What is the general opinion on Carlisle trailer tires? I bought two for a utility trailer several years ago and installed them. At about two years old, I had the trailer loaded with about 2100 pounds and was running down the interstate at 70-75 when one failed violently. The tow vehicle (E450 conversion) shuddered when the tire failed. The tread came off but it still held air.

Last week, the other tire shed the tread after sitting unused for months. I hooked up the trailer and did not make it out of site of my house before the trailer started bouncing all over and the tread was whipping the fender. The tire is still holding air.

Any other Carlisle tire failures? These are only 205/75/14 in size.

Thanks,
Ronnie

 

Nearly any trailer is right at the maximum load for the tires if the trailer is loaded near capacity. Therefore, trailer tires should always be aired to maximum inflation pressure. And the travel speed should be only 55 to 60.

Just about all trailer tires are now made in China. For me that is going to mean I've bought my last trailer service tire. They used to last longer than automotive tires, but those days are gone. Now you will be lucky to get 4 years from a trailer service tire versus 6-7 years for an automotive tire. One thing though. If your trailer requires 50 psi inflation pressure, use a Light Truck tire. These allow 51 psi. Just check the date codes on the tires before you buy. Some are being sold that are already over the 7 year limit.

 

It's getting harder and harder to get a decent trailer tire. like said above almost all are now made in china. I have had carlisle's,and they wren't bad. you have to constantly inspect them all,and airing up to max is a must. its also better to have a higher rated capacity than you actually need. I inspect mine at every fuel stop. this is no guarantee, but just get into the habit, and you may see something you can fix before being stranded along the interstate. been there,done that.

 

5/14 that I run are over 2yrs old now.. so far no problems I always give them 2-3 coats per year of the 303 Protectant

 

I wore out a set of Goodyear Marathons on my 5er no problems, put on 10 ply Carlisle's and started blowing tires before half wore out. Put on Maxis 10 plys and no more problems. I always keep max inflation on trailer tires.

 

I'm running Carlisles on my 5x10 that usually around 2500# and the first set I bought lasted 7 years before one violently blew. When I was replacing it I noticed the other had a huge bubble in the side wall so I got it replaced also. I got lucky since I got Certs at Discount Tire it only cost me $33 total for two new tires with Certs.

 

Carlisle's just don't last.

I've got 4 years on mine and they are weather checking already.

OTOH, I have ~3 years on the boat trailer tires and no signs of early wear; Denman.

Tony

 

Another vote for GoodYear Marathon's ... I took off my Carlisle and replaced them with the Marathons.....heard too many horror stories although I only personally had one blowout with them.

 

I have the Carlisles on my boat trailer, no problems. Two of them are 3 years old and two of them are 6 years old , according to the date stamp on the tire. After reading all the stories on the Carlisle tires blowing all the time I have been watching them and see no problems so far. I plan on getting all (4) replaced next year because the older tires are a little more worn especially the edges. Watching some folks pull trailers I am suprised the tires last a week .

 

Zero problems to date w/the Carlisles on the tandem axle boat trailer! Logged way over 10k miles @ about 5k lbs.

 

Are you doing the max pressure on a cold tire, or a hot tire? We found that the pressures will raise 10-15 lbs after only a few miles of driving. We also put the nitrogen in the tires. It seems to help with the heat, and they hold pressure better.