Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Fishing Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-23-2017, 01:14 PM
A.DENG A.DENG is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 45
Default tire pressures for ez loader boat trailer

folks,

what is the pressure for boat trailer tires?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-23-2017, 01:35 PM
iYearn's Avatar
iYearn iYearn is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 222
Default

The tire pressure should be on the wall of the tire.

It is the tire and not the trailer that determines your pressure.

I have a Karavan trailer similiar to ez loaders I believe. I have a 20' Bayliner.

I also have the recommended PSI for all sizes of both bias ply and radial tires.

If you give me the tire size, ply rating and max load I can tell you the PSI you should have in your tires.

Having said all that, if you can give me the above info off of your tire, the recommended PSI will be right beside it on your tire.
__________________
The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. John Buchan
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-23-2017, 05:52 PM
A.DENG A.DENG is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 45
Default Carlisle Sport Trailer Tire 4.80X12

Quote:
Originally Posted by iYearn View Post
The tire pressure should be on the wall of the tire.

It is the tire and not the trailer that determines your pressure.

I have a Karavan trailer similiar to ez loaders I believe. I have a 20' Bayliner.

I also have the recommended PSI for all sizes of both bias ply and radial tires.

If you give me the tire size, ply rating and max load I can tell you the PSI you should have in your tires.

Having said all that, if you can give me the above info off of your tire, the recommended PSI will be right beside it on your tire.
Thanks, it is Carlisle Sport Trailer Tire 4.80X12, Max 60psi on the wall
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-23-2017, 11:04 PM
EZM's Avatar
EZM EZM is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 11,851
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by A.DENG View Post
Thanks, it is Carlisle Sport Trailer Tire 4.80X12, Max 60psi on the wall
If that was my boat/trailer - I'd fill it to 50 psi on a cool tire. Like will come up a few pounds when warm. That's usually what I do and I seem to get decent wear and life out of the tires on my trailers.

Checking tire pressure, wear and bearings is something that more people towing trailers should do.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-24-2017, 12:12 AM
couleefolk couleefolk is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 869
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EZM View Post
If that was my boat/trailer - I'd fill it to 50 psi on a cool tire. Like will come up a few pounds when warm. That's usually what I do and I seem to get decent wear and life out of the tires on my trailers.

Checking tire pressure, wear and bearings is something that more people towing trailers should do.
maybe add to that making sure the weight being carried does not exceed the trailer's capacity, and that the tongue weight is correct. I hate following folks whose trailers are swimming all over the road.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-24-2017, 08:42 AM
Mackinaw Mackinaw is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,808
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EZM View Post
If that was my boat/trailer - I'd fill it to 50 psi on a cool tire. Like will come up a few pounds when warm. That's usually what I do and I seem to get decent wear and life out of the tires on my trailers.

Checking tire pressure, wear and bearings is something that more people towing trailers should do.
Agreed those small tires warm up fast on a hot summer day on the hiway.

Mack
__________________
LISTEN FOR THE "POP"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-24-2017, 10:44 AM
iYearn's Avatar
iYearn iYearn is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 222
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EZM View Post
If that was my boat/trailer - I'd fill it to 50 psi on a cool tire. Like will come up a few pounds when warm. That's usually what I do and I seem to get decent wear and life out of the tires on my trailers.

Checking tire pressure, wear and bearings is something that more people towing trailers should do.
EZM is right on the $$$...great answer!
__________________
The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. John Buchan
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-24-2017, 12:12 PM
EZM's Avatar
EZM EZM is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 11,851
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by couleefolk View Post
maybe add to that making sure the weight being carried does not exceed the trailer's capacity, and that the tongue weight is correct. I hate following folks whose trailers are swimming all over the road.
Yes - great point.

Height of hitch (angle of trailer itself), weight distribution, and axle distance, tongue weight and speed are all factors which impact sway on trailers.

In almost every trailer I've owned there has been some subtle adjustments made (easiest is the height of hitch using different drops from truck) and weight distribution of "stuff" inside boat or trailer.

My last boat trailer I had to slide the axle back just a touch to eliminate the squirleyness at higher speeds towing with my F150 which didn't seem to happen with my GMC 1500.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-24-2017, 02:10 PM
Big Schnizz Big Schnizz is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 96
Default

Would it make any sense that if you had a much lighter load than what the trailer and tires were rated for that you would decrease the PSI in the tires? As an example, trailer and tires both rated for 3000 lbs, but total weight of boat/motor/gear, etc. is only 1,500 lbs. The recommended tire pressure on the side of the tires is 50 psi. Should I be filling them up to 50 psi (or based on EZM's post, fill to 40 psi on a cold tire)? I've been getting some terrible wear on my tires without a significant amount of miles on them. They are bias ply tires if that makes any difference. I'm thinking of switching to radials.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-24-2017, 03:11 PM
Tfng Tfng is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,046
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Schnizz View Post
Would it make any sense that if you had a much lighter load than what the trailer and tires were rated for that you would decrease the PSI in the tires? As an example, trailer and tires both rated for 3000 lbs, but total weight of boat/motor/gear, etc. is only 1,500 lbs. The recommended tire pressure on the side of the tires is 50 psi. Should I be filling them up to 50 psi (or based on EZM's post, fill to 40 psi on a cold tire)? I've been getting some terrible wear on my tires without a significant amount of miles on them. They are bias ply tires if that makes any difference. I'm thinking of switching to radials.
It would make perfect sense and your trailer would ride better. Is the centre section of the tread worn down but the outside edges good?

Terrible wear with low miles is likely not caused by tire pressure though.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-24-2017, 03:12 PM
Okotokian's Avatar
Okotokian Okotokian is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Uh, guess? :)
Posts: 26,739
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by iYearn View Post
The tire pressure should be on the wall of the tire.

It is the tire and not the trailer that determines your pressure.

I have a Karavan trailer similiar to ez loaders I believe. I have a 20' Bayliner.

I also have the recommended PSI for all sizes of both bias ply and radial tires.

If you give me the tire size, ply rating and max load I can tell you the PSI you should have in your tires.

Having said all that, if you can give me the above info off of your tire, the recommended PSI will be right beside it on your tire.
You sure? On your vehicle you go by the specs for the truck, not what's on the tire, no? I admit I'm negligent because I'm just running the tires that came with the trailer and boat when I bought them last year. I'm assuming everything matches but I really should total up the weight of the boat, engines, trailer and gear and make sure the tires are rated to handle them.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevilsAdvocate View Post
In this case Oki has cut to to the exact heart of the matter!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-24-2017, 03:16 PM
EZM's Avatar
EZM EZM is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 11,851
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Schnizz View Post
Would it make any sense that if you had a much lighter load than what the trailer and tires were rated for that you would decrease the PSI in the tires? As an example, trailer and tires both rated for 3000 lbs, but total weight of boat/motor/gear, etc. is only 1,500 lbs. The recommended tire pressure on the side of the tires is 50 psi. Should I be filling them up to 50 psi (or based on EZM's post, fill to 40 psi on a cold tire)? I've been getting some terrible wear on my tires without a significant amount of miles on them. They are bias ply tires if that makes any difference. I'm thinking of switching to radials.
Radials are a good idea for sure. I would never buy bias plys again. They just don't hold up as well and, when a tire goes, they go off like a bomb and if you are the highway, you are likely to be looking at a new rim and fender by the time you slow down and pull over.

I'm not a tire expert, but do have quite a bit of experience with trailers/towing/etc.. - so take what I say based on that ....

From my perspective - I'm not sure I would under inflate any tire. It would add excessive wear. For a light load, I guess a little under inflated is better compared to a little over inflated - but you don't ever want to go to low or too high on pressure - at least that's my take on it.

A tire inflated to max (like a pumped up bouncy balloon) on light load (or an empty utility trailer) bounces all over the place - and, it's not great for the tires. It's probably not great for the trailer either. But generally you are not going a long ways or driving too fast.

If I dropped off a load, and knew I had a long ways to go back with an empty trailer, I'd likely ensure the pressure wasn't too high and would consider letting a little out - that would make sense. But in my mind it might be like another 5 lbs maybe 10lbs on a 50 psi tire. That might be like 35lbs cold or 40-42lbs cold. (just based on what I typically see for pressure changes) but there is no way I'd go down the highway (or on a long trip) with a light bouncy trailer with the tired pumped up to the max.

Just my thoughts ....
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-25-2017, 10:55 AM
cube cube is offline
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,939
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Schnizz View Post
Would it make any sense that if you had a much lighter load than what the trailer and tires were rated for that you would decrease the PSI in the tires? As an example, trailer and tires both rated for 3000 lbs, but total weight of boat/motor/gear, etc. is only 1,500 lbs. The recommended tire pressure on the side of the tires is 50 psi. Should I be filling them up to 50 psi (or based on EZM's post, fill to 40 psi on a cold tire)? I've been getting some terrible wear on my tires without a significant amount of miles on them. They are bias ply tires if that makes any difference. I'm thinking of switching to radials.
Your forgetting about the 1000 lbs for the trailer itself. So you are actually at 2,500 lbs which is close to capacity already. A lot of people also for get to take in all those very heavy batteries. Not mention the heavy electric bow mount. Which could put you at max.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-25-2017, 03:57 PM
TROLLER TROLLER is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Rocky View County AB.
Posts: 3,550
Default

PSI cold is also listed on your trailer. Should be inside one of the beams on the front of the trailer. Most likely it will match up with the tire.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06-25-2017, 09:44 PM
Big Schnizz Big Schnizz is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 96
Default

Tfng - I've experienced different types of wear as I've been experimenting with different PSI. I've experienced exactly that where the centre is worn, but outside good which was obviously over inflation. But I've also experienced wearing down the centre, so I assume that's under inflation. I've experienced different wear on each tire and not sure if that's caused from more weight distributed on one side of the boat or not. Maybe my problem is more than just the tires ... however the trailer was new when I bought it 5 years ago and I had this problem from the beginning so I'd hope the axle would be good.

EZM - Radials definitely might be my next purchase.

cube - I just threw out those numbers - those aren't actuals. I don't have the boat here at home to check the actual numbers ... but I'd be willing to bet that the total load is quite light compared to capacity. My boat is a large tinner weighing in at around 500 lbs and the motor is under 300 lbs. I have no trolling motor, no batteries, so am fairly certain that I'm well under the weight limit.

How many miles/km should a guy be getting out of tires? I'm on my 5th year with this setup and I've replaced the tires twice. My typical km in a year would probably be around 3,000 and even that may be high. I do run on some gravel too if that makes a difference.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 06-25-2017, 10:20 PM
EZM's Avatar
EZM EZM is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 11,851
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Schnizz View Post

How many miles/km should a guy be getting out of tires? I'm on my 5th year with this setup and I've replaced the tires twice. My typical km in a year would probably be around 3,000 and even that may be high. I do run on some gravel too if that makes a difference.
hmmmmm .... If you have replaced the tires twice (in 5 years) and figure you are doing 3000 km per year (total of 15,000 km) there is something not right there.That's like tires every 6,000 or 7,000 km - that sounds like you are burning through rubber pretty fast to me.

My boat/trailer is a 2013 and I just replaced my first set of tires last year - but I'm doing double the km's (easy) and doing lots of gravel.

I know radials will wear better - but not 5 times better ......

I'd maybe check the axles, alignment or something there to see what's going on. Maybe also scale up your trailer and see what it weighs compared to your tire/trailer.

It just doesn't sound right to me. How are they wearing? even, inboard, outboard, the same on both sides? Maybe that might be a good place to try and research what might be going on.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 06-25-2017, 10:30 PM
Big Schnizz Big Schnizz is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 96
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EZM View Post
hmmmmm .... If you have replaced the tires twice (in 5 years) and figure you are doing 3000 km per year (total of 15,000 km) there is something not right there.That's like tires every 6,000 or 7,000 km - that sounds like you are burning through rubber pretty fast to me.

My boat/trailer is a 2013 and I just replaced my first set of tires last year - but I'm doing double the km's (easy) and doing lots of gravel.

I know radials will wear better - but not 5 times better ......

I'd maybe check the axles, alignment or something there to see what's going on. Maybe also scale up your trailer and see what it weighs compared to your tire/trailer.

It just doesn't sound right to me. How are they wearing? even, inboard, outboard, the same on both sides? Maybe that might be a good place to try and research what might be going on.
I figured that was pretty low. I will scale up for sure to see what it actually weighs. I've had all sorts of wear as I have played with different PSI. Could easily be an axle problem ... but you'd hope not as it was new 5 years ago and I've had this problem from the beginning.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 06-26-2017, 08:24 AM
oilngas oilngas is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,025
Default

what does the loaded (boat, fuel, stuff etc..) trailer weigh? What are the tires / axles rated for both speed and load? Hoes the alignment and tire wear across the face of the trailer tire?? That's where I would start, as other have said Carlise is not the premium brand, and to me it's relatively inexpensive to switch to a premium tire, and carry the max. air pressure in it.

But that's just me and an experience on the side of the road with an exploded trailer tire, not good!!
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 06-26-2017, 09:17 AM
cube cube is offline
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,939
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Schnizz View Post
.
The kind of wear your talking about sure sounds like the trailer tongue is out of alignment with the wheels/axle. I have seen this kind of wear when my dad while coming out of a launch unknowingly backed off the end of a lunch. When he pulled out it knocked the axle on the one side back just slightly. The other time I saw this wear was when I had sent my boat in for service and they bent the trailer tongue over by jackknifing it while parking the boat. The Boat dealer kept telling me I was over loading the boat etc etc. until I showed him the mark that his tractor made.

In both cases changing tires to radials and different inflations etc. did nothing until things were lined up again.

Now your problems might be different but Like EZM says it would be a good place to start because your tire wear certainly does not sound typical.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 06-26-2017, 10:24 AM
dutchman dutchman is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Alberta
Posts: 76
Default

My previous boat (2008 model) had a matching trailer with 13" bias ply tires. Reading the trailer specs and side wall info, the load was maxed out as per the tires. I ran the max pressure (around 50) and wore out 2 sets of bias ply in the first couple seasons. Dealer replaced first set under warranty. After a highway run, the tires would be too hot to touch. The final straw was when the outer rubber peeled off at highway speeds, ruining the fender. Lucky boat was not touched. After that went to radials (same weight spec, highest possible for 13") and never had a problem again, tires ran cool at hwy speeds. Just because it came from the factory as a package, doesn't mean it's perfect.

Jump ahead a few years, I just bought a new boat c/w trailer. As per weight, the trailer has a stronger axle and running 15" radials. There's a good 25% buffer there which is a nice safety factor.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 06-26-2017, 08:38 PM
Big Schnizz Big Schnizz is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 96
Default

I think I will check out the alignment and axle as best as I can. If everything seems fine, I think I will just upgrade the tires. I was doing some reading on some other forums and many people have reported the same problem with cheap bias ply tires and said once they upgraded to radials, they had no issue.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:34 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.