Whats a good tire to run on the boat trailer

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:12 am

Hey all, I'm going to replace my tires on my trailer. (Single axle , Horizon 180 RS) Wanted to know what everyone runs on their trailer. I am wanting a good tire, Seems like I am replacing tires every two years. Any suggestions?

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:53 am

What do you have on it now?

My friends that tow a lot swear by Carlisle RADIAL tires. The previous owner of my boat installed a new set of Goodyear Marathon tires the day before I picked it up. Towed really nicely for the 450 miles the way home and the 100 or so miles since. Cannot speak for durability though as they are only a few months old.

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:02 am

GottWhat wrote:

What do you have on it now?

My friends that tow a lot swear by Carlisle tires. The previous owner of my boat installed a new set of Goodyear Marathon tires the day before I picked it up. Towed really nicely for the 450 miles the way home and the 100 or so miles since. Cannot speak for durability though as they are only a few months old.

I have a cheaper set of Bias tires , they are wearing badly on the side tread, I also noticed the tread gets warm fast as well. I had a set of Goodyear Marathons on it and they dry rotted out after a year and a half. Thats why I wanted to see what everyone is running and how long are they lasting you?

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:08 am

From what I have read, radial trailer tires are superior to bias tires (radials runs cooler, steel belts result in stronger overall construction, longer tread life, wider footprint, etc.).

Also, have you looked into getting tire/wheel covers for when your trailer is stored? Maybe the covers will keep your tires from dry rotting as quickly.

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:15 am

No i sure havent , But if it helps I sure will. The bias tires havent dry rotted at all. I also keep tire dressing on them, not sure if that helps with this issue? Ya I am definately going to a radial tire.

Rick180 · **Joined:** Wed May 23, 2007 10:02 pm **Posts:** 41

I just ordered some Greenball Towmaster SS Special Trailer Radial Tires from Costco this morning (225/75R15). I currently have load range D on my rims (2004 Horizon 180), but those sold out pretty fast so I went with the E's. There's a sale on til the end of July where you get $20 off on any 2 tires bought. They ship them to your home, then I take them to Costco where they install them free. I originally had Carlisles, but I don't think too highly of them. Couple of blowouts within the first 2 years. If you want to get ideas about tires, try some RV trailer forums such as this. From what I've found, proper inflation and not exceeding the Mfg's. speed recommendation are a couple of keys to long(ish) life.

Rick

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Jul 20, 2015 6:47 pm

I've used Kenda Load Star bias tires (they are standard equipment on new Load Rites, 5 Starr and Venture trailers).
I only tow very short distances because the boat is moored. But if I towed at high speeds I'd invest in a set of the Goodyear Cargo tires. They are a European van tire in 15" sizes that are D rated and cost more but are made in countries with a much better rep for quality control if you know what I mean (EU vs far east)....

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

One advantage of going radial rather than bias is the ability to quickly replace it if you don't carry a spare. My local tire dealer told me that they carry radial trailer tires in stock but would have to order bias. He went on to suggest that would probably be the case most places which might result in me getting stranded until a replacement tire could be ordered and delivered.

That said, I do have a spare on my trailer so rather than replacing all three tires, I simply ordered another Carlisle bias ply like what came with the boat. I did have tread wear on one tire so the local shop aligned my trailer axel so I haven't had a similar problem in years.

DougT01 · **Joined:** Wed May 20, 2015 6:44 pm **Posts:** 121

I've run Kenda Load Star as well for 2 boats and a travel trailer. Run from Ohio to California and back with no problems. I buy them from etrailer.com, mounted on galvanized rims and shipped for free ready to roll. ~$110 each.

www.iFourWinns.com

Whats a good tire to run on the boat trailer

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