Finding the Right Trailer Tire

Image provided by BigBrandTire.com.

When it comes to traveling with your trailer or mobile home, safety should be your top priority. Since the tire is the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, it greatly affects steering and handling, and therefore your safety. Your driving experience will be completely different if you choose the wrong tires for your vehicle. Read on to find expert information on choosing the right tires for your trailer.

Trailers vs. RVs

Trailers are vehicles that are towed behind an SUV or truck, whereas an RV is self-powered. Steering capability is the main difference between the two. Trailers require special trailer (ST) tires while RVs often utilize light truck (LT) tires.

ST vs. LT

While there are many differences between ST and LT tires, it’s important to know how they are different so you’re able to choose the best option for your trailer. Special Trailer (ST) tires have a three to five-year lifespan and are made specifically for hauling heavy vehicles like trailers. Meant for speeds less than 65 mph, ST tires have stronger sidewalls to reduce the risk of rollover. ST tires have some of the highest load ratings based on inflation pressure, meaning their specific design is meant to haul heavy items with the lowest risk of giving out. Since ST tires also employ stronger sidewall technology, they are great for hauling trailers around corners and when turning. These specifications make ST tires a solid choice for your trailer. Light truck (LT) tires can also be used for vans, SUVs and trucks, and therefore are made with more general specifications.

Weighing your Vehicle

Before you even start looking at tires, you must first determine the weight of your vehicle. Don’t just weigh your trailer by itself; remember that you will be traveling with personal items inside. The tire’s capacity should be able to safely haul your trailer and anything inside.

Terrain and Climate

Another important consideration to take into account is the terrain and climate where you will be hauling the trailer most of the time. If you travel in a snowy, mountainous terrain, the type of tire you put on your trailer will be different than if you’re mostly driving through a hot, desert area.

Measuring

After you’ve determined whether you need ST or LT tires, choosing the correct measurement is the next step toward getting your trailer on the road.

Width

Section width is the distance from the widest part of the tire’s inner wall to its outer wall. This is where the tire’s treads are, and is the first number in the model number for a tire. For example, model number ST175/80-R13 would have a section width of 175 millimeters.

Aspect Ratio

The measurement of the sidewall is also known as section height. This is the length of the tire from the wheel to the tallest part of the tire. Aspect ratio is the second number in a tire’s model number. For example, model number ST175/80-R13 would tell you that the aspect ratio is 80% of the section width of 175 millimiters, or 140 millimeters.

Internal Construction

How a tire is made can affect its hauling capabilities. The letter after the aspect ratio in a tire’s model number indicates its internal construction.

• R: Stands for radial construction, meaning the tire’s body plies branch out from the imaginary center of the wheel.
•  D: Stands for diagonal or bias ply construction, meaning the tire’s body plies crisscross.
•  B: Stands for belted construction, meaning the tire’s body plies crisscross as bias ply does and then are reinforced with belts.

Wheel Diameter

Wheel diameter is the measurement of the diameter of the wheel. In our example tire model number ST175/80-R13, the 13 measurement indicates that the wheel is 13 inches across.

For more in-depth information on how to measure tires please refer to this excellent tire measurement guide.

Safety Tips

You’re nearly ready to go! Once you have chosen the right tire and correct measurement for your trailer, there are some safety concerns for you to be aware of. Make sure to check the tire’s inflation to ensure its pressure is properly aligned for it maximum hauling capacity. The most common cause for tire failure is the tire not being fully inflated. Set yourself up for success by ensuring the pressure is correct.

Always keep a spare tire when traveling and keep the cap on the valve stem to prevent contamination. If you see cracks or bulging on the tires, it may indicate a weakness and should be replaced. It’s a good idea to replace the tire every three to five years, regardless of how much use they’ve seen. Tires are considered baled when the tread is 2/32 of an inch deep or less. A crack of this size would also indicate a need to be replaced. Remember that tire pressure changes with temperature, so if you’re traveling at a time of year with major weather changes, check the pressure periodically to ensure you’re always ready for the road. 

For more information, please refer to this tire maintenance guide which includes more detail on how to check tire pressure.

Maintenance & Storage

To ensure the longest life of your trailer’s tires, proper maintenance and storage will make all the difference. When washing the tires, use a mild soap and water. Avoid certain tire care products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates, as they can contribute to tire deterioration. Inspect the tires regularly for bulges, cracks or punctures. Store the tires with minimal weight on them to reduce air pressure, and keep them in a cool, dry place. If you’re storing them for an extended period of time, tire covers are a good way to protect them from the sun and other elements. Make sure you know your tire’s warranty requirements should you need to replace them or have an issue.

This article was provided by BigBrandTire.com.

Dow Introduces Enhanced RV Winterization Fluid

The Dow Chemical Company has introduced an enhanced seasonal water system winterization product for recreational vehicles, vacation cottages, boats, pools and spas that is readily biodegradable, blended with renewable ingredients, and packaged in a container produced using proprietary Dow technology.

Dowfrost RVR seasonal freeze protection fluid is a ready-to-use solution that provides protection against bursting of potable water systems when exposed to freezing temperatures and contains proprietary corrosion inhibitors to help prevent rusting and corrosion of plumbing system components in seasonal equipment. It will be available on store shelves beginning September 2009.

Dow also features a webpage on how to safely winterize your RV water system.

Source: Dow Chemical Company

Thetford Introduces New Line Of Green RV Cleaning Products

Thetford Corporation has introduced a new line of Design for the Environment (DfE)–recognized RV cleaning products. According to Thetford, this eco-friendly line meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) DfE program’s rigorous criteria without sacrificing performance.

Safer for humans and the environment, the five-product line includes UltraFoam Black Streak Remover, UltraFoam Awning Cleaner, Wash & Wax, Mildew Stain Remover and Hard Water Spot Remover.

Non-toxic and biodegradable, it’s packaged in bottles made out of recyclable plastic that contain 25% post-consumer recycled content. “Since RV cleaners are used outdoors, they must meet even stricter requirements than household products,” said Mary Burrows, Thetford’s manager of chemical development. “We will continue working with the EPA to produce more environmentally-responsible products in the future.”

Source: Thetford

New Repair Kit Safely Removes Pits and Scratches From Your RV Windshield

Getting a chip or scratch on your RV windshield can be costly and sometimes dangerous.

Now you can fix your windshield with a new kit for removing pits and scratches from glass windshields from Ocean State Abrasives, Inc. of Kingston, Rhode Island.
The Scratch Magic Glass Repair Kit is designed to remove those bothersome pits and scratches from windshields and windscreens that can refract light and impair a driver’s vision. Featuring optical-grade lapping and polishing compounds, this kit includes a felt lapping bob, 6″ dia. buffing wheel, and step-by-step directions for removing “dings” caused by common road debris.

Providing materials required for repairing up to five typical windshields, the Scratch Magic Glass Repair Kit is supplied with a drill mount assembly for the buffing wheel and the lapping bob shank also fits a standard drill. The compounds used to reduce the depth of pits and scratches and then buff them smooth are water soluble and environmentally safe.

Source: Ocean State Abrasives

Dealing with RV engine heat and power problems

Your RV’s engine has a tough job. Along with the weight of the RV frame and body, RVs are now stocked with TVs, generators, furniture, and supplies for a family trip. That is a lot to demand, even for a high-powered RV engine.

Without proper maintenance and care, an RV engine can run hot, along with the wear and tear that warm traveling weather can inflict.

The RV Tech Tips blog offers advice from Eric Davis, who has over thirty years experience with the engine performance and handling problems of RVs. Eric offers advice to an RVer with engine-overheating problems with his motorhome.

Source: RV Tech Tips

Regular maintenance can protect you RV investment

As the weather gets warmer, RVers are getting read to hit the road and travel. Tampa Bay Online features a New York Times story on handy tips for keeping your RV road ready.

Regular maintenance can protect your RV from common problems ranging from water leaks to a breakdown requiring towing.

One common RV maintenance problem is the roof. Manufacturers will guarantee the structure of a roof, but the seals around vents and other areas are the owner’s responsibility.

Source: Tampa Bay Online

The dirty (but profitable) job of cleaning out RV holding tanks

Cleaning out the holding tanks of RVs: it’s a yucky job, but someone has to do it. It’s also a booming business for Dan Hylle, who runs All Pro Water-Flow Central Florida. FloridaToday.com features a profile of Hylle’s business and advice for keeping your RV holding tank working properly. There’s also valuable information if are a newbie RVer who doesn’t know the difference between grey water and black water tanks.

Protect your RV from water leaks and damage

Your RV needs regular checkup for water leaks. Leaks can cause costly damage to your RV before you discover them.

RVTravel.com features a useful article with tips and a checklist to protect your RV from water damage.

The articles recommends that you check your RV for leaks twice a year, during the fall and spring. Every place where there is a sealant or an opening in your RV has to be checked throughly.