I think that this is a redundant question, but just to toss it out there:
Trailer has tires that really look okay. Tire guys confirm tread is good, but refuse to fix tire with slow leak because it’s over 10 years old.
We’re looking up to haul two horses about 850 miles at the end of this month, and I’m inclined to just buy all new tires. It’s there any other way to play this?
No question, if the tires are 10 years old, new set all around plus new spare. Even if the tires have zero miles on them. Rubber has a set life span, whether it’s used or not.
If you can afford all new tires it is well worth the peace of mind with such a long haul planned.
At the minimum replace the leaking tire & 2nd new tire paired with the leaky replacement and then use the best of the existing tires for a spare.
I know I’d sleep better with that taken care of.
Plan is to buy 5 new tires on Saturday. Little bit of an unexpected expense, but not terrible–we’d initially planned on shipping all four horses professionally, and we’re taking two of them ourselves now. Even with new tires on trailer, we’re still coming out a bit ahead, dollars-wise, although obviously not saving as much as we thought. (But we’d have to haul trailer out regardless, and a flat is no fun if you’re loaded or unloaded.)
Was curious if anyone would advise for just going for it with existing tires, although that sounds like hauling roulette.
I think my biggest frustration here is that we won’t be hauling really at all once we get there. Sucks to spend that sort of cash on the trailer when it’s really not going to be used. Does anyone have suggestions on how to keep tires “good” on a vehicle that’s not being used? Keeping the trailer under cover is planned, once we put up the indoor next year, but it will be outside until then.
keep the old tires, sell the new ones when you get to the new location, put old tires on trailer for storage
or sale the trailer ?
Buy new ones (& make sure the manufacture date is recent) - it’s not worth the risk. Tread on horse trailer tires rarely wear out - it’s the dry rot you need to be concerned with.
Tires will last longer if you park the trailer on dry ground - not on grass. I use patio bricks - cheap enough to buy and easy to move around. I also keep my tires covered so the sun isn’t beating down on them. I’m actually heading to my trailer guys today to get my trailer inspected - I replaced my trailer tires about four years ago so they should still be okay since I’ve taken care of them. They’ll let me know if there’s a problem :).
Agree w/ryansgirl. I’ve seen people put cloth wheel covers on their RVs and similar vehicles when not in use. It stands to reason that protecting the tires from UV rays would lengthen their serviceable life. I haven’t done it myself because I use the trailer pretty often.
Yowza, you got 10 years out of your trailer tires? Rubber has a life expectancy and it sure sounds like you got 9 lives out of your trailer tires.
I buy mid-priced trailer tires and a set last me 5 years with the mostly local, twice/three times weekly, year round hauling I do. The set that came with my trailer, lower end tires, were 3 years old when I noticed some separating on them.
You will not regret spending the $$ for replacing the tires before this upcoming long haul. Just be sure to the get the tire pressure correct. I had a brain fart last week and over inflated my trailer tires which caused my GN trailer to feel like a frisky 2 year old colt on the end of a lead rope- feet barely on the ground kind of thing. Ugh. Once at the destination I let air out out of the tires. 
I got 7 years out of my last set and replaced them as a precaution as I camp and travel alot. Coveering them keeps them from dry rotting.
I used to use tarps to cover and bricks to hold in place. About 2 years ago I bought the double tire covers for RV’s and they are great. The go on easily, stay in place, and are much thicker than tarps. I haven’t had to replace them (tarps wear out quickly)
[QUOTE=Beverley;7703575]
No question, if the tires are 10 years old, new set all around plus new spare. Even if the tires have zero miles on them. Rubber has a set life span, whether it’s used or not.[/QUOTE]
Agreed!
Get new tires. We blew a trailer tire on a freeway on Wednesday. We were lucky everything went smoothly but it could have gone very badly if the timing and location had been any different.
Thanks for confirming, guys! Trailer is going in for five new tomorrow.
SLW, I bought this trailer perhaps … 6? years ago? It’s been used a half dozen times or so since then. We just don’t go anywhere, but I don’t want to lose my wheels entirely.
It’s a great trailer, and I will look into protecting the tires as has been recommended in this thread
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