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Trailer Tire Safety

A flat or failed trailer tire can end a trip, damage the trailer and endanger people on the road. Most problems give warning signs if someone takes time to look.

Why are trailer tires a special concern?

Trailer tires carry heavy loads, sit for long periods and often get less attention than truck tires. They are built for trailers and are not interchangeable with passenger or truck tires. Sunlight, heat, moisture and long storage all age the rubber.

A tire problem can lead to a blowout, and a blowout on a loaded trailer can damage the trailer and make it hard to control the truck.

Many tire failures come from small problems that went unnoticed for weeks, such as a slow leak, a nail or a cracked sidewall. A habit of looking is the best protection.

• Look for cracks in the sidewall.
• Look for tread worn only on one edge.
• Look for bulges or bumps.

Where do you find the right tire information?

The trailer has a label that lists the tire size, load rating and recommended pressure. The tire sidewall shows its own markings, including a date code. The trailer manufacturer's information governs the pressure, not the maximum number on the sidewall.

Read the label and the manual, and ask a tire shop to help you understand the codes. This guide does not give numbers, since they depend on your trailer and tires.

If the trailer has been resold or modified, the label may no longer match the tires. Have a shop check that tires and wheels match the trailer's current weight and axle.

How should you check pressure?

Use a gauge you trust, and check the tires when they are cold, before driving. Low pressure is a leading cause of tire trouble because it makes the tire flex and heat up. Check pressure before each trip, and after long periods of storage.

Do not forget the spare tire, if you carry one, and check that the jack and wrench fit and work.

• Check pressure before every trip.
• Use a reliable gauge.
• Look for slow leaks, such as a tire that is low every week.
• Check the valve stems and caps.
• Check the spare.

What should you look for in a visual check?

Look at the tread, sidewalls and shoulders. Cuts, cracks, bulges, uneven wear and embedded objects are all warning signs. Check lug nuts, and make sure none are loose or missing. Look at the wheel for bends or rust.

If a tire shows damage, do not tow on it. Replace it with a tire that matches the trailer's requirements.

Look at both sides of every tire, including the side facing the trailer, which is easy to skip. Run a hand over the tread carefully for bulges, and use a flashlight.

How long do trailer tires last?

Age matters as much as wear. A tire that looks fine can still be old enough to be risky. The manufacturer's guidance, and the tire's date code, help you decide when to replace it. Tire makers and trailer makers publish advice on this, so check their pages or ask a tire shop.

Storage in sun and weather shortens the life of a tire. Cover tires or store the trailer indoors if possible.

Tires that have sat for a season may have flat spots or cracks. Roll the trailer a short distance and look again before heading out.

What about loads and overloading?

Each tire has a load rating, and the total of all tires must exceed the weight on the axle. Overloading overheats tires and increases the chance of failure. Use a scale to check the weight of a loaded trailer when you can.

Ask the trailer manufacturer or a dealer for the rating of your axle and tires.

Mixing different tire types or sizes on the same trailer can cause trouble. Ask a tire shop what suits your trailer.

• Know your axle rating.
• Weigh the loaded trailer if you can.
• Replace tires with the same type and rating.
• Keep spare mounted and inflated.

What do you do if a tire fails on the road?

Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and brake gently when you have control. Move to a safe place away from traffic and turn on hazard lights. Do not change a tire on a busy road. Call 911 if you are in danger, and call roadside help if you have it.

Afterward, find out why the tire failed and check the other tires.

Carry the right tools: a jack that fits the trailer, a lug wrench and wheel chocks, and a way to light the work at night.

• Hazard lights on.
• Park well off the road.
• Call for help if you are on a busy road.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.