Using a utility trailer, or a small trailer towed from the back of a vehicle, can make moving large items much easier. When using a utility trailer, you need to make sure you practice proper tire upkeep just as you would with your car.
Picking out tires for utility trailers can be intimidating since there are so many options. You need something that can get the job done, but you don’t want to overdo it. Consider this checklist for picking out the proper tires for utility trailers.
What size do you need?
If you don’t have a large trailer, you don’t need large tires. Sometimes, putting larger or smaller tires on a vehicle or pick-up truck is considered fashionable. That’s not how it works for utility trailers. The tires for your utility trailer need to complement the size of the trailer itself. Information on the recommended tire size for your trailer can be found either on the trailer itself or in the manual.
What load capacity will you require?
Your tires need to be able to carry what you want to haul. This means they need to be able to support the weight of whatever you’ve got. If your tires don’t have the proper load capacity, they can blow out while you’re driving, which is a serious safety risk for you and other drivers.
Make sure you are following the suggested load capacity on the trailer or manual and don’t try to haul anything that is too heavy for your trailer. If you need to haul something outside of your trailer’s capacity, it’s safer to just rent another trailer.
Are your tires properly maintained?
You want to make sure you’re keeping your tires inflated and cared for properly, as you would your own vehicle. A low or flat tire on your utility trailer can lead to a blow-out or another kind of accident in which the item(s) you’re hauling can be lost on the road. This is very dangerous. Make sure you know the proper PSI for your utility trailer tires and keep them inflated.
Need Towing Advice?
Answering these three questions will help you keep your utility trailer ready to go when you need to haul anything. If you have more questions about what kind of tires to pick out, TalkLocal can connect you to the professionals in your area who have the answers. We give you instant access to countless relevant service professionals in your local area. You’ll never need to scour the newspaper or phonebook again.
