Quick Trailer Tire pressure question...

[OCMD]

Pulled boat out of indoor storage near my "regular" home and need to tow it tonight to its place on the eastern shore. No big deal, only 150 miles or so. What should tire pressure on my 2 year old maxxi's radials hauling my SX230 at a reasonable 60 mph be? They don't look like they need air, but have been sitting in a large unused heated garage (hate losing this place, my friend sold his house!) since october....thanks!

 

[Bruce]

They should have a max pressure rating on the side. I would go with 5 psi under that or 50 PSI. But remember I am the guy who had two blowouts on three year old trailer tires last year.

 

[KXCam22]

When underinflated you can get some wicked wear. I was testing mine at 45 psi since the boat rode far smoother but then accumulated some really bad underinflation wear. No blowouts just extra wear. I run 55psi in my new maxxis now. Cam.

 

[NewBoater]

If sidewall on tire of Shorelandr says 55. Do you Guys always maintain 55? When trailering long distance and also just sitting In garage for winter?

 

[bronze_10]

Also.. has anyone ever put a pressure monitoring system in their trailer

 

[swatski]

I always max what the tire is rated for, so 55psi usually.

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[Bruce]

I always max what the tire is rated for, so 55psi usually.

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Is that rating for hot or cold tires? My 5 psi below comment is for inflating cold tires with a max psi stated for when they are hot.

 

[PEARCE]

Run max psi COLD whatever is printed on the sidewall of the tire. A trailer tire may look ok but it could be 10 pounds low and that isn't good to run on for long.

 

[swatski]

Is that rating for hot or cold tires? My 5 psi below comment is for inflating cold tires with a max psi stated for when they are hot.

Cold. I talk to every trailer guy I use, and they pretty much all say the same thing. I had one instance where the guy convinced me to go down by 5psi, but it was a radial tire (forgot the brand, but who cares -all the same these days) rated at 65psi, he told me to keep it at 60 (cold) and I listened.
Blowouts happen , I had one last year in a single axle boat trailer going over long overpass.... That was fun. But you are way more likely to have one when under-inflated.

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[swatski]

And one more thing. Trailer tires are changed/ replaced based on age not tread wear.

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[veedubtek]

For the record/to avoid confusion - noone heed this advice for your car. It amazes me how many times I'll have cars come in with 50psi in the tires.

Further - it really depends on your load. Granted, I've never done it with my boats, I run em at 50. But, by all rights, you should have your average load weighed and look to your tire manufacturer for a load/pressure chart. If I tow my FSH any far distances, it won't be at 50, I know that. When I pulled it to the camper, it was kinda bouncy back there. Could've been those junk bias tires too, though.

For the record - here's a chart for Maxxis tires-

http://www.maxxis.com/trailer/trailer-tire-loadinflation-chart

 

[NewBoater]

So if it's just sitting in garage all winter should it stay at 50 all winter also? Does it damage tires bad if pressure goes down over winter some?

 

[haknslash]

I should have checked my tires before the season. Just checked them and both were at 35 PSI lol. No crazy wear so I guess these just lost some pressure during the winter or were never filled when new. Ones of those things I always forget to check before heading out but I will put 50 in them for sure. I'll probably pick up a few MPG's

 

[Earfixr]

Also.. has anyone ever put a pressure monitoring system in their trailer

Yes, when I upgraded the stock 14" bias ply may-pops to 15" heavy duty aluminum and Goodyear Wrangler load range D's I installed these as insurance for long highway hauls.
http://dillaircontrols.com/dill/category/products/tpms/trailer-tpms/

 

[Mainah]

Trailer tires should be filled to the max rated psi when cold (trailer has been sitting for a bit). They should also be checked for every 10 degree change in average ambient temperature. The ratings have already accounted for the fact that the tires will heat up going down the road. The only time to run less pressure in your boat trailer tires is when hauling it with no boat on it for a long distance in which case dropping the pressure by 10 psi will make it less bouncy. Also dropping the pressure by 10 psi when storing should only be done if the trailer is blocked of the gound to prevent flat spots and the tires from freezing to the ground. I block my trailers for long storage and my tires last a very long time. Lastly tire covers to block uv rays will extend tire life.

Cars and truck are different. Inflate passenger vehicle tires to the pressure listed inside the drivers door jamb.

 

[VONCE]

They should have a max pressure rating on the side. I would go with 5 psi under that or 50 PSI. But remember I am the guy who had two blowouts on three year old trailer tires last year.

Blowouts or not, I like that rule-of-thumb. Don't forget to squirt some grease in the bearings, too!

 

[Matt Phillips]

Rule of thumb: Run what the tire says when the tires are cold. Check daily before towing. I keep a portable air compressor in my car with an extension cable on it to maintain tire pressure. When checking the tires, also check the hubs for grease - the bearing buddies should be able to rick a little bit with your thumbs. if they can't rock, you're low on grease. Also check your hub temps every time you stop on the road - they should be warm, but hot to the touch. I use a digital thermometer for checking hub temp, the hubs with brakes will be warmer especially if you check after exiting the freeway.
Here's what I use:
Air compressor: https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00073-...d=1491929320&sr=8-7&keywords=viair+compressor

Extension cord: https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-NI-W...1491929396&sr=8-3&keywords=12v+extension+cord

100psi gauge: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YC9FT...4HQYDFHHTDB8M6W60&ie=UTF8&qid=1491929458&sr=1

Temp gauge: https://www.amazon.com/Meters-PMIR1...1929583&sr=1-20&keywords=infrared+thermometer

 

[bronze_10]

Gonna try these... they are water proof to 3 feet for 30 min. And it connects to your phone..

 

[d_coyne1984]

And one more thing. Trailer tires are changed/ replaced based on age not tread wear.

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What is the recommended age for replacement?

 

[swatski]

What is the recommended age for replacement?

It's like 3-5 year thing, but it depends on, for example, how long have they been sitting in one place (not good), etc. Also - a big factor is UV radiation/sun light - oxidation of the rubber, not only tread wear, is the concern.

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