Trailer guru questions

[vdo1948]

First, Ive read a couple of times that you should run "trailer tires" (bias ply, I think) on trailes becaue the sidewalls are stiffer and don't flex when wind pushes trailer. Anyone run non-radials on their trailer? How does that work?

Second, bought an old (1996), big Timberwolf trailer. Anyone have or know where I could find some info on these trailers? Did they just go belly up, get bought out by someone or what?

Third, do torsion axles wear out. Do the rubber torsion pieces eventually wear out in such a way that you should replace axles every so many years?

Thanks for any replys!
VDO

 

[Jeff C]

VDO

It WAS true back years ago that bias ply tires worked better because they had much stiffer sidewalls than radials of the day. That is because radial tire manufacturers did not pay much attention to trailering.


That has all changed. Goodyear makes a great radial trailer tire (Marathon). What is even better is that they actually hold air, something that bias ply tires were challenged at......


Torsion axles do not wear out as far as I know. I have had a torsion trailer going on 10 years now, and the springs work just as the day I bought it.

 

[R J]

I run radials. Wouldn't think of anything but. I prefer the narrow and taller tires for trailers simply for: 1) Lower rpm of the tire, 2) better road holding abilities on all surfaces, 3) more psi on the tire which means better grip even over the wide flotation tires.

As for axels, most come with a 10 year warranty if not more. I have never seen one come apart but most trailers for sled/atv use aren't stressed all that much, even if it's an enclosed.

 

[vdo1948]

Thanks guys! Anyone know anything about the Timberwolf trailers?
VDO

 

[donbrown]

First, Ive read a couple of times that you should run "trailer tires" (bias ply, I think) on trailes becaue the sidewalls are stiffer and don't flex when wind pushes trailer. Anyone run non-radials on their trailer? How does that work?

Second, bought an old (1996), big Timberwolf trailer. Anyone have or know where I could find some info on these trailers? Did they just go belly up, get bought out by someone or what?

Third, do torsion axles wear out. Do the rubber torsion pieces eventually wear out in such a way that you should replace axles every so many years?

Thanks for any replys!
VDO

First, Ive read a couple of times that you should run "trailer tires" (bias ply, I think) on trailes
BIAS ply tires non radials are great if you drive under 45 miles per hour. Above the magic speed of 40-50 MPH and they can't remove heat and wear out.

Go with radial trailer tires usually have a ST in the description. Some here like Goodyear Marathon. I like Carlisle tires with a load range of D or E .

Third, do torsion axles wear out. Do the rubber torsion pieces eventually wear out in such a way that you should replace axles every so many years?

Never heard this happening unless you really overload the trailer.