I started another thread because I didn't want to jack HiTempGuy's thread. Anyways, I will be towing a homebuilt (not by me) camper 2700 miles in a couple of weeks when I move from Florida to Idaho. The tires that are on it are 4.80x12 Nanco bias ply tires. Going by what I believe is the date code, these tires were manufactured the 33rd week in 2008 (3308 is stamped on the sidewall). The tires have very little wear but the outer sidewall is pretty cracked. Also, the trailer weighs around 900lbs empty but I plan on putting maybe 200lbs of crap in it. The current tires are rated for 780lbs (load range B). I didn't notice the sidewall issue until tonight. I was on the fence about replacing the tires but now I definitely am. I'm looking to put 5.30x12 load range C tires on just for a little extra capacity.
I am looking at these: 12" Trailer wheel and tire. I'm going to buy 3 so I have a spare.
I'm not too keen on running Chinese tires but the 12" tire selection is pretty slim.
Thoughts?
Pic of the little beast:
I would Air them up and run them. Carry a spare.
Can you move up to a 13" tire?
I like the idea of getting new tires before your trip. My experience with trailer tires is that they look ok until they aren't. The tread might be fine but sitting in the sun for 6-7 years will have done bad things to their internal structure.
My last big trip had two nearly simultaneous failures of the tires (2008 models) that were exposed to afternoon sun. Tread was perfect and the tires probably only had 4000 miles on them, still failed spectacularly.
Dude, e-trailer.com. 12" on 4 bolt, load range C, name brand tire on wheel, $55 with free shipping over $100.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Kenda/AM30620.html
They always ship quick, too. My last tire order arrived 2 days ahead of schedule.
In reply to ultraclyde:
I saw those but I have to wait to get paid on the 15th as I am broke as a joke right now. I have to hit the road on the 19th. Due to my ignorance/procrastination, I'm limited by time.
In reply to bentwrench:
I can't get anything bigger than a 12" tire under it right now. The fenders are mounted annoyingly low. Eventually I plan on swapping in an axle where the spindles angle down at 45 degrees for more ground clearance and use a more common 5x4.5 bolt pattern so I can mount at least 13" wheels.
I want this cross-country odyssey to be as uneventful as possible. I checked the bearings and they seem to have plenty of grease. I should probably pull a wheel and hub off so I can measure the spindle and grab a spare hub, just in case.
you broke?
buy 2 at a big store that would be in both areas, don't put on just carry them. if you don't use, return them when you get to destination.
patgizz wrote:
you broke?
buy 2 at a big store that would be in both areas, don't put on just carry them. if you don't use, return them when you get to destination.
This is GRM. We're all perpetually broke (due to spending too much money on cars) 
Tires rot from the inside out. I called the Bridgestone tech line a while ago and was told that for 10 years their tires can be relied on, and after that could rupture at some point. I am going to hazard a guess that if a premium brand is good for 10 years then an offshore brand is good for less.
I took some crappy cell pics of the tires. You can see the cracked sidewalls. I seriously don't trust these tires. I'm just going to pony up and replace them.
Eh, those are marginal, as long as they're properly inflated, they'll more than likely make it. I'd definitely replace them soon though.
Its the big cracks where the tread cap meets the carcass you've gotta worry about.
