Trailer Tire Pressure Question

[edge]

I just purchased a new set of Good Year Marathon tires for my Ranger Fisherman trailer. While they were supposed to be inflated to 50 p.s.i., the dealer never checked and the tires arrived at the dealer with only 30 p.s.i.. I wasn't until I towed my boat out of the marina that I noticed the tires sagged a little bit.


I towed the boat, less than 1/2 a mile to the nearest gas station and filled them up from the 30 p.s.i. that was in them. In total, I only towed the trailer carrying the boat 1/2 a mile.


Since trailer tires carry no warranty, should I be concerned? Could I have damaged the tire? Should I demand new tires from the dealer. My last set of tires lasted me 7 years.

[Smile_n_Jax]

Considering the distance you drove, I don't think any damage was done. However, I would definitely go back to the tire dealer and give him an ear full.

[Gator]

Probably not an issue but I would definitely call the dealer, if for nothing else than to save the next guy from the headache.

[Bill K]

Like most things, at least by telling and complaining to the dealer, you have on record the incident if something does occur. For that short of a perior probably no damage, but put it on record for a fallback with the dealer. He more than anyone else, should be following manufactures recommendations. Bill K

[Scott D.]

First thing I'd tell ya was that you screwed up getting Goodyear Marathon's!!! They are CRAP, well known for tread separation. I went through 3 tires on my Rangertrail before giving up on them and getting better tires. Goodyear is a automobile tire company that happens to make a line of trailer tires. Go with a company that primarily makes trailer tires, and that tons of farmers use on their equipment. Towmaster makes great, reliable trailer tires, and at a better price than Goodyear too.

[edge]

Scott, believe it or not, the Marathons are the best tires I could find...I'll know better for next time!

I happened to pass by the dealer again after I posted this. Believe it or not, he replaced the tires and they are impressive by my standards. So far so good...thanks for the input guys!

[The Lone Angler]

A buddy of mine advised me to not buy any more trailer tires and instead buy light duty truck tires. Les Schwab had to replace my former trailer tires 3 times due to separation before I went with the truck tires. My friend buys tires for the state and he said that he purchases truck tires for trailers.

Phil

[edge]

I have been hearing similar comments as well. Yet tire retailers advised me against putting a vehicle tire on a trailer. I heard that one boat company installs vehicle tires on their trailers with the purchase of a new boat....go figure.

[Dan McKenzie]

I would think that is a bad idea and poor advice. Talk to someone who really knows tires and I believe they will advise you against it. Trailer tires and light truck radials are constructed differently for two different uses. Don't take it from me, find an expert and ask for yourself.

[The Lone Angler]

*NM*