Are Bigger Tires Better For Trailers?

The type of tires you have on a trailer is essential for both safety and towing performance. But does that mean bigger tires are always better? Let's take a look.

Bigger tires can withstand more weight and force, which is essential when loading a trailer. They also provide better gripping power, making it easier to tow a trailer up hills or over rough terrain. If unsure, consult your trailer's owner's manual or a qualified professional to find the right tires for your specific model.

Knowing the right tire size for your trailer is vital for safety and performance. This article will discuss the benefits of bigger tires and help you determine if they are the right choice for your trailer. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about trailer tires, so read on!

Is It Better To Have Bigger Tires On A Trailer?

Like vehicles, your trailer needs properly sized tires to function at its best. Often people think that bigger tires are always better, but this isn't necessarily the case.

For example, if a trailer is designed for use with 14-inch tires and you upgrade to 16-inch tires, the increased size may put too much stress on the axle and other components. This could lead to problems like decreased performance or premature wear and tear.

On the other hand, if you go with smaller tires because the price is right, they may not be able to handle the weight of your trailer and its contents. This could lead to a blowout while you're on the road, which is a safety hazard.

The bottom line is that you need to use the tires specified for your trailer's make and model. If you can go a size bigger without any adverse effects, then that may be a good option for constant heavy loads.

Not only will it give you some extra insurance against a blowout, but it will also give more ground clearance. This can be important if you frequently take your trailer off-road or on rough terrain.

It is important to note that adding bigger tires doesn't mean your trailer towing capacity increases. The towing capacity is set by the manufacturer based on the trailer's axle rating, not the tire size.

If you're unsure what size tires to get for your trailer, consult the owner's manual or a qualified professional. They will be able to help you find the right tires for your specific model.

Two-axle boat trailer close-up with a red powerboat, motorboat transportation

Is There A Disadvantage Of Bigger Trailer Tires?

The main disadvantage of bigger trailer tires is that they can be more expensive than smaller ones. This is because they are not as commonly used and, therefore, not as mass-produced.

In addition, bigger tires may also require you to purchase new rims. This is because the increased size may not fit on your existing rims.

Another thing to keep in mind is that bigger tires can affect the handling of your trailer. They may make it harder to make sharp turns or back up. You will need to get used to this if you decide to go with bigger tires.

Finally, bigger tires can add more weight to your trailer. This may not be a big deal if your trailer is on the larger side, but it can affect fuel efficiency if you have a smaller trailer.

Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using bigger tires on your trailer. It is essential to weigh all of these factors before making a decision.

Do Wider Tires Help With Trailer Sway?

One of the leading causes of trailer sway is having tires that are too narrow for the width of your trailer. This is because narrow tires are less stable and more likely to be affected by crosswinds.

Wider tires may provide more stability and can help to prevent trailer sway. They can also be advantageous if you take your trailer off-road or on rough terrain.

Unless you frequently travel on an interstate or highway, wider tires should not hurt your fuel efficiency.

If you are concerned about trailer sway, it is essential to consult a qualified professional. They will be able to help you find the right tires for your specific situation.

Why Do Trailers Have Small Wheels?

If you have looked at a trailer tire, you may notice that the rim or wheel is smaller than a passenger car tire. There are a few reasons for this.

The first reason is to reduce weight. Smaller wheels are lighter than larger ones and require less energy to move. This can be important when you are towing a heavy trailer.

The second reason is to reduce costs. Smaller wheels are less expensive to produce than larger ones. This is because they are not as commonly used and, therefore, not as mass-produced.

Lastly, the size of the wheels isn't as important for carrying weight. Instead, the amount of air that the tires can hold is what matters most.

Why Do My Trailer Tires Wear Out So Fast?

A white trailer parked in a vacant space near a building storage, Are Bigger Tires Better For Trailers?

If your trailer tires seem to be wearing out faster than they should, there are a few possible reasons. Let's take a look at them below.

Wrong PSI

Car air compressor in working position at snow

First, it is important to ensure that you are inflating your tires to the correct pressure. If your tires are over or under-inflated, they will wear out more quickly.

To find the correct pressure for your tires, consult the owner's manual or a qualified professional. They will be able to help you find the right PSI for your specific model.

Improper Loading

POV heavy industrial truck semi trailer flatbed platform transport two big modern farming tractor machine on common highway road at

Second, make sure that you are not overloaded. If your trailer is too heavy, the tires will have to work harder and will wear out more quickly.

It is important to consult the owner's manual or a qualified professional to determine how much weight your trailer can safely carry. Once you know this, make sure not to exceed it.

Misaligned Trailer

ar jack lifting up a boat trailer that just had a new tire installed.

It is also possible that your trailer is not aligned correctly. This can cause the tires to wear unevenly and will cause them to fail prematurely.

If you think your trailer might be misaligned, take it to a qualified professional. They will be able to fix the problem and prevent further damage to your tires.

Bad Roads

Frequently traveling on gravel roads or other rough terrain can also cause your tires to wear out more quickly. These surfaces can be hard on tires and cause them to fail prematurely.

If you must travel on these types of roads, make sure to inspect your tires frequently. If you notice any damage, have the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Punctured wheel. Flat tire. Trailer with a punched and flat tire

Bent Rims

The trailer rims can become bent if they have taken a hard hit. This will cause the tire to rotate differently and will cause it to wear out more quickly.

Inspect your rims regularly for any damage. If you notice a bent rim, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

A flat tire and a bent car rim sit on the side of the road

Exceeding Speed Rating

Trailer tires have a speed rating that indicates how fast they can safely travel. If you exceed this speed, the tire can overheat and fail.

Consult the owner's manual or a qualified professional to determine the speed rating for your trailer tires. Once you know this, make sure not to exceed it.

Maxed Out Maximum Speed Highest Possible Level

Failing to Rotate Tires

Like other types of tires, trailer tires need to be rotated regularly to prevent uneven wear. A general rule of thumb is to rotate your trailer tires every 6,000-8,000 miles.

If you fail to rotate your trailer tires, they will wear unevenly and need to be replaced more frequently.

How Long Do Trailer Tires Last?

How long your trailer tires will last depends on several factors. These include how well they are maintained, how often they are used, and what type of terrain they are used on.

In general, trailer tires should be replaced every 3-8 years. So, if your tires aren't reaching this age, it could be due to one of the culprits mentioned above.

To avoid a blowout or other tire failure, it is essential to inspect your trailer tires regularly. Having your tires checked by a qualified professional is also a good idea if you are planning a long trip. They will be able to identify any potential problems and help you keep your trailer tires in good condition.

Final Thoughts

A white trailer parked in a vacant space near a building storage

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to trailer tires. By learning about the different factors that can affect their lifespan, you can help ensure that your tires last as long as possible. In addition, you can ensure you and your passengers stay safe while on the road.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

Are Trailer Axles Supposed To Be Bent?

Does My Truck Charge My Dump Trailer Battery?

Can A Honda Civic Pull A Trailer?

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