Trailer tires and Alignment issues

[Little Jimmy Cook]

I need new boat trailer tires and I think I will buy the more expensive Goodyear Marathons. My couple of questions are as follows:

My trailer specifies Bias Belted st 205 75 d 14. Are the radials a better tire for trailers or should I stick with the bias belted? Why is the other one better? (Sidewalls I would guess)

My old tires wore out on the inside edges like they have a toe out problem, is this due to the tires or an alignment issue? Can a trailer be aligned so the tires wear more true? I sure hate to replace tires every couple of years if I can have it fixed. Both tires wear about the same on the inside edges, so I do not think the axle is uneven and I did measure and the measurements are about the same from the rear of the trailer.

I am sorry if these are stupid questions but I want to buy the right tire and have it last a while.





Third question more cosmetic than anything. The galvanized wheels are caked on with nasty old grease from the hubs. What is the best method to remove this nasty sludge and make the wheels look more like "new". I have pressure washed them at home and it only works a little. I read brake cleaner spray might work or is there a better product?

[paragod]

if are running on a single axel trailer and the inside edges are wearing you have to much weight on them u need to go to a higher Load range tire if u have the room the radial tire is a smoother ride tire just like on the cars the old bias tires on trcuk s were ruff if u recall but tough as nails and heavy load trailers and truck still use them try a load range d if u can that will be a 8 ply

[Little Jimmy Cook]

if are running on a single axel trailer and the inside edges are wearing you have to much weight on them u need to go to a higher Load range tire if u have the room the radial tire is a smoother ride tire just like on the cars the old bias tires on trcuk s were ruff if u recall but tough as nails and heavy load trailers and truck still use them try a load range d if u can that will be a 8 ply
Sorry I did not mention that. This is a single axle trailer. I will check with Discount Tires or Goodyear and see if they have a load range d. I think mine were b rated.

Thanks for the tip.


I did power wash the rims and they have become somewhat presentable so they will stay.

[floundergigging]

I personally like the bias ply. I have run both bias and radial on my trailer before. I had too much sway with the radial. The bias tracks behind my truck better.
As for cleaning the rims scrape as much of the old stuff off with a scraper then clean with a heavy duty engine cleaner and a good stiff scrub brush or powerwasher after the soap has soaked in the grease and has had time to work.
As for the wear problem measure the distance between the tires at the front and then check the distance of the tires at the rear and see if they are the same. If not you may have a loose wheel bearing or a bent axle / spindle.

[stargazer]

I second the engine cleaner on the rims....I did mine and came out looking like new. Used Gunk engine cleaner.

[REEFRAT]

Recommend you first weigh your boat and trailer. Make sure you have it fully loaded like you normally tow it (fuel, gear, etc.). With it hooked to your tow vehicle drive the trailer tires on a truck stop scale and see what the total weight is.

Given the wear pattern I suspect you are overloaded for range B tires. Once you know the weight you can look at various tire specifications (maximum load and side wall ratings).

Bias or radial - your choice but remember you will notice much more flexing with radials especially on a single axle trailer. If you choose radials you may want to go to a light truck radial vice a car tire.

If you buy Goodyear's make sure they are not made in China. Major problems with Goodyear trailer tires now! Do a search.

Good luck

[sqwaby]

Check your axle weight rating, it may be flexing due to being over loaded. Also as mentioned above go to a c or d load range.