Goodyear Trailer Tires: Stiff Sidewalls To Reduce Sway

If you have a trailer, you know that the tires on your trailer are just as important as the tires on your vehicle. Trailer tires play a big role in the ease of hauling your trailer as well as handling, traction, and safety. Goodyear trailer tires are the favorite of many drivers, but no matter which brand you choose you should know the specific requirements of your trailer and which tires are right for it.

Trailer Tires Vs Car Tires

The requirements for trailer tires vary greatly from those of cars and trucks. Car tires must be able to maintain traction during a variety of driving conditions such as stopping, pulling, turning, and swerving. They need flexible sidewalls to maintain the best possible tire to road traction. The same is not true for trailer tires; they do not have as many driving conditions applied to them as no torque is applied to their axles. They do have to be able to withstand braking and maintain proper traction if the trailer's brakes are used, however.

Stiff Sidewalls To Reduce Sway

Trailer tires have their own set of requirements that are affected by the type of trailer and load. Trailers that carry heavy loads will need tires that can withstand the added pressure and are rated for the weight. Trailers with high vertical loads such as camper trailers will need tires that reduce sway problems with rigid walls.

Using tires that are made for use in cars and trucks with flexible side walls can accentuate these sway problems making driving with the trailer unsafe. Passenger tires or light truck tires should never be used on trailers for this reason. Special trailer tires with stiff sidewalls are the safest type of tire for trailers with tall loads.

Different Suspension

Selecting the correct type of tires is essential for the safety of your vehicle and passengers. Special trailer tires are usually more expensive than passenger or light truck tires, but they will be able to handle the added abuse of a trailer and help to stop any sway and traction problems. Most trailers have a different suspension system than cars, one that is less sophisticated, so tires need to be specially designed to work with this system effectively. Because there are many differences between the needs of trailer tires and automobile tires, Goodyear makes different types of tires for each type of vehicle.

Bias Ply

Goodyear trailer tires come in a few different construction styles. Radial tires are designed for use on cars and trucks and their flexible side walls are not suited for use on trailers. Bias ply construction gives tires stiffer sidewalls and makes them more resistant to sway. Make sure you find out which types of tires are compatible with your trailer before making a purchase. You should be able to find this information in the owner's manual for your trailer. You may be able to use different types or sizes depending on the size of the load you will be hauling. Make sure you pick a tire that will provide the best traction when braking as well as reduce sway.