Keeping Your Trailer Tires In Shape

Trailers turn a lot of otherwise impossible tasks into a simple trip, from moving residences to transporting heavy or ungainly cargo. But they can only do that if its tires are in good shape, which falls to you. We here at Countryside Trailer Sales know that maintenance can be a hassle, so we’ve put together some tips for maintaining your trailer tires to get you started. To learn more, or to see the trailers we have for sale, contact our store in Spring, Texas, today!

Owner’s Manual

Step one is to look through your trailer’s owner’s manual. We have plenty of generalized advice and information, but only your manual can give you precise tips for your specific trailer, including maintenance schedules and recommended products. If you can’t find it, check the manufacturer’s website for a copy you can print or download.

Inflation & Tread

Your trailer’s wheels require proper inflation to work properly, and improper inflation can impact fuel efficiency, tire health, and safety. Use an air pressure gauge to check the psi, preferably in the morning where a cooler temperature will impact your readings less. Compare the psi to recommendations in the manual and adjust as needed. 

The tread is equally important, and will wear down over time, so check it before any major drive to ensure it still has the depth recommended in your manual. Make sure that all tires are wearing down evenly. If not, you may have an alignment problem and should get the trailer serviced immediately.

Axle Health

Your axles can bend if you hit major bumps or get in an accident. This is another common cause for uneven tread wear between your tires. This will again require a swift visit to your regular mechanic or technician.

Weather Protection

Your trailer can’t avoid the elements, but you can minimize the dangers posed by them. Try to store your trailer indoors or in a covered spot to keep it out of direct sunlight, which can dry out and crack the rubber in your tires. If that’s not an option, a water-proof trailer cover or tarp can help shield your trailer. At the very least, make sure to check your tires for cracks and damage regularly.

Weight Distribution

Finally, make sure you’re loading your trailer up properly to distribute the weight. Stay within your trailer’s and tow vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight ratio) and try to load weight evenly from side to side. If your trailer has a single axle, distribute the weight from front to back by the 60/40 rule—60% of the weight in front of the axle, 40% behind. 

We hope these tips help keep you and your trailer on the road as often as you want to be there! Contact us at Countryside Trailer Sales if you require maintenance assistance, or if you’d like to see the trailer we have in stock. We proudly serve the people of Houston and The Woodlands, Texas—let us serve you today!