campers don't have as much of a percentage difference in total weight between empty and loaded as my car trailers. For these trailers that have a more consistent load I use ST tires, radial on the Casita, bias on the Coleman.
Snow
Super Active Member
- Jul 19, 2007
- 12,322
Do you tow or plan to tow them in Ontario? Big "no" "no" here, to the point that if caught the plates will be pulled from the trailer. And yes it is actually something the Provincial Police look at when they stop a trailer.
TSQ
Active Member
Regulatory requirements are definitely something to consider. In addition to what @Snow mentioned if you were in an accident your insurance may not cover you if it had anything to do with the tire.
Edit: and I mean liability insurance when the guy whose vehicle got pushed off the road by your swaying trailer after your tire fails sues you for $2m because he can't work anymore - not the insurance that pays to fix your torn up wheel well.
Chances are it would never happen, but...
Last edited:
tuna helper
New Member
- Jun 30, 2015
- 8
I look at it this way, a single axle trailer, such as my Jayco that weighs 900 lbs, or my small trailer I use to carry my zero turn, is not going to see the a lot of weight, so IMHO a car tire is fine. (I prefer LT tires) A dual axle trailer is going to see twisting forces on the tires that the singl;e axle will not.
I wish I could find trailer tires sold that are not already on a rim. They are expensive enough as it is, and then another $50 for the rim... and you still have to dispose of the old one.
I wish I could find trailer tires sold that are not already on a rim. They are expensive enough as it is, and then another $50 for the rim... and you still have to dispose of the old one.
Snow
Super Active Member
- Jul 19, 2007
- 12,322
Where I am, it's cheaper in the long run to buy tire and rims then to just buy tires.
And this is a big one. While in a smaller fender bender, no one will notice. Have a fatality, and its a whole other ballgame.
Just a point about 'legal' tires, tread depth, etc. Two years ago my son was leaving Yellowstone N.P. after working there for the summer. He got all of 50 - 100 miles away when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line, clipped the car in front of my son and then continued on to hit my son's car, even though my son had pulled as far off to the right as possible (without driving into the ditch). My son's Highlander was totaled (neither he nor his passenger were injured). The next day the police met him at the wrecking yard that his vehicle had been towed to, and he watched them as they carefully measured the tread depth on his tires. (Luckily, his daddy didn't let him head off to Yellowstone on treadless tires...Yay me!) Apparently, the driver that initiated both collisions died!! I don't think any of the cars were hammered per se, as they were both 'sideswipes'. The other guy might have died from a heart attack or a stroke...we never found out. BUT THOSE COPS WENT STRAIGHT TO MY SON'S VEHICLE, TO ASCERTAIN THAT HE WAS DRIVING ON 'LEGAL' TIRES!! In such a litigious society, you have to CYOA, always!!
tfh715
Member
- Apr 15, 2013
- 15
Why? Trailer tires are cheap AF. They have heavier side plies that can handle greater loads.
I buy proper trailer tires from my local 2nd generation tire shop and have them mount the tires on my rims. It's more $ but good tires and much less hassle. No China boms have occured,and tires are wearing well.
