Tire Pressure 80 PSI Cold (as indicated on the side wall).

In 2017, I purchased an ACME Tow Dolly to pull our car behind our RV. At the time I purchased the dolly, I also purchased a full spare tire and extra tire. I used the original set of tire for approximately 5K miles (Vancouver, BC and Los Angeles). Still plenty of rubber left. But I have decided to swap to the NEW set of spare tires I have before last year’s trip to Alberta, Canada.

Last Summer, we drove to Alberta, Canada (about 3.5 K miles roundtrip). Last week, we drove another 500 miles roundtrip to Bryce Canyon. When we returned home, I noticed that one of the tire (Left tire) was really worn out. Worse than the right tire. The right tire in fact still have plenty of thread left (see picture).

Today, I have decided to replace the Left Wheel/Tire with my “old spare tire”. After I pulled out the tire, I noticed that it looked bigger. When I compare it with the other tire, I was surprised to see that the Left Tire looked a LOT Bigger (diameter). How can this happen? I am glad we did not have a blow out while towing the car.

Tire that came with the dolly, as well as the extra 2 tires are all Radial Trailer Tire, (KENDA KARRIER, LOAD-STAR ST145R12, Load Range “E”).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ador,

Certainly not an expert, but it seems the radial "wires" have broken down causing the bulge.

Tinyman

More Sun & Heat on one side of the trailer where it is parked ?

Yeah, that's misshapen enough I think you've got internal issues at play. Likely due to over/under inflation or some serious hits in transit.

Forced to guess I'd say overinflation if you were using that 80PSI as a guide. That is the max pressure, not recommended running pressure. I'd expect usable range to be more likely in the 35-40# range unless your dolly had a dumptruck on it. My trailer tires for a 6,000 boat rig is only only recommended at 37 I believe.

Tow Dolly was kept inside our garage when not in use. Both tires looked the same at the beginning of our latest trip. I am in the process of ordering a new set of tires for my dolly. Unfortunately, this is the ONLY available "E" Rated trailer tire I can find from etrailer. No avaible E Rated tire from local tire stores.

quote:

Originally posted by TomV:
More Sun & Heat on one side of the trailer where it is parked ?

The dolly may pull or be loaded in an unbalanced manner causing the wear issues, but I would bet the busted belts came from an impact.

You overinflated those tires, that's why it's primarily worn on the crown. You probably only really need ~60psi, depending on the load. BUT, it depends on the load, you don't just inflate to max pressure on the side of the tire. I would think the dolly manufacturer can give you inflation numbers based on load.

Try that same exercise on your car, inflate to the tires labelled max pressure, and see how much your ride quality suffers and mostly wears on the summit/crown.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:
Yeah, that's misshapen enough I think you've got internal issues at play. Likely due to over/under inflation or some serious hits in transit.

Forced to guess I'd say overinflation if you were using that 80PSI as a guide. That is the max pressure, not recommended running pressure. I'd expect usable range to be more likely in the 35-40# range unless your dolly had a dumptruck on it. My trailer tires for a 6,000 boat rig is only only recommended at 37 I believe.

At 65psi it's rated for 1,220 lbs and at 80psi it's rated for 1,520lbs. I'd run 80. The tread is down to the wear bars on the left and middle, that's not over inflation.

What's the speed rating of the tires and how fast do you drive? A lot of trailer tires are rated for up to 65mph, although this has been changing in recent years.

Let the air out of that tire ASAP. If the belts are broken, the tire could fail (catastrophically).

The steel belt has separated from the rubber, then air migrated into the space. It is also worn down pretty far. Replace it yesterday.

I already took it off from the dolly this morning. I did bot notice the wear on the thread on the way home from the campground last week. I already ordered a set of replacement tires. Getting ready for another road trip to Colorado Springs, CO 4th of July week.

I used to inflate my tires to 65 PSI when I was towing our previous car (2012 Volkswagen GTI, 3,150 lbs). We just got a 2020 Mini Cooper Clubman (3,500 lbs). Thats why I inflated the tires to 80 psi (max allowed). I drive 65 mph. Maybe 70-75 mph to pass some big rig trucks (if needed).

Looking at the photos, they look like different tires and wheels. Tread pattern is different, wheel is different.
The country of origin is "Asian". Let me guess.
Buy some better quality tires.
The gun version of this question is, I bought a Lorcin....

I can't see the date in the pictures, but if those tires are over 5 years old, you should look at replacing them anyway.

I just noticed something, those rims don't match. Maybe someone swapped a bad tire on you.

They are the same wheels/rims. The one on the Top pic (with problem tire) have the “outside” facing up. The bottom one have the “inside” of the wheel facing up.

One tire stamped “2816” production date. The other “1516”. So both tires manufactured in 2016.

I can’t find any US made tires made for trailer that have “E” or greater load rating. Not even from etrailer or Discount Tires.

quote:

I used to inflate my tires to 65 PSI when I was towing our previous car (2012 Volkswagen GTI, 3,150 lbs). We just got a 2020 Mini Cooper Clubman (3,500 lbs). Thats why I inflated the tires to 80 psi (max allowed).

Based on this and assuming trapper's numbers are right (not sure of source) you could carry 70% of the Mini's weight on this, less a little for the negligible weight of dolly.

Overinflating them isn't just unnecessary, it can lead to increase risk of damage like this when you hit debris or holes.

Do some math, and more isn't better is what I'd take away from this.

I was not able to find a Kenda 12” tire with an “E” rating and I don’t think you need anything that heavy duty to tow a Mini around...

The Kenda tires I found on e trailer had a D rating (65 psi max pressure) and I would think that’s more than enough to carry your car on a tow dolly...heck even most 1/2 ton pick ups these days come with C rated tires...

Is there any way to mount a larger diameter wheel/tire combination?

Look at the sidewall for the tire size, specifically the PROFILE number. There is a HUGE difference ins sidewall height between a 65 profile and an 80 profile.

Scooter- they're both the same size tire if you zoom in on the picture.

They're Chinese junk and the belts or plies are coming apart on the inside. I would also pull your bearings, make sure they're good and repack them with grease, first make sure the tire/rim spins like it should (pretty freely) when it's bolted to the axle, but off of the ground.

Goodyear Endurance trailer tires are made in the U.S.A. and the only trailer tires to use.......

OK folks. I'm pretty sure that some of our members here are more knowledgeable and more experienced than me on this matter. Please enlighten me and provide me some assistance here as I am now on a crossroad on whether to spend some $$$ on this 3 year old tow dolly, or sell it and buy a 16ft flat trailer and load up our cooper. I added the data plate of the tow dolly that have technical information. I don't think I can replace the wheel size as the data plate shows what the correct wheel size is. I would like to purchase a BETTER set of tires. But I cannot find that Good Year Endurance trailer tire on the size I need.

Questions:
1. My Mini Cooper Clubman weighs 3,500 lbs . Front axle weight is unknown at this time. Approximately what PSI should I run the dolly tires?

2. Wheel hubs are Dexter EZ lube, with Electric Brakes. I replaced the grease each year I have owned it (3 yrs) using grease pump. No play on the wheels when I lifted the wheels off the ground. The wheels spins freely. Does that mean wheel bearing are still good?

3. Brake shoes or pads? Not sure what it have. How do I check that?

I have been calling around Las Vegas area brake shops and trailer shops. NO one wants to work on my tow dolly. I would like to replace 2 tires and have the brakes and wheel bearings checked..

I am tempted to purchase entire Dexter EZ lube wheel hub and Electric Brake assembly. But they don't sell them fully assembled. And I can't find the Part Number for replacement parts. I called Dexter directly. They have not called back.

I am really getting frustrated with this dolly. I owned it 3 years and have never had any problem (except now). I just want to find a place that will work on it and check the brakes and bearings before our road trip this July 4th.