Trailer tires - what are you running?

Also find out from Traffic and Hi-way Patrol Officers that see the devastation firsthand. Here is some common sense advice from someone with many years in the tire business and the son of a L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy with 27 years of traffic experience. The number one cause of tire failure, regardless of application, Passenger Car, OTR Truck, RV, Trailer, Motorcycle you name it, is incorrect tire pressure. Mostly underinflated. Trailer tires have a different internal cord angle designed to be towed behind a vehicle so it will track straight. Trailer tires as well as any type of trailer should never be towed faster that 55 MPH. The potential for massive, fatal accidents and vehicle damage is just not worth gambling on. Remember that there are other people on the road as well as yourselves. When stored, the tires should have the load taken off of them. This can be done by removing them or putting the vehicle on some sort of support stands. This helps to keep the tire from deforming from a round shape and sidewall cracking. Since the tire manufacturers know that trailer type tires are only used occasionally , they are not designed for high speeds or high mileage. Hence no speed ratings, and an ST tire designation. They are designed to be towed, with as much stability as possible . Tires with D.O.T. codes older than 4 years should be very carefully inspected and replaced if any doubt. Tires are cheap insurance for your vehicle, towed vehicle and your family's safety. Just because some people have been lucky and used old tires, tow at high speeds and use non trailer rated tires is no recommendation that it is ok to just use your own judgement and it will be ok. Tires are not just the black, round things that are mounted on your wheels. They are one of the most overly abused, highly technically designed components of your vehicle they must start, stop, hit road debris, potholes, steer, grip, absorb impacts and more with almost no maintenance . Always check your tire pressures cold. Always use the same pressure gauge to eliminate differences in calibration. Inspect the inside sidewalls of the tires as well as the outsides of your tires. Immediately replace any tires with any bulges, bubbles, deep/long cuts in the sidewalls or tread area. Inspect the sidewalls wherever you have any bends/damage to your rims caused by potholes or road debris. Just use common sense. Be Safe.