Another Trailer Tire Question

[TJ Moose]

I bought a used utility trailer for cheap (18' flatbed tandem), and 2 of the tires on it are various and sundry used auto tires. Not even the same sizes, I'm ashamed to say, but you know how $$ (or lack thereof) dictate some choices - including getting matching tires. The other 2 tires are trailer tires, which of course say "for towing use only." I understand the optimum scenario is to have tires of matched size and construction. BUT - the real question - what is the difference between regular auto/truck use tires and trailer tires? (I most generally tow a trail Jeep that weighs in at about 5000 lb.) Is it a problem using auto tires on a trailer, as long as weight ratings/air pressure considerations are properly observed and maintained? (As they say - enquiring minds want to know.....) Thanks in advance for any info.

[rjschoolcraft]

The mismatched sizes will cause one tire to be overloaded while the other is underloaded. It will be tough to stay within the weight ratings for the auto tires...

When I first bought my utility trailer seven years ago, it had auto tires all the way around. Like you, I didn't want to change them for cost reasons. After two blow outs at highway speed... I bought new trailer tires with the appropriate weight rating all the way around (even the spare).

P.S. I actually ran with used truck tires of appropriate weight rating at first. However, the minimal tread depth made them magnets for screws and nails. Couldn't keep air in them.

[DennisG01]

Trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls and the tread is "stronger" to deal with the scuffing it will encounter during tight turning. Using a car tire is asking for trouble - the tire may all of a sudden blow out or the tread may even seperate and come off!

[moondoggie]

Good Day!

RJ: Were the trailer tires rated any differently for weight than the auto tires that failed?

I was told by a tire dealer that the only difference between car tires & trailer tires was they added something to trailer tires so they don