Question

The Trailer Boat Experts

Do trailer tires have a guaranteed mileage as car tires do? I ask because a dealer I am thinking about buying new boat trailer tires from says these will be good for 3,500 miles. I did a double take and asked if he meant 35,000 miles and he said no, its 3,500. What gives? D. Sanders, Oklahoma City, OK

D. Sanders

Answered on: 6/2005

GEORGE: Trailer tires don't have a guaranteed mileage. When I rent a trailer, I tell the customer the tires are in good condition but if they get a flat, the burden is on them to have it repaired. This is because people will run over curbs and ruin tires. MIKE: Trailer tires typically do not have a guaranteed mileage as their automotive counterparts do for a number of reasons. The driving conditions, load and inflation rate vary from trailer to trailer and are not as predictable as on an automobile. While I may use the same tire as you, your load may be 500 pounds heavier than mine, giving you a greater wear rate than what I will experience. UV and atmospheric degradation will also play into the equation of your tires longevity. In my experience, I have lost more trailer tires to dry rot and cracking than to actual road wear. Covering them or taking them off for winter storage will definitely prolong their usable life. As trailers do not have an odometer, tracking the number of miles put on the tires would also be very difficult when pursuing a warranty. Most trailer tire manufacturers have a warranty period measured in time and up to a measured tread depth (of wear).

The Trailer Boat Expert: Mike and George