Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
My trailer tires are getting old and I plan on moving my boat next season. Other than trip from CO front range to Lake Dillon for next season - boat will be in yard/storage.
Big O is close to my res and they have Vanguard STR II tire. Anyone have advice? Is there any reason I shouldn't use current rims? Other suggestions are welcome.
Take a look at Goodyear Endurance, one of the only trailer tires made in the USA if not the only one. Just put a set on my land yacht. Did a good bit of research on them. They seem to have great reviews. I was surprised to see that most all trailer tires are made in China.
Online websites say the Vanguard STR II tire is designed for cars, trucks and SUVs, but they don't say anything about trailers. Trailer tires capable of carrying heavy loads are generally six ply and rated for heavier weights and higher air pressures. For example, my 7X10 enclosed cargo trailer has 6 ply trailer tires which are inflated to 50 lbs pressure. My understanding is that the extra plies increase weight carrying capacity and also enable higher inflated pressure, which makes them roll easier and thus easier to tow. I would strongly suggest you use only trailer tires. I'd prefer US made tires, but would use any name branded tire.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind" previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22 Past Commodore
I have a 2004 C250WB with a Trailrite trailer. It came with bias-ply tires, not radials. They are rated for 50-psi.
I hit the curb in front of my house. It took a big chunk out of one tire.
My local Big-O tried to sell me a radial tire. It was a special order. I told them I wasn't going to mix bias-ply with a radial. The store manager said it was impossible I had bias-ply tires, until I showed him my tire.
I went to Les Schwab tires. They had bias-ply trailer tires in-stock. Fixed my tire on the same day.
I just checked their website and there are 4-stores in Denver. Don't bother with Big-O.
If you have a trailer, then you need to get trailer tires. Period. You're not going to outsmart the experts who design tires for a specific purpose.
Rick S., Swarthmore, PA PO of Take Five, 1998 Catalina 250WK #348 (relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor) New owner of 2001 Catalina 34MkII #1535 Breakin' Away (at Rock Hall Landing Marina)
The RV guys do a lot of towing and can provide some good reviews on ST tires. Google "China Bomb Tires". Lots of info, some that may scare you if tow a lot.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.