www.iFourWinns.com

the tire that blew out on my trailer was a radial.

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"Where Da Go"
2002 248 Vista
Lafayette, IN
http://blueoceanlife.worldventures.biz

As I understand it, Bias Ply tires (which are becoming increasingly hard to find, and nowadays often cost more than radials) have greater side wall strength than equivalent load rated radials. Given that one judges the condition of boat tailer tires by the exterior side wall appearance rather than tread depth, I'm inclined to believe that Bias Ply tires are the best choice for boat trailers.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

My blow out didn't occur from a sidewall problem but rather tread seperation due to dry rot. I was addament about checking the sidewalls prior to each trip to ensure there were no signs of weakness.

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"Where Da Go"
2002 248 Vista
Lafayette, IN
http://blueoceanlife.worldventures.biz

My factory Four Winns trailer came with Carlisle tires in December of 1999. So far no problems. I'm thinking of replacing the trailer with an custom aluminum trailer for salt water use. At that time I would most likely go for the Goodyear tires. IMHO taking care of your tires goes a long way in preventing problems on any make of tire.

1. Check tire pressure often.

2. Keep trailer on jack stands during the off season.

3. Keep tires covered when exposed to sunlight. My trailer is stored in a garage when not in use.

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Fred 248Vista
So much water so little time!

Wow, glad it wasn't worse! I'd have to agree that I much prefer my venture trailer to my FW trailer. The venture seems much stronger and even has a reverse lockout feature so it doesn't lock up when going in reverse like the FW sometimes does.

But anyway, almost had the same thing happen to 1year old tires I had on my twin PWC trailer. The trailer sat all winter on the grass (should have blocked it up and removed the tires - lesson learned!) We trailered it from PA to N myrtle beach and after we parked the tread separated but it didn't blow. It just bubbled up to about the size of a softball! I'd never seen anything like it.

Brenden, your FW trailer doesn't have a reverse lockout?

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

It does but with the venture you don't even have to have the wiring harness connected to tell it that the vehicle is in reverse. Great when I'm using different trucks to shuffle around the toys. The FW trailer you have to be 5 pin always, then sometimes it sticks so you have to put blocks under the trailer to pull the mechanism forward to free it then go into reverse. there's never any drama with the venture...

Sounds like the solenoid on the FW needs to be replaced. Those little things aren't terribly long-lasting on any trailer it seems.

How does the lockout on the Venture get the electrical signal when not connected via a 5-pin?

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic