I worked for a boat trailer company for many years (also a long time ago). The tires used then were special trailer bias ply,with some being radials.On the tire failures that could be determined most were from exceeding the tire capacity, and a few were from low tire pressure. Usually true tire failures then and now can't be determined because of the destruction of the tire. I can't remember much use of auto tires on trailers because there was little cost difference.
On a percentage basis,I think that there is less tire failures today than in past years. With todays communications you hear about the relatively few failures compared to the thousands of no problems.

It is my opinion that tires specifically made for a use should be used and you get what you pay for.

BTM

buy a trailer tire for sure ! I have tryed alot of brands and they all are pretty good as long as you make sure air pressure is correct before every trip! The only tire i had problems with was the Goodyear Marathons.

I have bought tires for my boat and my camper from Select Tire . com and got the best price even after shipping. They have a big selection to chose from.

+1

Here is what you need to know. Every tire has a maximum load rating at X psi. A ST215/15 Marathon has a rating of 1870 pounds at 50 psi. This calculates to 37.4 pounds at 1 psi. This means at 40 psi it is rated for 1496 pounds. Trailer tires (ST) have a higher load rating than passenger tires (P) of the same size.

Everyone should know what their boat and trailer weighs with fuel and equipment. Most truck stops or any place that sells stone can weigh it for about $10. Most single axle trailers have a load rating of 2800-3500 lbs and tandeum trailers 6000-7000 lbs. The tire rating should match the trailer rating. My boat and trailer loaded weighs 4200 lbs and is on a 6000 lb rated tandeum trailer. Four Marathons at 40 psi have a total rating of 6000 lbs. Therefore I can run 40 psi getting a smoother ride than running 50 psi and safely carry the 4200 lb load.

Most single axle trailers have 205/14 tires. This is from memory but a ST205 has a max rating around 1700 lbs and a P205 has a max rating of 1300 lbs. Combining the two the ST tires is 3400 lbs and the P rated is 2600 lbs. If the total weight of the boat and trailer does not exceed 2600 lbs then you can run the P rated tires. There are alot of fiberglass boats on single axle trailers that exceed the tire and trailer ratings when loaded with fuel and equipment.

Look at the trailer rating on the trailer MFG plate, look at the max load and PSI on the tires, and get your boat and trailer weighed. Knowing exactly what you have is a good thing.

Radial tires is the only way to go because they will make the trailer handle better and not sway like bias tires. Spending an extra $50 to $100 for good tires is worth every penny when you have been on the side of the road with a blowout.

I use Carlisle on my trailer with great luck. I pull my boat EVERY weekend and have not had any problems with them. I usually put Load Range D on my trailer, that is a bit over kill for my Lowe, but they have held up good over the last two years.

My trailer, my buddies trailer, another buddies trailer, and yet another buddies trailer all came with Carlisles on them---ALL of them suffered from the same thing--the inside--and only the inside tread wore away until replaced or a blowout occured. I replaced mine with what they sold me at NTB--no more problems.

Goodyear Marathons. Any Michelin tire that might be compareable. If they make a trailer tire. If your boat is not stored inside, invest in some tire covers like they make for RV's. The sun is one of the worst enemies of tires, not in use.

Where can I get boat and trailer weighed......I have an 84 17-10'Ranger...150 merc .......trailer tires are 14' rated for 1750 max.......I think im ok but would like to know for sure ..any thoughts

Hit a truck stop. They will probably look at you funny but weigh it for a few bucks.

So where does one get cheap bias trailer tires in the Houston area? I usually pay about $50 at a co-op but that's not convenient anymore. I don't know or care about the brands of tires on any of my trailers anymore, as long as they're bias. They have much less of a habit of blowing up. Double the life for half the price.

i used to run Carlisle's and would only get one to two trips to South Padre out of them, i switched to Marathons and i am getting ready to take my 5th trip south on them. i always keep the recommended tire pressure when going on long trips and so far the Marathons have been much better...

I currently have Carlisle's on my trailer and they are wearing on the outside like they don't have enough air in them, but I run them at the max 50psi. I was thinking of putting a pair of radials on the ground and keeping my best Carlisle for a spare, but I have been told not to put a bias ply tire on the same axial as a radial. What is the affect? Should I worry about it since it will only be used as a spare?

Has anyone tried the trailer tires from Academy? I believe they are made by Tow Master. Thinking about getting these myself.