I bought 10 ply trailer tire cheaper than the 6 ply tires, radials of course because of the long distance pulling for hours at a time. Bias ply tires were blowing out on the Interstates. Dynamics doesn't play a role when the trailer axles don't turn/steer. Truck tires would be OK if the rating was high enough, but cost prohibitive IMHO. And legally you cannot ride in or on the trailer going down the highway. I only worry about tight turns and the tire/rim being pushed sideways.
I also bought a tongue weight scale.You would be surprised at how much you could be off guesstimating it.
And if you pull any trailer with more than a thousand pounds on it long distance, or is tongue heavy, you should also use an equalizer hitch with sway control. You will know why when a tractor/trailer goes by you or 2 wheels go on the shoulder of the road and you try to recover.
And in all cases, it doesn't matter if it is an enclosed trailer or an open trailer. But you MUST always have trailer breaks when pulling one with 1000 Lbs or more, not including the trailer as they don't all weigh the same for the same size trailer.
Notes About Tires:
Tires are key on several levels. Tire problems have haunted many a trailer owner, so watch what’s happening with them. Tire ratings MUST exceed trailer capacity. It is not necessary to use trailer specific wheels and tires, but load rating is appropriate. Often automotive tires will give a wider range of options, a better ride, and track better. Make sure load ratings are sufficient.
Interestingly, I’ve had several comments on these statements about wheels and tires.
Yes, trailer manufacturers want you to use trailer specific tires; and
Yes, they do have some advantages in load capacity for the size.
Yes, narrower profile tires (like trailer tires) do wear better when not aligned properly. Finally,
Yes, trailer specific tires are also better at resisting damage, neglect and abuse (because they are really tough). So, if you neglect your tires, by all means, use trailer specific wheels and tires.
On the other hand, automotive and light truck (LT) tires typically have a better ride (for the capacity), and they’re available in more sizes and styles. Perhaps most importantly, trailer tires are not as available when you desperately need one, (get a flat out in the boonies?) nor do they interchange with tires on your tow vehicle. I personally try to match wheels and tires to the tow vehicle so a spare can work both places.
Then there’s the discussion of Radial vs. Bias Ply. I’ll let you research that.
One big error … People sometimes claim trailer tires handle dynamic loads better …
not so. If anything, automotive tires — which are designed for high, simultaneous, steering, breaking and weight shift loads (
think right front tire in a hard left turn while braking) — handle dynamics better. Trailer tires won’t, and rightfully so, because trailers don’t see extremes of dynamic loading and weight transfer like automotive tires.
Remember, this discussion assumes similar load capacity — and intelligence with respect to neglect and abuse.
Typical Light Truck Tire, Radial (Left). Typical Trailer Tire (Right)
