Are you wondering why your trailer tires keep blowing out? It’s a common and frustrating issue for many trailer owners. Understanding the causes of these blowouts is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient trailer operation. Let’s explore the key factors behind this problem.
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Why Do My Trailer Tires Keep Blowing Out?
Your trailer tires keep blowing due to one of the following reasons:
- Heat build-up in the tire
- Aging tires and wear
- Potholes or debris
- Improper load index and load range of tires
- Wrong selection of tire type
Heat Build-Up In the Tire
One of the primary reasons for heat build-up is underinflation. Tires with insufficient air pressure have increased rolling resistance. This resistance generates excessive heat, weakening the tire’s structure and potentially leading to a blowout.
Overloading a trailer puts extra stress on the tires, causing them to heat up beyond their designed thresholds. Each tire has a maximum capacity, and surpassing this limit significantly increases the risk of a blowout.
Driving at high speeds increases the heat generated in the tire treads, exacerbating the risk of a blowout. It’s essential to adhere to recommended speed limits, especially when towing a trailer.
Other factors like prolonged travel without breaks, and ambient temperature can also contribute to heat build-up. Extremely hot weather also expands the air inside the tires, increasing internal pressure and the potential for failure.
Aging Tires and Wear
Over time, tires deteriorate, losing elasticity and strength. This natural aging process makes older tires more prone to blowouts. Moreover, tires with worn-down treads have a reduced ability to handle stresses and can fail under normal operating conditions.
Unevenly worn tires indicate potential alignment or suspension issues, which can lead to blowouts. Small punctures or cuts, if left unaddressed, can lead to blowouts.
Potholes or Debris
When a tire hits a pothole or debris, it can cause immediate punctures or tears, leading to a blowout. Trailer drivers often overlook road imperfections and potholes. Repeated impacts with rough road surfaces or debris can weaken the tire structure over time, making them more susceptible to blowouts even from minor incidents or stresses.
Improper Load Index and Load Range of Tires
Using tires with a load index or load range not suited for the trailer’s weight can lead to overburdening the tires. Each tire is designed to support a certain weight and pressure level; if these limits are exceeded, the risk of blowouts increases. Make sure to use a tire with a high load range that corresponds to a higher ply rating.
Fitting tires that are not the correct size or type for the trailer can affect their performance and durability. Ensure that the tires you select are marked with ‘ST’ preceding their size, denoting ‘Special Trailer’ tires. It’s important to avoid using light truck or passenger vehicle tires for trailers.
Wrong Selection of Tire Type
When selecting tires for your trailer, it’s crucial to choose based on the terrains you frequently encounter. The type of tire significantly affects the likelihood of blowouts.
Highway Tires are ideal for smooth, paved surfaces. They’re designed to handle the typical conditions of highways, offering stability and durability for long drives on well-maintained roads.
If you often travel on gravel, uneven roads, grass, or dirt, all-terrain tires are your best choice. They are engineered to withstand the irregularities and challenges of rougher terrains, reducing the risk of blowouts under these conditions.
Does Overloading Cause Tire Blowouts In Trailers and RVs?
Yes, overloading is a significant factor in trailer and RV tire blowouts. Overloading puts excessive stress on the tire’s inner structure including the belts, and potentially damage or even break them.
Each trailer or RV has a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating, indicating the total weight it can safely carry. Exceeding this limit not only risks tire blowouts but can also affect the vehicle’s handling and braking efficiency.