Trailers....Bah!...

[Master Yota]

So I'm on the highway today bringing home my latest and greatest aquisition (aren't they all?) and I'm in the middle of nowhere when some guy flys past me with his buddy hanging out the window gesticulating at me that something isn't right with my load, and that it would be in my best interest to pull over and inspect the situation. I'm thinking a strap has come loose or perhaps I misinterpreted his gestures ( I don't speak drunken fool sign language).

I wish that was the case as I found this when I pulled over.


I must've spent too much time on the road today, as I didn't even feel the tire let go, couldn't see it in the mirror, and didn't even notice that the trailer was no longer level. (I thought I was alert - I'd just consumed a piping hot coffee 15 mins ago...!)
I didn't really plan the trip too well either, as I'd left the lug wrench at home, and as usuall the factory wrench for an '08 chevy is too big to fit the trailer. Wonderful.

Walked back to the trailer to contemplate a solution when I noticed this:


Just my luck - now I need two spares! I must've really irritated Karma on this trip! As I was returning to the truck I happened to notice the Barnsness trailer decal on the rear ramp - DING! a thought happens - I'm only about eight miles away from where we purchased the trailer! Hop in the Chevy, dial up onstar for a phone call, and viola I'm speaking with the man incharge! He (Nelson) even stayed late to await my arrival for spare parts and a lug wrench (great service, he's awesome!).

Purchased another tire and wheel assy. to compliment the spare and then proceded back to the trailer. To my delight I discovered that a Gm screw jack will lift a fully loaded 10000lb car trailer which allowed me to change both tires. To my dismay however the heavens open up and dumped buckets of water on me after I cracked the first lug nut loose. To my amusement, every passer-by got the enjoyment of seeing a soggy fat guy in a wet T-shirt. (I have no picture of that thankfully!)

All in all, was a worth while day - I got some excercise, spent some money, had a shower, and made it home safe and sound. Tomorrow I get to unload the trailer, and then make peace with the neighbors over my fledgeling auto wrecking yard that is currently under development in the back yard.

[T. Highway]

Good thing the stranger pointed the problem out to you, it looks like you had only moments before the other tire would of let go and you would of been in the ditch.
What load range tires are you running? They kind of look like standard car tires. I use Goodyear Towmaster tires on my trailers, load range E bias ply.

[Master Yota]

These are load range D radial tires, (oem equipment right from the factory) on this trailer. 2500lb capacity at 65psi. They should be sufficient for the 10000lb GVW rating on the trailer. That being said however, I'm definitely considering some some different tires with a higher weight capacity. I suspect that I may have had the equalizer hitch adjusted to high, and shifted some additional weight to the rear of the trailer, possibley causing the rear tires to run with more load on them. I'm certain the front tire separated just shortly after the rear blew out as it was instantly carrying 100% more than its rated capacity. The trailer wasn't over loaded, but was probably within 1000lbs of its capacity (as evidenced by the tires). The real bummer is that these tires are all in good shape, with minimal wear.

Lucky-me for a good samaritan! Hitting the ditch would have really sucked!

[rixm37]

ooohhh brother the man upstairs was watchin' you today !! Glad you are OK and so is your rig. I shudder to think of what could of happened if you hadn't pulled over!!.

[Gerry]

not to change the subject but we cant see your new toy on the trailer.

[HingsingM37]

Wow, what an adventure. Good thing you were alerted and you stopped before things got really ugly.

[Sal]

Your one lucky person, Good thing you had the FORCE with you......

[Master Yota]

not to change the subject but we cant see your new toy on the trailer.

Well, my new "toy" isn't a Dodge, or Chrysler, or even anything from the Mopar brand, and I still don't have an actual picture of it. I've been looking for a tow rig to pack my camper, pull my boat, and whatever else, (So I don't have to borrow dads truck anymore) and I found this truck about 150 miles away. The price was too good to pass up, and all it needs is a little TLC in the body department. Please don't hate me cause its a Chevy.... Its an '81 K3500 4x4 Crew cab, with only 65,000 original miles on it! 454, 4spd, NP205, dana 60 front, 14bolt rear, 8000lb winch, and some spare body panels. For the princely sum of 1500 beans I suppose it was worth the extra headache of a tire swap...

I guess the "force" was with me - now if I could only influence the lottery numbers I'd be set!

[Josh]

Jesus, chebby or not, thaty is a STEAL! Good find!

[Master Yota]

Jesus, chebby or not, thaty is a STEAL! Good find!

Thats what I figured - between the functional winch and bumper, the orriginal bumper, the spare clutch and pressure plate, the two box sides, extra tailgate, refurbished front drive shaft and front hubs, and spare rear hubs and drums, plus two extra rims and tires - I figure I got the truck for 600 bucks or so minus the add-ons...

All its in need of are the rocker panels replaced, and some minor rust repair, and then a fuel system flush. I have most of the body panels to do the job, and fuel system cleaner is pretty cheap. I'm pretty happy at the moment.

[Brett]

I'd say your tire problem was more age related than anything. the chinese trailer tires most places sell are really bad about that. The equalizer between the springs on the trailer ensures a relatively equal load between both axles. do yourself a favor, and get 4 good 10 ply tires on there. Keeping the sun off of them while stored is a good idea too.

Brett

[Master Yota]

The tires on the trailer where new - less than 2 years old, and had only 2000 miles or so on them - even the chinese stuff should last longer than that. The trailer now has four new 10 ply radial tires on it. The radials handle the heat better and should last longer. The equalizer I was refering to attaches between the truck and the trailer, not the trailer springs. Its designed to offset (transfer) excess tongue weight to the front of the truck to help level the load. I had it cranked right up to help offset the weight of the 454, D60, and the winch bumper. The bumper was well out over the tongue due to the length of the truck.

In reality, all it takes is a sharp stone or pothole to damage a trailer tire. And there are plenty of those on the highways around here. I'm just happy it had a positive outcome...

[Brett]

You're right, they should last more than 2 years and 2k miles, but they often don't. My current daily pull at work wen't through all 6 original tires in less than 6 mos. I was getting pretty tired of changing tires on the side of the road before they were all gone. My Boss would only replace them as they blew, and I was not happy about it. The trailer came with some ST235/80 10 ply made in china crap. and we replaced them with Goodyear G504's 14 ply in the same size. Just a tad over $300 per tire, but no failures in a year and a half. My trailer gets about 30k-40k miles per year. As far as the hitch, I'm very familiar with the type you mentioned. I'm a huge fan of them, they are a LOT safer. But on your trailer they won't put more load on one axle because the trailer suspension will balance the load equally between the two axles.

Brett

[Master Yota]

...As far as the hitch, I'm very familiar with the type you mentioned. I'm a huge fan of them, they are a LOT safer. But on your trailer they won't put more load on one axle because the trailer suspension will balance the load equally between the two axles.

Brett

I figured as much - but when the rain is pooring down, and you're asking god "WHY" - its possible to invent any answer to satisfy the excuse...

[NebM37]

Wow looks like you had a good day compared to what it could have been. I have been in a similar spot once...these days people ask me why my fancy looking featherlight car trailer has two spare tires mounted on it. I learn pretty quick lol

I'd guess your correct about the sec tire failing due to the additional load after the first one failed. I have seen that happen to even high end trailer rubber on many occasions. Including once in a T storm to me. Hence the two spares always.

As for load distributing hitches, and trailers axles equalizing weight: Depending on axle type it's very possible to load one heavier than the other. Owing my own scale (farmer) I have done some pretty intense experimenting with load equalizer hitches and axle weight. Torsion axles are the worst at this but even the older style equalizer axles can be easily overloaded. Just last week I hauled my skid steer and mower on the trailer to a farm we have. I had 5200lbs on the front axle, and 2700 on the rear, with 1400lbs tongue weight. Sometimes it's impossible to load weight evenly when you have a full trailer deck.

NoRM