Am I Nuts?y

[Crankb8]

I read all about trailer tires and how I should not be running on old tires, but I have to say that my 1988 tires are still holding up perfectly. That’s right, 1988 tires. These are original to the trailer purchased new in 1988. When I bought this rig 3years ago, it had sat covered and tarped in a warehouse since 2002. The original owner told me the tires are original. I looked them over and found no cracking or checking at all. In fact, they still had the little nibs sticking Olof them. Last fall, I took a 1500 mile round trip with it and had NO problems at all. I keep the 50psi in them and they are performing perfectly. So am I asking for trouble, or do I run them till they are worn out?

[CigarBasser]

I am sure they have life in them. However, I wouldn’t push the envelope to far especially on a single axle..

[Jeff Hahn]

Perhaps towing 5 miles to and from a local lake wold not be a problem. But, you're asking for trouble towing on a trip with tires that old.

[billproxs]

Dangerous

[Tromanoski]

Tire Manufacture Association put out an article that ST rated trailer tires (and I am assuming thats what they are) sidewall strength drops to half in about 3 or 4 years. If the tire is made properly, the sidewall of a trailer tire is its weakest link. Thats why most tire companies that make and sell a ST tire, recommend them to be changed every 3 to 4 years. If you go on Carlils's web sight they have a FAQ video which clearly states that no trailer tire should be operated more than 5 years regardless of the tread depth and mileage. I would not want the safety liability of hurting someone else from running these tires because I was not willing to spend a few hundred dollars. Guaranteed the approach a lawyer would take if that would happen.

[Tromanoski]

Perhaps towing 5 miles to and from a local lake wold not be a problem. But, you're asking for trouble towing on a trip with tires that old.

I agree.

[OnTRAK]

You will probably experience trouble and possible danger at a most inconvenient time. I had a 14 year old trailer tire come apart last November. Fortunately, I was pulling away from a stop light and only going about 5mph when it completely disintegrated. They still looked great. However, I knew they were living on borrowed time, and I was shopping for replacements. If you are worrying about them now, go ahead and replace them and save yourself future trouble. I learned from the tire shop that the DOT has a requirement that tires 10 years old and older must be taken off the street.

[fishnfireman]

[Bass AHolic]

and repack the bearings pronto!

[Bassman Ia.]

2012 changed out my USA made GY Marathones ( 11 years old). Never had a flat, checked psi EVERYTIME it left the garage. I replaced them with the Khumo LT tires---- biggest POS I have ever had. Still have one that looks brand new. They replaced two of them after 1500 miles or so---- broke belts, the third one broke a belt and I replace that one and the one that was left with a different brand.

[Tromanoski]

Kuhmo was a Korean company bought out by a Chinese company. The Chinese have definitely demonstrated their outstanding QA/QC manufacturing process in other Chinese brands they own or manufacture. I agree with the statement above. A POS.

[Crankb8]

and repack the bearings pronto!

I put all new bearings and races in last fall prior to my long trip. Ironicly, the old bearings looked like new. I'm willing to bet the trailer didn't have a thousand miles on it!

Thanks for all the feedback, looks like I'll be doing some Endurance shopping! Much appreciated!

[billnorman1]

Maybe they are bias ply, that do not flex as much as radial tires.

[375VTROCKET]

They are probably better than the crap that is on the market today. I'd run'em till they croke.