Trailer tires on car

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GreeCguy

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Yes, I'm thinking of doing it. Long story short, I was gifted a free set of 14 inch trailer tires that are in very good shape. They're a few years old, but look brand new. I can't use them on the trailer I'm rebuilding as it takes a 15 inch tire and the one I'm restoring I'm thinking of finding a set of the old "Model A" replicas to keep in the spirit of the old trailer.

Therefore . . . . I have two practically new trailer tires that would fit my '93 Ford Taurus. The tires do say "for trailers only" on the sidewall. But if I put them on the rear, what would the problem be?
 
Are they radials?

I think you need to worry about load and speed rating, not just tire size.

I would CL them and buy the proper tires for you car.

I blowout at highway is not much fun.
 
Those tires are typically more expensive than your average car tire, anyway. I agree with the CL idea. You'll probably get enough to buy a pair of the proper tires.
 
I still have not figured out what the difference is between trailer and car tires is, other than trailer tires are marked as 65mph max (or less, if you buy from HF). Stiffer sidewalls? I've seen people comment that it's because trailers have to deal with sway, which car tires don't--but that doesn't make sense, as car tires see lots of cornering action. Trailers usually do have more primitive suspension, so more "bounce"? Higher loading, nah, SUV's are right up there on tire loads too I'd think.

I did see in a recent thread a comment about tire scrub. On a dual axle setup, tires will scrub on hard turns (like making 90 degree turns). That is something car tires don't see. But still not sure it's different enough forces that a car tire would see.

Oh, duh: trailer tires never get used as traction tires. Doesn't that make 'em cheaper then, one less force to deal with? Although, is braking really different than accelerating... Hmm, don't think so...

Is this car only going to be used around town? If so, hmm, might be worth it. Otherwise I'd CL 'em. Is it worth the risk? Wouldn't be to me.

Oh, and usually one wants the best tires on back, to prevent swapping ends. Might be more interesting of a test to put trailer tires on front, where they will see the worst conditions (steering and traction), if you really wanted to figure out what makes trailer tires different.
 
Brilliant idea. Just make sure you don't take out any innocent bystanders when you have an accident because you decided to put tires marked "For Trailers Only" on your car.
 
Trailer tires have stiffer sidewall and tread that is usually only for lateral traction. Providing traction to start and stop wouldn't work well.
 
Originally Posted By: GreeCguy
.... They're a few years old, but look brand new....


My advice is against using them.

My brother tows a lot every few years when he moves (military). He has had numerous trailer tire blowouts from tires that were "a few years old but looked brand new". His most recent move, with 4-5 year old tires, he lost 2 in the first hour of driving, then the spare went, then he replaced all 5.
 
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Why is that I read story after story about trailer tires like this? Seems they do not take to sitting very well. Or are most of them due to improper inflation?

Have read a few stories where one blows, and the one next to it goes, due to suddenly being overloaded. Makes me wonder why trailer tires aren't used at no more than 0.5 max weight then. I guess it defeats the purpose of a dual axle (well not really, other reasons for two axles) but still, on a recreation travel trailer (or other things too I guess) it seems better to have too much tire than just barely enough.
 
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Trailer tires have stiffer sidewall and tread that is usually only for lateral traction. Providing traction to start and stop wouldn't work well.


+1 This - Miller88 speaks the truth.

OP - don't do it.
 
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there's a reason why the manufacturers put "for trailers only" on the tire.the same reason why a hair dryer instructions state to not use while standing in tub of water, or to not immerse a toaster in water.
it's a toss up as to whether you or techno provides our group with the most entertainment.thank you for my morning laugh, and keep up the good work.have a good day.
 
Originally Posted By: yeti
thank you for my morning laugh, and keep up the good work.have a good day.
Glad to be of service
wink.gif
 
In general, trailer tires seem to be just bad tires, blowouts, delamination, tread chunking off... Most guys are trying to use car or truck tires instead of them. I only use trailer tires on my small trailers. If an automotive size existed, I would use that.
 
I wouldn't even run trailer tires on a trailer. They are utter garbage and overpriced garbage at that.
 
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Okay guys, you've made a believer out of me. Said tires will not go on the long suffering "Bluesmobile." Thanks for the input - after all, you never know till you ask.
 
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