29 Jun Tire Tips for Towing Campers, Boats and Trailers Safely
Towing Season Is Here and Your Tires Matter More Than You Think
Every spring and summer, drivers around Sioux City and Norfolk hook up campers, boat trailers, and utility rigs and head out for the season. Most people check the hitch and the lights but skip one of the most important parts of towing safety: the tires. Square Tire sees trailer tire problems every season, and a lot of them could have been caught with a simple check before the first trip.
Trailer Tire Pressure Is Not the Same as Your Truck Tires
Trailer tires and truck tires use different pressure ratings. A common mistake is checking only the tow vehicle and assuming the trailer is fine. Trailer tire pressure is usually listed on the sidewall of the tire itself, and running them underinflated creates heat buildup at highway speed, which can lead to a blowout on the road. Before you leave Hamilton Boulevard or Pasewalk Ave heading out for the weekend, check each trailer tire cold, before you drive, for the most accurate reading.
Load Rating Tells You How Much Weight a Tire Can Handle
Towing safety starts with matching the right tire to the load. Every tire has a load rating that tells you the maximum weight it can safely carry. If your trailer is loaded heavier than your tires are rated for, you are asking for trouble on the highway. This matters a lot for boat trailers loaded with gear, campers fully stocked for a long trip, or utility trailers hauling equipment. Square Tire can help you check load ratings and match the right replacement tires if yours are not rated for what you haul.
Tire Age Can Be a Bigger Risk Than Tread Depth
Here is something a lot of people miss with trailer tires. They may sit in a garage or driveway for months between uses, so the tread looks fine. But rubber breaks down from UV exposure, heat, and time whether the tire is rolling or not. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing trailer tires after five to six years regardless of tread depth. Check the DOT code on the sidewall to find the week and year your tires were made. If they are older than that window, it is time to replace them before you tow.
What to Check Before Every Towing Season
A quick pre-season inspection goes a long way. Look at tread depth, check for sidewall cracking or bulges, verify trailer tire pressure, and confirm the load rating matches your setup. If anything looks off or you are not sure, bring the trailer or tow vehicle in for a look.
Square Tire is open seven days a week at all three locations: 2501 Hamilton Boulevard and 3300 Gordon Dr in Sioux City, and 2201 Pasewalk Ave in Norfolk.