Care and Maintenance of Horse Trailer Tires

A few weeks ago, the Double D Newsletter discussed emergency equipment that you should always keep on hand in the event that you experience a breakdown on the road.

This week, we’re going to focus on a very common breakdown problem: a flat tire.

According to statistics, tire blowouts are the number one reason that horse trailers wind up on the roadside. To avoid becoming one, read the following tips about tire care.

Check the air pressure in the tires before heading out on a trip. This piece of advice extends to the tires of your tow vehicle as well as your horse trailer. Always check the pressure when the tires are cold. The pressure changes as tires heat up from travel. And don’t forget the spare tires. The correct pressure for your horse trailer tires is located right on the tires. You’ll find the pressure information for your tow vehicle either in the owner’s manual or on the decal usually attached to the driver’s door. Most tire blowouts happen because a tire wasn’t properly inflated, so take a few minutes to check before you leave.

Be on the lookout for dry rot. Dry rot appears as tiny cracks in the tire. Dry rot can occur even if the tire tread still looks great, and once those cracks show up, your tire becomes compromised. And again, remember to inspect your spare tires too. Because of dry rot, you should plan on replacing tires every three to five years.
Make sure you’ve got the right tires on your horse trailer. Horse trailers require specific tires, primarily because of the load they’re carrying. Therefore, use tires rated for the appropriate weight.
Don’t forget to inspect wheel bearings. Wheel bearing failure is a tire-related issue that can happen while you’re traveling. To avoid this problem, plan to service your trailer’s wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Moisture buildup seriously affects the bearing grease, which leads to bearing failure. This is why regular service is recommended.

Taking these steps prior to traveling with your horse trailer could save you much grief and aggravation. Good horse trailer tire maintenance is a good habit to develop.

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