Maintaining Your Trailer Tires

Your trailer makes a lot of things possible that would otherwise be difficult or just flat undoable. But as much as you rely on your trailer, it relies on its tires more. Without tires in good condition, you won’t get far at all, and those tasks start looking undoable again. So where do you start?

Right here, of course! We put together our favorite tips for making sure your trailer’s tires are in the best shape they can be. For more tips or for professional trailer servicing, contact Right Trailers.

Weather Protection

Many trailers tend to spend a lot of time outdoors and on the road. This means exposure to the elements is inevitable. Unrelenting sun can cause cracks in your tires’ sidewalls, which can be extremely dangerous. With this problem, the best cure is prevention. Do your best to store your trailer indoors or under a shelter to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If that’s not an option, look into a waterproof cover or tarp to shield your trailer from the sun’s rays as much as possible. Failing that, be sure to check your tires regularly so maintenance troubles don’t sneak up on you.

Load Weight

The way you load your trailer can seriously impact the health of its tires. Every trailer has a number called the Gross Combined Weight Rating (or GCWR), which lays out how much total weight your trailer—and your tires—can safely carry. Never operate outside that limit for three reasons. First, it’s frankly illegal. Second, going over that limit creates a serious safety issue for yourself and those around you. Third, the damage it can cause can be both serious and expensive.

Weight Distribution

Even within the limits of the GCWR, it’s important to be careful where you place the load in your trailer. Do your best to evenly distribute the weight from front to back and left to right. If a load is unbalanced, it can cause excess pressure to be placed on one or two tires, leading to potential blowouts. At best, it will lead to uneven tread wear.

Looking to buy a trailer? Check out the trailers for sale at Right Trailers. We are located in Ocala and Lakeland, Florida, and Caledonia, Wisconsin.