Your tires are more than rubber and air—they are the only point of contact between your trailer and the road. Maintaining tire health is crucial for safe hauling, reliable braking, and overall road safety. In this article, we’ll cover the four essentials of tire care: dry rot, tread wear, tire pressure, and load ratings.
Dry Rot: What It Is and Why It Matters
Dry rot occurs when tires age, sit unused for long periods, or are exposed to excessive heat and sunlight. Around the 5–7 year mark, the rubber begins to weaken. Signs include small cracks, fading, or a “dried-out” look. Even if the tread appears fine, dry rot significantly increases the risk of blowouts.
How to Check for Dry Rot:
- Inspect sidewalls and tread for cracks or weather damage.
- Check the DOT code stamped on the tire sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture (e.g., 0624 = 6th week of 2024). Tires older than five years should be replaced, even if the tread looks good.
Tread Wear: Your Grip on the Road
Tread provides traction, channels water, and helps keep your trailer steady when braking or turning. Worn tread means less grip, longer stopping distances, and reduced safety.
How to Check Tread Depth:
- Wear Bars: When tread is level with these built-in markers, the tire is worn out.
- Penny Test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If the top of his head is visible, your tread is too low.
- Uneven Wear: Bald spots or patchy wear may point to alignment issues, improper loading, or brake problems.
Tire Pressure (PSI): A Simple Check That Prevents Big Problems
Tire pressure is one of the most important things to check before every haul. Skipping it is a common mistake that often leads to blowouts.
Every tire has a recommended PSI listed on the sidewall or your trailer’s information sticker. That number isn’t a suggestion—it’s what the tire was designed to handle safely.
- Underinflated tires build up heat, weaken over time, and wear out faster.
- Overinflated tires become stiff, reducing grip and increasing the risk of failure.
Quick tip: Always check pressure when the tires are cold. Driving naturally warms them up and causes the reading to rise slightly, which is normal.
Maintaining correct PSI means safer handling, longer tire life, and fewer roadside headaches.
Load Ratings: Know Your Limits
Tires don’t just hold air—they carry the full weight of your trailer, cargo, and safety. On the sidewall, you’ll find a load rating letter (such as D, E, or F) and a maximum load listed in pounds or kilograms.
Load Rating Letter: Indicates tire strength. Letters further along in the alphabet correspond to higher weight capacity.
Max Load: Shows the heaviest weight the tire can safely carry at the recommended pressure. Some tires list:
- MAX LOAD SINGLE → weight when used alone
- MAX LOAD DUAL → weight when paired in a dual setup
⚠️ Important: These are hard limits, not guidelines. Overloading leads to overheating, blowouts, and unsafe handling. Always confirm your tires match your trailer’s requirements and double-check your owner’s manual.
Final Thoughts
Your tires are the only thing between your trailer and the road. By checking for dry rot, monitoring tread wear, maintaining proper pressure, and respecting load ratings, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of blowouts and roadside emergencies.
A few minutes of attention before each trip can add years to your tires—and help ensure every haul is a safe one.
Allison Creek LLC 