Trailer tire selection

[powerstroke444e]

I have a gooseneck with single 8K axles that I have been using goodyear load range G tires on that are rated for 3750 @ 110psi but they are about $325 each
The local tire shop pointed me to some Hercules load range F 12 ply tires that are rated for 3960 @ 95psi. for about $150 each.

Most of the time I am running about 7 ton on the trailer and some on the gooseneck but have gone up to 12ton on trailer, with the goodyears I have never had an issue with heat or blowouts tried a set of 10plys and planned on running the trailer a little lighter but they didn't make it 2 pulls with bout blowing out.

Any thoughts or comments? Anyone use the Hercules tires???? I don't like spending double if I don't have to but don't want to blow out the cheap tires then buy the goodyears like last time.
Only issue with the current goodyears is that they are 5 years old.

picture of everyday load which puts about 13,800 on the trailer axles per scales
second photo is of what a 10ply does when overloaded

 

[Egon]

Nice gear on that trailer!

Shame to lose it because of a poor tire. (Can't recommend a tire)

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have never personally ran them but I have seen them. If it were me I would hunt down some Greenballs in some LR F.

Chris

 

[George2615]

I switched out my trailer tires from bias to radial plus increased the ply rating. I got a good deal on Maxmiler trailer tires. Don't know if that's good or bad but they seem to be working fine. My trailer's not as big as yours (only 7K). Never tried Hercules brand though.

 

[deepNdirt]

I have a gooseneck with single 8K axles that I have been using goodyear load range G tires on that are rated for 3750 @ 110psi but they are about $325 each
The local tire shop pointed me to some Hercules load range F 12 ply tires that are rated for 3960 @ 95psi. for about $150 each.

Most of the time I am running about 7 ton on the trailer and some on the gooseneck but have gone up to 12ton.

picture of everyday load which puts about 13,800 on the trailer axles per scales
send photo of what a 10ply does when overloaded

What size trailer is this? As heavy duty and well built as it looks to be , seems like it would have 3 axles, giving the ability to better distribute the load, as well as having only to run 10 ply tires,

 

[JIGBUILDER]

Goodyear did have issues with the G614 LT235/85-16 G load range which is a 14 ply rated tire. Sometime in the late '08/'09 era they gave them a re do and seems to have fixed their issues. Tires on a trailer need to be ran at max pressures so whatever tire you choose keep them pumped to the max.

Trailer wheels are narrow so match the tires tread width to the wheels width for best load carrying performance.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Reason for the question more than price was the range f had a higher weight rating than the goodyears?
I try to keep keep my stuff in top shape and hate having tire issues so I usually change them if I see any signs of weather cracks or funny wear. And have used current tire store which is local firestone store which I know manger well for last 10 years. And he recommend the hurcules over good years. Just have not ever used them

The trailer was a custom build I put extra heavy axle tubes that were rated 10,000 with 8,000 oil bath dexter hubs and the springs were 10K. The frame is all tubing design for commercial use all is over built. If I build/buy another I think I would go with 17.5 or 19.5s I had a tri axle trailer and never again bent the axles several times.

 

[davkir]

Ran across this on Discount Tires web site:

Trailer Tire Applications
謬railer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only. They are not built to handle the loads applied to, or the traction required by, drive or steering axles.

Inflation
柊lways inflate trailer tires to the maximum inflation indicated on the sidewall.
匹heck inflation when the tires are cool and have not been exposed to the sun.
肘f the tires are hot to the touch from operation, add three psi to the max inflation.
俵nderinflation is the number one cause of trailer tire failure.

Load Carrying Capacity
柊ll tires must be identical in size for the tires to properly manage the weight of the trailer.
謬he combined capacity of the tires must equal or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the axle.
謬he combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded trailer weight by 20 percent.
肘f the actual weight is not available, use the trailer GVW. If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, you should replace both tires on that side. The remaining tire is likely to have been subjected to excessive loading.
肘f the tires are replaced with tires of larger diameter, the tongue height may need to be adjusted to maintain proper weight distribution.

Speed
柊ll "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
柊s heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
謬he load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases.

Time
謬ime and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
肘n approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone.
謬hree to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.
肘t is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.

Mileage
謬railer tires are not designed to wear out.
謬he life of a trailer tire is limited by time and duty cycles.
謬he mileage expectation of a trailer tire is 5,000 to 12,000 miles.

Why Use An "ST" Tire
?ST" tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.
謬he polyester cords are bigger than they would be for a comparable "P" or "LT" tire.
謬he steel cords have a larger diameter and greater tensile strength to meet the additional load requirements.
?ST" tire rubber compounds contain more chemicals to resist weather and ozone cracking.

Storage
謬he ideal storage for trailer tires is in a cool, dark garage at maximum inflation.
俵se tire covers to protect the tires from direct sunlight.
俵se thin plywood sections between the tire and the pavement.
彦or long term storage, put the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires. Then lower the air pressure and cover the tires to protect them from direct sunlight.

Maintenance
匹lean the tires using mild soap and water.
ç–‹o not use tire-care products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates.
肘nspect the tires for any cuts, snags, bulges or punctures.
匹heck the inflation before towing and again before the return trip.

Keys to Avoiding Trouble
ç*†ake sure your rig is equipped with the proper tires.
ç*†aintain the tires meticulously.
ç´�eplace trailer tires every three to five years, whether they look like they're worn out or not.

 

[bdog]

Are those 16" tires?

I kept blowing mine with a similar load so I bought 17.5" wheels. They were around $100 a wheel and I can get 17.5 tires rated for 4800lb for $200. Similar price to your good years but a lot stouter and should last a lot longer. Also after you buy the wheels the tires are cheaper. I like having the safety margin.