Tire question

I got a tire repair kit for my tow dolly, without a spare tire. Seems like a reasonable choice but am hoping to get other thoughts too.

 

Get a spare. It is reliable if you ever need it. A plug kit? Come on you have a vehicle on and get a flat and expect to trust a plug or hope the only damage is a nail. Twice in my life I had a tire shred on a trailer. Once I had a no spare and was screwed. The other luckily it was a tandem and a few miles from the destination. Plug kit wasn’t saving my ass either time.

 

Thank you. I think that’s what I needed to hear.

 

One time expense. With every penny IF you actually need it. The first time I spoke of it was raining, light trailer 4x8’ at 3am. I drove on the shoulder for 5km and the last few blocks on asphalt. The rim was missing (worn to nothing) and the hub was worn down. So it cost me a rim, tire, hub and bearings. The cost of a spare would have been less including a new replacement tire for the one that failed.

#lessons learned

 

^^

 

From what I've seen over the years, a trailer tire blow out is more common on the side of the highway than a simple flat tire. All of my trailers have spare tires.

 

I’m curious why it happened though. Was it a freak accident? Perhaps the weight limit of the tire was exceeded? or were your tires in need of replacement?

 

Thank you! Good to know.
I know the psi of a tire should be different when the trailer is loaded vs unloaded. And many people just try to find a happy medium. I wonder if that is a big reason for it.

 

In my experience its under inflated tires and over loaded trailer that causes the majority of trouble.

 

Definitely makes sense, I’ll keep that in mind. I appreciate the input!

 

Trailer tires are special tires different from regular car/truck tires. They are designed to be run at the max pressure as shown on the sidewall. Running them below max inflation increases your chances of a blowout. Under inflation is probably the number one cause of trailer tire failure. An under inflated trailer tire will run hot which will cause the failure. Another thing to keep in mind is that most (not all) are rated for 60mph max. Towing over 60 mph unless rated for over 60 mph can cause the tires to heat and fail especially if under inflated. You should always carry a spare as often when they fail they blow out and shred, a tire repair kit will be useless.
One last thing about trailer tires , they are generally replaced due to age not wear. They are way more affected by environmental factors especially UV rays. A trailer tire should be replaced every 5 years or sooner regardless of wear including unused spares. I know some are going to say I’ve had my trailer tires for 10 years and no problems. That’s may be but I’m am stating tire industry standards. If you see cracks in the sidewalk around the rim , replace them. Those tires are dangerous, especially at highway speeds.

 

This is textbook correct.

 

What would I do without you guys! Haha

 

dont be cheap (like me) and learn the hard way. its dangerous as shit broke down on the e-shoulder waiting for a tow or part. get in and get out... nobody gets hurt! get the right equipment when towing... period!

buy once... cry once!