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How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on
vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. These were 14" tires that, yes, were original, so were 6 years old. They looked good, though. No obvious wear or cracking. I ended up having to get 15" tires from TSC as they didn't carry 14" ones. Being that it was 6:00 on a Saturday in a small town, there wasn't really any choice - either get the 15" tires or get nothing at that point. The guy at TSC said the 15's are better tires anyway, and would fit, which they did. He also told me that this happens quite often, and a lot of people get new trailer tires ~every 4 years, whether they look like they need replacing or not, as many times trailer tires will go without any warning, like they did with us. He also told me that 14" tires are not commonly carried. Another guy that this happened to had 14's and he had to get 15's to put on the trailer, which he changed out in the TSC parking lot. So if all these boat trailer have 14" tires, why don't retailers commonly carry them?? |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"M. Baker" wrote in message ups.com... We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. These were 14" tires that, yes, were original, so were 6 years old. They looked good, though. No obvious wear or cracking. I ended up having to get 15" tires from TSC as they didn't carry 14" ones. Being that it was 6:00 on a Saturday in a small town, there wasn't really any choice - either get the 15" tires or get nothing at that point. The guy at TSC said the 15's are better tires anyway, and would fit, which they did. He also told me that this happens quite often, and a lot of people get new trailer tires ~every 4 years, whether they look like they need replacing or not, as many times trailer tires will go without any warning, like they did with us. He also told me that 14" tires are not commonly carried. Another guy that this happened to had 14's and he had to get 15's to put on the trailer, which he changed out in the TSC parking lot. So if all these boat trailer have 14" tires, why don't retailers commonly carry them?? For boats in the 1500-2000 pound range... 13" tires seem to be the norm here. That's what I had on my new boat trailer. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
M. Baker wrote:
We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. These were 14" tires that, yes, were original, so were 6 years old. They looked good, though. No obvious wear or cracking. I ended up having to get 15" tires from TSC as they didn't carry 14" ones. Being that it was 6:00 on a Saturday in a small town, there wasn't really any choice - either get the 15" tires or get nothing at that point. The guy at TSC said the 15's are better tires anyway, and would fit, which they did. He also told me that this happens quite often, and a lot of people get new trailer tires ~every 4 years, whether they look like they need replacing or not, as many times trailer tires will go without any warning, like they did with us. He also told me that 14" tires are not commonly carried. Another guy that this happened to had 14's and he had to get 15's to put on the trailer, which he changed out in the TSC parking lot. So if all these boat trailer have 14" tires, why don't retailers commonly carry them?? When I had a boat and trailer, the tires were 20 yrs old. I kept the tires covered so they would not have UV degradation, and they were the original tires when I sold the boat. I would guess the tires were under inflated, and that will cause the tires to get hot. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Aug 23, 9:38 am, "Reginald P. Smithers III"
wrote: M. Baker wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. These were 14" tires that, yes, were original, so were 6 years old. They looked good, though. No obvious wear or cracking. I ended up having to get 15" tires from TSC as they didn't carry 14" ones. Being that it was 6:00 on a Saturday in a small town, there wasn't really any choice - either get the 15" tires or get nothing at that point. The guy at TSC said the 15's are better tires anyway, and would fit, which they did. He also told me that this happens quite often, and a lot of people get new trailer tires ~every 4 years, whether they look like they need replacing or not, as many times trailer tires will go without any warning, like they did with us. He also told me that 14" tires are not commonly carried. Another guy that this happened to had 14's and he had to get 15's to put on the trailer, which he changed out in the TSC parking lot. So if all these boat trailer have 14" tires, why don't retailers commonly carry them?? When I had a boat and trailer, the tires were 20 yrs old. I kept the tires covered so they would not have UV degradation, and they were the original tires when I sold the boat. I would guess the tires were under inflated, and that will cause the tires to get hot.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - That's what I was thinking, heat, improper inflation. Especially since all of them went. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Well, I do know that the original owner kept the boat/trailer in a
pole barn, so it wasn't exposed to the elements. Don't know about the tire pressure - maybe that was the problem, since BOTH of them blew out hours apart. What a horrible day that was - it took us 9 hours to get someplace that it should have taken us 4-1/2. Believe me - it's made me NOT want to trailer that boat anywhere again! On Aug 23, 9:38 am, "Reginald P. Smithers III" wrote: M. Baker wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. These were 14" tires that, yes, were original, so were 6 years old. They looked good, though. No obvious wear or cracking. I ended up having to get 15" tires from TSC as they didn't carry 14" ones. Being that it was 6:00 on a Saturday in a small town, there wasn't really any choice - either get the 15" tires or get nothing at that point. The guy at TSC said the 15's are better tires anyway, and would fit, which they did. He also told me that this happens quite often, and a lot of people get new trailer tires ~every 4 years, whether they look like they need replacing or not, as many times trailer tires will go without any warning, like they did with us. He also told me that 14" tires are not commonly carried. Another guy that this happened to had 14's and he had to get 15's to put on the trailer, which he changed out in the TSC parking lot. So if all these boat trailer have 14" tires, why don't retailers commonly carry them?? When I had a boat and trailer, the tires were 20 yrs old. I kept the tires covered so they would not have UV degradation, and they were the original tires when I sold the boat. I would guess the tires were under inflated, and that will cause the tires to get hot.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:05:37 -0700, "M. Baker"
wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. Air pressure. The tires overheated. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
OK - for future reference with these new tires....do you check the
pressure with the trailer loaded, or unloaded? I'm assuming loaded. On Aug 23, 9:45 am, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote: On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:05:37 -0700, "M. Baker" wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. Air pressure. The tires overheated. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:00:05 -0700, "M. Baker"
wrote: OK - for future reference with these new tires....do you check the pressure with the trailer loaded, or unloaded? I'm assuming loaded. Loaded and cold. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
M. Baker wrote:
OK - for future reference with these new tires....do you check the pressure with the trailer loaded, or unloaded? I'm assuming loaded. On Aug 23, 9:45 am, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote: On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:05:37 -0700, "M. Baker" wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. Air pressure. The tires overheated. Check them loaded and every time you use the trailer. This is probably overkill, but I supported the trailer on 3 jacks so the weight was actually on the jacks, and not on the tires. I put one on the front of the trailer and 2 behind the tires. That way if the tires deflated over the winter, it would not have a negative impact the sidewalls. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"M. Baker" wrote in message oups.com... Well, I do know that the original owner kept the boat/trailer in a pole barn, so it wasn't exposed to the elements. Don't know about the tire pressure - maybe that was the problem, since BOTH of them blew out hours apart. What a horrible day that was - it took us 9 hours to get someplace that it should have taken us 4-1/2. Believe me - it's made me NOT want to trailer that boat anywhere again! That's nothing compared to what happened to me on the very first road trip I took with my new (2006) 'custom built' boat trailer. After numerous e-mails, phone calls & a letter at time of mailing my $600.00 deposit last year stating that I wanted excess capacity for a sailboat rated at 1200 lbs dry... (I demanded a carry capability of 200 lbs) the idiot small time manufacturer put a 2500 lb axle & 2000 lb rated springs on the trailer. I found out about this at a gas station about 500 km from home on my way to a regatta another 1500 km inland. The springs gave way, and the hanger shackles in the rear flattened up against the frame. This lowered the fender right on top of the tire and quickly wore away 2/3rds of the thread and burned right through a heavy steel fender. This of course happens at 1800 hts in a rural area. We found a truck spring shop and the next day,after mulling the problem over, decided on heavier springs. This got us another 100 km down the road where we had to drop into a second shop who welded new pivot eyes on the trailer frame 1.25" further back to support the rear hanger/shackle. The rest of the trip was fine after spending a total of $300.00 plus the loss of that one tire (only good for spare) and the beat up fenders. Too add insult, the original manufacturer is blaming everyone from the spring supplier to the devil for the problem and refuses to accept responsibility. Looks like small claims court might be the only way to get something back on this fiasco. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Another question - how do you know how much the trailer/boat weighs?
It's a 17' Lund Mr. Pike with a 115hp motor, plus the 2001 Trailmaster trailer. There's capacity label on the trailer, and I'm assuming the boat/motor falls within that rating, since it was sold as a package when it was new, to the guy we bought it from. Just wondering, for the truck we're using ('99 Silverado 1500), what the total tow weight is, etc. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"Don White" wrote in message ... yada yada... Forgot to mention...we weighed the boat and trailer at a gov't highway weigh station and boat/trailer combo hit the scales at 1060 kg... about 2337 pounds. Outboard, gas can & anchor were in the pickup bed & not included in this weight. (nor was any non-boating stuff like luggage) |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:38:40 -0400, Reginald P. Smithers III penned
the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats: M. Baker wrote: When I had a boat and trailer, the tires were 20 yrs old. I kept the tires covered so they would not have UV degradation, and they were the original tires when I sold the boat. I would guess the tires were under inflated, and that will cause the tires to get hot. That is the key! They will dry rot before they wear out. Keep them away from ozone (electric motors), grease/oil, and UV and they should last a long time. -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Homepage http://pamandgene.idleplay.net/ Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats ----------------- www.Newsgroup-Binaries.com - *Completion*Retention*Speed* Access your favorite newsgroups from home or on the road ----------------- |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:00:05 -0700, "M. Baker"
wrote: OK - for future reference with these new tires....do you check the pressure with the trailer loaded, or unloaded? I'm assuming loaded. I wouldn't think it would matter. The big thing is that trailer tires have a significantly higher air pressure than a car tire. While a car tire may be 30 to 35 PSI, most trailer tires are more like 55 to 65 PSI. There are a number of trailering guides on the web, but I just found this one real quick. It gives lots of tips for trailering your boat. BTW replying to another part of this thread your truck (Silverado 1500 I believe) should be plenty of truck for a 17' trailer boat. Without looking up anything I would guess that the boat is about 1,800 to 2,200 pounds (with motor and gas) and the trailer is another 1,000 pounds. I would guess that a Silverado 1500 (which sure sounds like a 3/4 ton, full sized truck) would have a tow capacity of at least 6,000 pounds. These are all assumptions (yeah I know what assume spells) so check your truck manual and consider weighing the boat at an interstate highway weigh station (I have seen that recommendation on the web - I do not know of anyone who has actually done this and wonder if people actually do this.) Dave Hall http://www.geocities.com/palmbeachbo...intenance.html On Aug 23, 9:45 am, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote: On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:05:37 -0700, "M. Baker" wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. Air pressure. The tires overheated. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Good idea - wonder if there's a weigh station in our vicinity
anywhere? The truck is a 1/2 ton, not 3/4. But still...it's not like 17' is a HUGE boat or anything. I would think it's alright for the truck, but would like to know how much the boat/motor and boat/motor/trailer weighs anyway, just to be 100% sure. I think the Capacity weight on the trailer stamp said 3500 or 3700 lbs. On Aug 23, 12:10 pm, Dave Hall wrote: On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:00:05 -0700, "M. Baker" wrote: OK - for future reference with these new tires....do you check the pressure with the trailer loaded, or unloaded? I'm assuming loaded. I wouldn't think it would matter. The big thing is that trailer tires have a significantly higher air pressure than a car tire. While a car tire may be 30 to 35 PSI, most trailer tires are more like 55 to 65 PSI. There are a number of trailering guides on the web, but I just found this one real quick. It gives lots of tips for trailering your boat. BTW replying to another part of this thread your truck (Silverado 1500 I believe) should be plenty of truck for a 17' trailer boat. Without looking up anything I would guess that the boat is about 1,800 to 2,200 pounds (with motor and gas) and the trailer is another 1,000 pounds. I would guess that a Silverado 1500 (which sure sounds like a 3/4 ton, full sized truck) would have a tow capacity of at least 6,000 pounds. These are all assumptions (yeah I know what assume spells) so check your truck manual and consider weighing the boat at an interstate highway weigh station (I have seen that recommendation on the web - I do not know of anyone who has actually done this and wonder if people actually do this.) Dave Hallhttp://www.geocities.com/palmbeachboating/trailer_maintenance.html On Aug 23, 9:45 am, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote: On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:05:37 -0700, "M. Baker" wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. Air pressure. The tires overheated.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:25:51 -0700, M. Baker wrote:
Good idea - wonder if there's a weigh station in our vicinity anywhere? Got any sand & gravel pits around? The town dump? |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Yeah - I can check there. Thanks.
On Aug 23, 1:30 pm, thunder wrote: On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:25:51 -0700, M. Baker wrote: Good idea - wonder if there's a weigh station in our vicinity anywhere? Got any sand & gravel pits around? The town dump? |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"M. Baker" wrote in message
oups.com... Don't know about the tire pressure - maybe that was the problem, since BOTH of them blew out hours apart. You just said something important. You **MUST** make a point of knowing about the tire pressure. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Yeah, I know. It was so hard this time, being as we JUST got the boat
a week before, and had all the legal stuff to take care of quickly(registration, insurance, etc.), getting the wiring squared away to connect for the trailer lights, and figuring out what all to take, etc. My husband tried checking the pressure with the gauge he has in his truck, but it only went up to 40, and it went well past that. I think he said the 14" tires were rated for 50psi. On Aug 23, 1:53 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "M. Baker" wrote in message oups.com... Don't know about the tire pressure - maybe that was the problem, since BOTH of them blew out hours apart. You just said something important. You **MUST** make a point of knowing about the tire pressure. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Well, on future trips, you should check it daily.
"M. Baker" wrote in message ups.com... Yeah, I know. It was so hard this time, being as we JUST got the boat a week before, and had all the legal stuff to take care of quickly(registration, insurance, etc.), getting the wiring squared away to connect for the trailer lights, and figuring out what all to take, etc. My husband tried checking the pressure with the gauge he has in his truck, but it only went up to 40, and it went well past that. I think he said the 14" tires were rated for 50psi. On Aug 23, 1:53 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "M. Baker" wrote in message oups.com... Don't know about the tire pressure - maybe that was the problem, since BOTH of them blew out hours apart. You just said something important. You **MUST** make a point of knowing about the tire pressure. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"M. Baker" wrote in message
ups.com... We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. By the way, this is just the beginning of the boat antics. 1) Sometimes you might need to stand in the water at the boat launch to get the thing onto the trailer. Take your wallet out of your pocket, and maybe your keys, too. Ramps are slippery. 2) Got a drain plug in the boat? One day, you may remove it while washing the boat in the driveway. Then, you won't put it back in. Have the bilge pump ready at the next launching. :-) 3) How long are your dock lines (ropes), and how thick? They're not the colorful plastic kind, are they? |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"M. Baker" wrote in message ups.com... We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. By the way, this is just the beginning of the boat antics. 1) Sometimes you might need to stand in the water at the boat launch to get the thing onto the trailer. Take your wallet out of your pocket, and maybe your keys, too. Ramps are slippery. 2) Got a drain plug in the boat? One day, you may remove it while washing the boat in the driveway. Then, you won't put it back in. Have the bilge pump ready at the next launching. :-) I always clipped the drain plug onto my boat keys, so I won't forget. Now when I winterize the engine, I place one of the hose clamps onto the key ring to remind me to put the plugs and clamps back onto all of the hoses in the spring time. 3) How long are your dock lines (ropes), and how thick? They're not the colorful plastic kind, are they? |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Believe me - I've already thought of the drain plug. :)
We got to the cottage so late that we decided to wait until the next day to launch it. It rained pretty hard that night. The next morning hubby pulled the drain plug to let the water drain out. I made sure to remind him to put that plug back in before we launched it! I've just subscribed to Trailering Boats and Bass & Walleye Boats magazines, and printed a bunch of stuff off from one of their websites on towing, for future reference. I think we have both the colored plastic/nylon ropes that came with the boat from the guy we bought it from, plus I bought another regular thicker rope. Why? On Aug 23, 2:15 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "M. Baker" wrote in message ups.com... We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. By the way, this is just the beginning of the boat antics. 1) Sometimes you might need to stand in the water at the boat launch to get the thing onto the trailer. Take your wallet out of your pocket, and maybe your keys, too. Ramps are slippery. 2) Got a drain plug in the boat? One day, you may remove it while washing the boat in the driveway. Then, you won't put it back in. Have the bilge pump ready at the next launching. :-) 3) How long are your dock lines (ropes), and how thick? They're not the colorful plastic kind, are they? |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"M. Baker" wrote in message
ps.com... Believe me - I've already thought of the drain plug. :) We got to the cottage so late that we decided to wait until the next day to launch it. It rained pretty hard that night. The next morning hubby pulled the drain plug to let the water drain out. I made sure to remind him to put that plug back in before we launched it! I've just subscribed to Trailering Boats and Bass & Walleye Boats magazines, and printed a bunch of stuff off from one of their websites on towing, for future reference. I think we have both the colored plastic/nylon ropes that came with the boat from the guy we bought it from, plus I bought another regular thicker rope. Why? Plastic: If it's the scratchy kind, it's made for towing skiers or something. It's stiff and will sometimes untie its own knots. That's not good. As to my more general question, try this in your yard on a very windy day. Measure a distance of 25 feet. Try to throw a bundle of your boat rope into the wind, to a person standing 25 feet away. If you can't do it in one throw, your rope is too short and probably too light (skinny). One day, you'll be trying to dock the boat when some sort of bizarre wind has kicked up, and someone one the dock may offer to catch a line for you. You can figure out the rest. Don't be one of those fools who's got shoelaces for boat rope. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
M. Baker wrote:
Believe me - I've already thought of the drain plug. :) We got to the cottage so late that we decided to wait until the next day to launch it. It rained pretty hard that night. The next morning hubby pulled the drain plug to let the water drain out. I made sure to remind him to put that plug back in before we launched it! I've just subscribed to Trailering Boats and Bass & Walleye Boats magazines, and printed a bunch of stuff off from one of their websites on towing, for future reference. I think we have both the colored plastic/nylon ropes that came with the boat from the guy we bought it from, plus I bought another regular thicker rope. Why? On Aug 23, 2:15 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "M. Baker" wrote in message ups.com... We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. By the way, this is just the beginning of the boat antics. 1) Sometimes you might need to stand in the water at the boat launch to get the thing onto the trailer. Take your wallet out of your pocket, and maybe your keys, too. Ramps are slippery. 2) Got a drain plug in the boat? One day, you may remove it while washing the boat in the driveway. Then, you won't put it back in. Have the bilge pump ready at the next launching. :-) 3) How long are your dock lines (ropes), and how thick? They're not the colorful plastic kind, are they? You don't want to use PolyProp lines, but there are some colored nylon lines that are good dock lines (they are normally white, black or blue). Polyprop will fray easier, degrade in UV quicker, will not have as much give as nylon, which can be tough on your cleats, and will not allow you to belay the cleat properly. http://www.ropeworks.biz/reader/cleat.pdf PolyProp is a floating line used to pull tubes and skiers only. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... "M. Baker" wrote in message ps.com... Believe me - I've already thought of the drain plug. :) We got to the cottage so late that we decided to wait until the next day to launch it. It rained pretty hard that night. The next morning hubby pulled the drain plug to let the water drain out. I made sure to remind him to put that plug back in before we launched it! I've just subscribed to Trailering Boats and Bass & Walleye Boats magazines, and printed a bunch of stuff off from one of their websites on towing, for future reference. I think we have both the colored plastic/nylon ropes that came with the boat from the guy we bought it from, plus I bought another regular thicker rope. Why? Plastic: If it's the scratchy kind, it's made for towing skiers or something. It's stiff and will sometimes untie its own knots. That's not good. As to my more general question, try this in your yard on a very windy day. Measure a distance of 25 feet. Try to throw a bundle of your boat rope into the wind, to a person standing 25 feet away. If you can't do it in one throw, your rope is too short and probably too light (skinny). One day, you'll be trying to dock the boat when some sort of bizarre wind has kicked up, and someone one the dock may offer to catch a line for you. You can figure out the rest. Don't be one of those fools who's got shoelaces for boat rope. This may not apply so much in your case..but the bow & aft lines should normally be nylon. If's better to have a little streatch and springness to allow for the ebb & flow at a dock. That polyproplene stuff may float but doesn't streatch.... so it might be good if you were using it as a 'painter' on a dinghy. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Aug 23, 6:05 am, "M. Baker" wrote:
We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. There is another point here. Yes, the tires could be underinflated. Yes they could be undersized for the weight of the boat and trailer (I get about 1115 pounds for the boat). Yes, you could have picked up nails in both tires, short enough to not (yet) affect the tires on the towing vehicle, but long enough to lose tire pressure on the trailer and blowout. When you say "had to take the boat with you", did you stuff it full of "bringalongs" like a U-haul? There are weight limits on tires... David A. Smith |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
No, most of our vacation gear (luggage, etc.) was in the bed of the
truck. The boat had the trolling motor (attached), life jackets, rope, fishing poles, bait box, the anchor, fish finder, the lights for night boating, fishing net - stuff like that. Mostly lighter stuff except the anchor and trolling motor. Oh - and from the 2nd blow-out on, it carried the three 3 old 14" tires (or what was left of them). :-S The sticker on the new tires said "capacity 1800 lb" - I assume that's per tire, so a total weight, boat/motor/trailer, of 3600 lb.? On Aug 23, 4:05 pm, dlzc wrote: On Aug 23, 6:05 am, "M. Baker" wrote: We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. There is another point here. Yes, the tires could be underinflated. Yes they could be undersized for the weight of the boat and trailer (I get about 1115 pounds for the boat). Yes, you could have picked up nails in both tires, short enough to not (yet) affect the tires on the towing vehicle, but long enough to lose tire pressure on the trailer and blowout. When you say "had to take the boat with you", did you stuff it full of "bringalongs" like a U-haul? There are weight limits on tires... David A. Smith |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:00:41 -0700, "M. Baker"
wrote: The sticker on the new tires said "capacity 1800 lb" - I assume that's per tire, so a total weight, boat/motor/trailer, of 3600 lb.? Yes. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
M. Baker wrote:
We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. These were 14" tires that, yes, were original, so were 6 years old. They looked good, though. No obvious wear or cracking. I ended up having to get 15" tires from TSC as they didn't carry 14" ones. Being that it was 6:00 on a Saturday in a small town, there wasn't really any choice - either get the 15" tires or get nothing at that point. The guy at TSC said the 15's are better tires anyway, and would fit, which they did. He also told me that this happens quite often, and a lot of people get new trailer tires ~every 4 years, whether they look like they need replacing or not, as many times trailer tires will go without any warning, like they did with us. He also told me that 14" tires are not commonly carried. Another guy that this happened to had 14's and he had to get 15's to put on the trailer, which he changed out in the TSC parking lot. So if all these boat trailer have 14" tires, why don't retailers commonly carry them?? Alot depends on usage of course and having proper inflation. Trailers do not have really good suspensions as compaired to cars. They are alot stiffer. We ran the stock bias-plys on our cuddy for about 10 years. But only took it on a long trip the after about 4 (we moved) But if memory servers they was suppose to have alot higher pressure then typical car tires. I think it was 60 psi. But I could be wrong on that. Ours had 14 as well and when they were replaced the tire folks had to find some at another location. That was in Atlanta so I could see how a small town they might be harder. Capt Jack R.. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
On Aug 23, 11:00?am, "M. Baker" wrote:
Yeah, I know. It was so hard this time, being as we JUST got the boat a week before, and had all the legal stuff to take care of quickly(registration, insurance, etc.), getting the wiring squared away to connect for the trailer lights, and figuring out what all to take, etc. My husband tried checking the pressure with the gauge he has in his truck, but it only went up to 40, and it went well past that. I think he said the 14" tires were rated for 50psi. On Aug 23, 1:53 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "M. Baker" wrote in message roups.com... Don't know about the tire pressure - maybe that was the problem, since BOTH of them blew out hours apart. You just said something important. You **MUST** make a point of knowing about the tire pressure.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Let me see here - you bought a boat, were overwhelmed by registration paperwork, either didn't have a tire pressure gauge/had the wrong one/ didn't know how much air pressure to put in the tires or how to check the pressure, and with your family in the tow vehicle, went hammering down the road at 70 mph. Lost one tire at 70, slowed down to 60 'cause you got scared, and lost another one. Try reading your state DMV publications and take some kind of safe boating class. USPS basic seamanship classes could save your life. Once you are on the water (and before) it isn't a joke. |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
Around 8/23/2007 6:05 AM, M. Baker wrote:
We just bought a 2001 Lund Mr. Pike a couple weeks ago. We went on vacation last week, and of course had to take the boat with us. About 40 miles from home, the driver's side trailer tire blew out while on the freeway going almost 70mph. Then, about 100 miles later, the OTHER trailer tire blew out - this time we were only going 60mph, as we were paranoid after the first blow-out. Blue-Boat's trailer has 4.80x8 tires, and I lost one last weekend on the very last corner before pulling into the driveway. It blew a small hole in the sidewall while turning the corner, lost air steadily, and finally popped one bead right as I was pulling up to the driveway. When I took it into Discount Tire yesterday to get a new one, they looked at the date code, and the tire was manufactured in 1981. Gotta watch out for that dry rot! :) -- ~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat" "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -- Kenneth Grahame ~~ Ventis secundis, tene cursum ~~ |
How long do boat trailer tires typically last?
"Garth Almgren" wrote in message ... Around 8/23/2007 6:05 AM, M. Baker wrote: Blue-Boat's trailer has 4.80x8 tires, and I lost one last weekend on the very last corner before pulling into the driveway. It blew a small hole in the sidewall while turning the corner, lost air steadily, and finally popped one bead right as I was pulling up to the driveway. When I took it into Discount Tire yesterday to get a new one, they looked at the date code, and the tire was manufactured in 1981. Gotta watch out for that dry rot! :) LOL that's awesome |
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