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Author Topic:   Tire Replacement Interval

Jefecinco posted 12-20-2013 10:54 AM ET (US)
I just saw the tire warranty and care booklet for my Ram. It states tires should be replaced every six years even though tread wear may be minimal and the tires appear undamaged.
I've heard a variety of replacement intervals over many years with the most common being five years. Although it is painful to replace moderately worn tires that appear to be almost new I'll replace mine after six years of use. That will be twelve tires over six years or an average of two tires per year. The 20 inch truck tires will be the worst but at least it won't be needed until Christmas of 2019 if I am around to do it.
Butch
fishinchips posted 12-20-2013 11:32 AM ET (US)
I read that somewhere also. Six years is the magic number now.
Ken
Chuck Tribolet posted 12-20-2013 04:51 PM ET (US)
I think it was written by a lawyer, not an engineer.
Parked in the sun in Yuma, maybe.
Garaged in a place without extremes of weather, no. I
recently replaced the original front tires on my '87 'vette.
No cracking or anything.

Chuck
AZdave posted 12-20-2013 06:17 PM ET (US)
I have had two catastrophic failures of heavy duty truck tires. Both caused thousands in body damage, and they were both past that six year point. I think I'll be trying to wear them out faster so I'm not replacing tires that still have good tread. As Chuck points out, this might be related to parking in the sun in Phoenix.
Jefecinco posted 12-21-2013 10:13 AM ET (US)
Dave,
The exact same thing happened to me on an old F-250 I used to tow a fifth wheel RV.
In each case the left rear tire suffered a tread separation and wiped out the fender. The second time we were towing. I blamed the Goodyear Wranglers and replaced with Michelin but the tires were probably around eight years old. Happily USAA covered both events as though they were caused by road hazards, perhaps they were but I didn't notice any bump shortly before hand.
The tires looked perfect inside and out when I looked closely when they were replaced and they had tread life remaining. I don't believe the environment has a lot to do with old tire failures. My reading on the subject indicates that ozone is the primary culprit rather than UV rays.
Six years is my new maximum.
Butch
swist posted 12-21-2013 06:35 PM ET (US)
I bought my boat 9 years ago. All I use the trailer for is to drive the boat to/from the launch ramp in the Spring and the Fall, and the boat sits on it all Winter.
I need new tires?
boatdryver posted 12-21-2013 10:11 PM ET (US)
Maybe yes,maybe no.
My trailer tires are 6 years old and I'm going to stretch my luck a little longer because I tow from home to the ramp twice a year one mile at 30mph, carry a spare, and have a tandem trailer.
If I towed 80 MPH hundreds of miles like some say they do, no way Jose.
jimL
Ferdinando posted 12-22-2013 11:01 AM ET (US)
My take on trailer tires is that I change them out every 4 years regardless of the condition of the tire. I had a blowout when I had my 17' many years ago which scared me to death, luckily I was able to stop with no damage to the boat. Tires were in perfect condition and looked new!
I even cover my tires with a canvas cloth to avoid ultra violet rays.
By the way when I went to purchase my last set of tires a year ago for my 19' I went to West Marine and was quoted $178.00 and $160.00 at a local trailer store. Went to Pep boys got the same tire (OEM) for less then a $100 bucks!
Go figure...........
PeteB88 posted 12-22-2013 11:52 AM ET (US)
I don't know - tire dealers won't touch a tire if older than six years, I understand all the liability/risk stuff but way too many rules. Sucks and there are a heck of a lot less, or seems to be, fewer blowouts, cars jacked up on the side of the road changing tires than back in the so-called day. No question tires last longer, seem better than when I was rammin around buying used tires and re-refined motor oil for my Slant 6 MoPars and VDubs.
I've also witnessed and had at least one trailer accident (horse - hitch issue) and believe there should be a requirement for trailer inspections - especially homebuilt to get registration. So many junk or improperly built trailers on the road scares the hell out of me and I try to stay away from them on the highways especially when they're overloaded.
Too many rules.
PeteB88 posted 12-22-2013 11:54 AM ET (US)
There should also be triple fines if dude caught towing way over speed limit. 75, 80 and faster pulling big boats and Airstreams ain't cool. Don't care how solid your rig is. -
prj posted 12-23-2013 08:03 PM ET (US)
Replace your tires every six years if thats what lets you sleep soundly. If you have a short haul, replace them at longer intervals. If you're a professional and hauling the trailer is your living, gear maintenance, including tires, might be a paramount consideration.
I've had tires go for thousands of miles and I've had tires blow out inexplicably with neither speed, nor age, nor UV exposure, nor tread wear, nor country of manufacture being obvious factors. I don't tow as if my life or income depends on it. So I just tow.
Having faced both blowouts and asymmetrical loss of running gear, neither incident seemed sufficient to threaten my life or others. Consider yourself fortunate if pre-emptive tire replacement on the trailer for your Whaler is a significant concern.

Jefecinco posted 12-24-2013 10:05 AM ET (US)
About the best thing that can be said about a tire failure is that it's a major inconvenience. Of course there are tire failures that can be deadly and/or cause significant damage.
The worst tire failure situation I've experienced was a tread separation on an Interstate highway at 65 MPH while towing a trailer. The tire was a 16 inch steel belted radial on the rear truck axle. The failure was instantaneous, that is there was no warning, just a loud banging and sudden loss of control. Traffic was sparse so I was able to get to the shoulder before the truck came to a stop. If traffic had been heavy a collision would have been very possible as I was fishtailing badly for a few seconds.
The result was that my rig was disabled far from home. Because the steel cords had wrapped around the rear axle and the wheel and brake drum I couldn't change the tire. The fender was so damaged by the tire carcase that further driving was inadvisable even if I had been able to change the tire.
Luckily I had a road service through my auto insurance. It took 45 minutes for them to respond. When they arrived they were unequipped to deal with the problem and had to return to base for cutting equipment to remove the failed wheel. This added another hour to the delay. Once the tire was changed I made a decision to tow the trailer to the shop of the road service contractor about 20 minutes away on the Interstate. Once there I asked to leave my trailer there until I could arrange for it to be towed to my home. There is more to the story but if I have a future tire failure it won't be because I failed to follow the tire manufacturers advice on the safe change interval of my tires.
Butch
jcdawg83 posted 12-27-2013 09:25 AM ET (US)
My experience has been that tires, especially trailer tires, are not bound by the physical laws the rest of the universe must abide by. It seems the more ignorant or careless the vehicle operator is, the less problems tires will give. I am ever vigilant regarding inflation, tread wear, etc regarding my tires. I have been rewarded with trailer tire failure, mysterious truck tire deflation, tread separation and punctures from all manner of things. I have a good friend who is only vaguely aware of some round, black rubber things that sit beneath his boat trailer and allow it to move down the road. He has never had a tire problem in his life.
Tom W Clark posted 01-01-2014 12:27 PM ET (US)
A 6 year tire change interval seems a little silly to me. Perhaps 10 years is more reasonable. I just checked my records and the tires on my 25 year old trailer had their 10 year anniversary this summer.
I think I will buy new tires from my trailer this year just for the hell of it. May as well get new wheels too.
After 36 years of trailering, towing dozens of trailers (most of them boat trailers) I have yet to have a tire failure...of any sort, not even a flat.
Bearing failures? Broken leaf spring? Detached couplers? You bet, but not one tire failure.
Ridge Runner posted 01-01-2014 12:58 PM ET (US)
I think it very much depends on the climate and how the tires are cared for.... I have also been towing for a long time - 33 years. I have never had an on the road tire failure. But I have had 4 and 5 year old tires show significant side wall cracking.
I keep my trailers up on jack stands and have tire covers for sun protection. I can tell you my trailers tires in FL deteriorate much faster then the ones in NJ. Any sign of sidewall or tread issues and I replace my tires.
saumon posted 01-01-2014 07:46 PM ET (US)
I think it's all about planned usage, and heat buildup is the worst ennemy of tires.
For the few miles trips to the ramp once in a while, even 10 years old tires will do the job. For 20 years, I've done this kind of trips with tires up to 10 years old without a problem.
But when I bought my 1991 Outrage 17, I towed it from Anderson, SC to Montreal, QC (1100 miles) in 2 days, at 75 mph with 5 years old tires (half of the threads left) and, sure enough, one tires blow-up on the highway 200 miles from home. Even is they were correctly inflated (50 psi) and checked regulary every couple hundred of miles, there's almost no thread left when I pulled on the side and were damn hot. Putting the spare on and slowing down, I make it home and bought two new tires but, lesson learned, I'll make sure to put new ones on if I ever do this kind of long trip.
I guess too much miles at too high speed...
Jefecinco posted 01-02-2014 09:38 AM ET (US)
We all act in our perception of our own best interests. Our first hand experiences tell us what to do. We learn from our mistakes. This is all true.
Now and then I share my mistakes and the lessons I've learned from making them with my friends and acquaintances. I don't expose my mistakes for my benefit. I detest my own stupidity or ignorance and take no pride from either.
My final comment on the subject is: no one can judge the condition of a tire from it's outward appearance unless it is visibly deteriorated.
Butch
Tom W Clark posted 02-22-2014 05:16 PM ET (US)
As a follow up, I did, in fact, buy five new tires for my old trailer. I did buy them mounted on nice new galvanized rims.
Larry had recommended Eastern Marine (aka Trailer Parts Superstore) in another thread and so I used them. Could not have been easier. I just ordered online, selected Truck Freight because it was the cheapest option and they were delivered to my door a week later.
The truck freight company dispatcher called me twice to check in and arrange a mutually acceptable delivery time.
The five tires/rims were neatly palletized and the driver cut them loose from the pallet in the back of the truck and we rolled them directly into the back of my pickup.
Five (5) ST225/75D-15" bias ply tires on spoked galvanized rims, delivered from the East Coast to Seattle for less than $750.
http://www.easternmarine.com
I just sold the old wheels/tires locally on craigslist for $300.
That seems a reasonable expense after ten years of service for the old tires.
fno posted 02-23-2014 06:03 PM ET (US)
Personal experience is indeed the motivation I use for tire longevity. I have gone through 3 tires in a year. Some years, especially lately I have had a good streak and only have replaced one last year and one the year before. Maybe I should just put a new one on every year whether I need it or not...That will amount to 5 every 5 years.
Jefecinco posted 02-23-2014 06:46 PM ET (US)
Tom,
I like your economics. $450 for a set of five 15 inch trailer tires and galvanized wheels including shipping is an extraordinary bargain.
I will probably only replace four of my five trailer tires during the sixth year. My spare sees very little exposure to UV and ozone as I keep it in a storage room except for the very rare occasions when I travel out of town with the boat. Fifty miles from home is about my limit for travel without the spare.
Butch
jimh posted 02-25-2014 12:51 AM ET (US)
Tom--Why bias belted tires?
Tom W Clark posted 02-25-2014 01:14 AM ET (US)
My 25 year old trailer has always had bias ply tires and they have always provided excellent service. There is a significant cost savings by using bias ply tires.
TransAm posted 02-25-2014 08:39 AM ET (US)
When considering tire replacement, tread should not be the only component of the tire to consider.
At the end of last boating season, I pulled my boat, loaded it on to my tandem axle trailer, and headed for the gas station to adjust my tire pressures. While inflating one of the tires, I noticed a very small, pimple-like formation on the valve stem of one of the tires. I didn't think much of it at the time.
About a half hour into my trip home, while on one of the busiest roads in the US, it became clear what that pimple-like formation was when the tire had all but vanished from the rim. Since I do not trailer my boat long distances, I did not have a spare tire handy either. Fortunately, I one of my local West Marine stores had TWO identical tires and rims inflated and ready to go. I uncoupled my truck and snuck in just before closing Sunday afternoon.
TransAm posted 02-25-2014 08:52 AM ET (US)
Coincidentally, the tires were in their 6th year of service.
jimh posted 02-26-2014 12:42 AM ET (US)
It took some searching, but I think I found the tire Tom bought. It is a KENDA LOADSTAR K550, from what I can find at the retailer's site. Here is the manufacturer's data from the manufacturer's site:
http://www.kendatire.com/en/specialty/trailer/loadstar-k550/
Tom--Does that look like the right tire?
It looks like it is indeed a non-belted tire, but a 6-ply.
Tom W Clark posted 02-26-2014 04:34 PM ET (US)
I'm down at my shop now and just checked the spare which is in storage here.
Yes, it is a LOADSTAR K550, part # 095501537D1, 2535 Pound Load Capacity at 65 PSI.
TransAm posted 02-26-2014 04:43 PM ET (US)
The Loadstar K550 is precisely the tire that failed on my trailer. West Marine sells these tires mounted and ready to go, albeit at an extreme premium over what other retailers sell the same product.
Tom W Clark posted 02-27-2014 12:01 PM ET (US)
Jim -- Thanks for the website URL. It reminded me to register my five tires online for warranty purposes, which I did last night.
The registration form was odd in that after I filled in all the required information and submitted it, the page reloaded with the same information still in place but no acknowledgment the information had been sent.
After trying a few more times I sent an email inquiring about this.
I just received a phone call from a very nice Kendra Customer Service Rep in Ohio assuring me the information had been received.
I was also amused to note that cast into the sidewalls of each tire is the 1-800 number to call for any Warranty Claim!

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Author	Topic: Tire Replacement Interval
Jefecinco	posted 12-20-2013 10:54 AM ET (US) I just saw the tire warranty and care booklet for my Ram. It states tires should be replaced every six years even though tread wear may be minimal and the tires appear undamaged. I've heard a variety of replacement intervals over many years with the most common being five years. Although it is painful to replace moderately worn tires that appear to be almost new I'll replace mine after six years of use. That will be twelve tires over six years or an average of two tires per year. The 20 inch truck tires will be the worst but at least it won't be needed until Christmas of 2019 if I am around to do it. Butch
fishinchips	posted 12-20-2013 11:32 AM ET (US) I read that somewhere also. Six years is the magic number now. Ken
Chuck Tribolet	posted 12-20-2013 04:51 PM ET (US) I think it was written by a lawyer, not an engineer. Parked in the sun in Yuma, maybe. Garaged in a place without extremes of weather, no. I recently replaced the original front tires on my '87 'vette. No cracking or anything. Chuck
AZdave	posted 12-20-2013 06:17 PM ET (US) I have had two catastrophic failures of heavy duty truck tires. Both caused thousands in body damage, and they were both past that six year point. I think I'll be trying to wear them out faster so I'm not replacing tires that still have good tread. As Chuck points out, this might be related to parking in the sun in Phoenix.
Jefecinco	posted 12-21-2013 10:13 AM ET (US) Dave, The exact same thing happened to me on an old F-250 I used to tow a fifth wheel RV. In each case the left rear tire suffered a tread separation and wiped out the fender. The second time we were towing. I blamed the Goodyear Wranglers and replaced with Michelin but the tires were probably around eight years old. Happily USAA covered both events as though they were caused by road hazards, perhaps they were but I didn't notice any bump shortly before hand. The tires looked perfect inside and out when I looked closely when they were replaced and they had tread life remaining. I don't believe the environment has a lot to do with old tire failures. My reading on the subject indicates that ozone is the primary culprit rather than UV rays. Six years is my new maximum. Butch
swist	posted 12-21-2013 06:35 PM ET (US) I bought my boat 9 years ago. All I use the trailer for is to drive the boat to/from the launch ramp in the Spring and the Fall, and the boat sits on it all Winter. I need new tires?
boatdryver	posted 12-21-2013 10:11 PM ET (US) Maybe yes,maybe no. My trailer tires are 6 years old and I'm going to stretch my luck a little longer because I tow from home to the ramp twice a year one mile at 30mph, carry a spare, and have a tandem trailer. If I towed 80 MPH hundreds of miles like some say they do, no way Jose. jimL
Ferdinando	posted 12-22-2013 11:01 AM ET (US) My take on trailer tires is that I change them out every 4 years regardless of the condition of the tire. I had a blowout when I had my 17' many years ago which scared me to death, luckily I was able to stop with no damage to the boat. Tires were in perfect condition and looked new! I even cover my tires with a canvas cloth to avoid ultra violet rays. By the way when I went to purchase my last set of tires a year ago for my 19' I went to West Marine and was quoted $178.00 and $160.00 at a local trailer store. Went to Pep boys got the same tire (OEM) for less then a $100 bucks! Go figure...........
PeteB88	posted 12-22-2013 11:52 AM ET (US) I don't know - tire dealers won't touch a tire if older than six years, I understand all the liability/risk stuff but way too many rules. Sucks and there are a heck of a lot less, or seems to be, fewer blowouts, cars jacked up on the side of the road changing tires than back in the so-called day. No question tires last longer, seem better than when I was rammin around buying used tires and re-refined motor oil for my Slant 6 MoPars and VDubs. I've also witnessed and had at least one trailer accident (horse - hitch issue) and believe there should be a requirement for trailer inspections - especially homebuilt to get registration. So many junk or improperly built trailers on the road scares the hell out of me and I try to stay away from them on the highways especially when they're overloaded. Too many rules.
PeteB88	posted 12-22-2013 11:54 AM ET (US) There should also be triple fines if dude caught towing way over speed limit. 75, 80 and faster pulling big boats and Airstreams ain't cool. Don't care how solid your rig is. -
prj	posted 12-23-2013 08:03 PM ET (US) Replace your tires every six years if thats what lets you sleep soundly. If you have a short haul, replace them at longer intervals. If you're a professional and hauling the trailer is your living, gear maintenance, including tires, might be a paramount consideration. I've had tires go for thousands of miles and I've had tires blow out inexplicably with neither speed, nor age, nor UV exposure, nor tread wear, nor country of manufacture being obvious factors. I don't tow as if my life or income depends on it. So I just tow. Having faced both blowouts and asymmetrical loss of running gear, neither incident seemed sufficient to threaten my life or others. Consider yourself fortunate if pre-emptive tire replacement on the trailer for your Whaler is a significant concern.
Jefecinco	posted 12-24-2013 10:05 AM ET (US) About the best thing that can be said about a tire failure is that it's a major inconvenience. Of course there are tire failures that can be deadly and/or cause significant damage. The worst tire failure situation I've experienced was a tread separation on an Interstate highway at 65 MPH while towing a trailer. The tire was a 16 inch steel belted radial on the rear truck axle. The failure was instantaneous, that is there was no warning, just a loud banging and sudden loss of control. Traffic was sparse so I was able to get to the shoulder before the truck came to a stop. If traffic had been heavy a collision would have been very possible as I was fishtailing badly for a few seconds. The result was that my rig was disabled far from home. Because the steel cords had wrapped around the rear axle and the wheel and brake drum I couldn't change the tire. The fender was so damaged by the tire carcase that further driving was inadvisable even if I had been able to change the tire. Luckily I had a road service through my auto insurance. It took 45 minutes for them to respond. When they arrived they were unequipped to deal with the problem and had to return to base for cutting equipment to remove the failed wheel. This added another hour to the delay. Once the tire was changed I made a decision to tow the trailer to the shop of the road service contractor about 20 minutes away on the Interstate. Once there I asked to leave my trailer there until I could arrange for it to be towed to my home. There is more to the story but if I have a future tire failure it won't be because I failed to follow the tire manufacturers advice on the safe change interval of my tires. Butch
jcdawg83	posted 12-27-2013 09:25 AM ET (US) My experience has been that tires, especially trailer tires, are not bound by the physical laws the rest of the universe must abide by. It seems the more ignorant or careless the vehicle operator is, the less problems tires will give. I am ever vigilant regarding inflation, tread wear, etc regarding my tires. I have been rewarded with trailer tire failure, mysterious truck tire deflation, tread separation and punctures from all manner of things. I have a good friend who is only vaguely aware of some round, black rubber things that sit beneath his boat trailer and allow it to move down the road. He has never had a tire problem in his life.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-01-2014 12:27 PM ET (US) A 6 year tire change interval seems a little silly to me. Perhaps 10 years is more reasonable. I just checked my records and the tires on my 25 year old trailer had their 10 year anniversary this summer. I think I will buy new tires from my trailer this year just for the hell of it. May as well get new wheels too. After 36 years of trailering, towing dozens of trailers (most of them boat trailers) I have yet to have a tire failure...of any sort, not even a flat. Bearing failures? Broken leaf spring? Detached couplers? You bet, but not one tire failure.
Ridge Runner	posted 01-01-2014 12:58 PM ET (US) I think it very much depends on the climate and how the tires are cared for.... I have also been towing for a long time - 33 years. I have never had an on the road tire failure. But I have had 4 and 5 year old tires show significant side wall cracking. I keep my trailers up on jack stands and have tire covers for sun protection. I can tell you my trailers tires in FL deteriorate much faster then the ones in NJ. Any sign of sidewall or tread issues and I replace my tires.
saumon	posted 01-01-2014 07:46 PM ET (US) I think it's all about planned usage, and heat buildup is the worst ennemy of tires. For the few miles trips to the ramp once in a while, even 10 years old tires will do the job. For 20 years, I've done this kind of trips with tires up to 10 years old without a problem. But when I bought my 1991 Outrage 17, I towed it from Anderson, SC to Montreal, QC (1100 miles) in 2 days, at 75 mph with 5 years old tires (half of the threads left) and, sure enough, one tires blow-up on the highway 200 miles from home. Even is they were correctly inflated (50 psi) and checked regulary every couple hundred of miles, there's almost no thread left when I pulled on the side and were damn hot. Putting the spare on and slowing down, I make it home and bought two new tires but, lesson learned, I'll make sure to put new ones on if I ever do this kind of long trip. I guess too much miles at too high speed...
Jefecinco	posted 01-02-2014 09:38 AM ET (US) We all act in our perception of our own best interests. Our first hand experiences tell us what to do. We learn from our mistakes. This is all true. Now and then I share my mistakes and the lessons I've learned from making them with my friends and acquaintances. I don't expose my mistakes for my benefit. I detest my own stupidity or ignorance and take no pride from either. My final comment on the subject is: no one can judge the condition of a tire from it's outward appearance unless it is visibly deteriorated. Butch
Tom W Clark	posted 02-22-2014 05:16 PM ET (US) As a follow up, I did, in fact, buy five new tires for my old trailer. I did buy them mounted on nice new galvanized rims. Larry had recommended Eastern Marine (aka Trailer Parts Superstore) in another thread and so I used them. Could not have been easier. I just ordered online, selected Truck Freight because it was the cheapest option and they were delivered to my door a week later. The truck freight company dispatcher called me twice to check in and arrange a mutually acceptable delivery time. The five tires/rims were neatly palletized and the driver cut them loose from the pallet in the back of the truck and we rolled them directly into the back of my pickup. Five (5) ST225/75D-15" bias ply tires on spoked galvanized rims, delivered from the East Coast to Seattle for less than $750. http://www.easternmarine.com I just sold the old wheels/tires locally on craigslist for $300. That seems a reasonable expense after ten years of service for the old tires.
fno	posted 02-23-2014 06:03 PM ET (US) Personal experience is indeed the motivation I use for tire longevity. I have gone through 3 tires in a year. Some years, especially lately I have had a good streak and only have replaced one last year and one the year before. Maybe I should just put a new one on every year whether I need it or not...That will amount to 5 every 5 years.
Jefecinco	posted 02-23-2014 06:46 PM ET (US) Tom, I like your economics. $450 for a set of five 15 inch trailer tires and galvanized wheels including shipping is an extraordinary bargain. I will probably only replace four of my five trailer tires during the sixth year. My spare sees very little exposure to UV and ozone as I keep it in a storage room except for the very rare occasions when I travel out of town with the boat. Fifty miles from home is about my limit for travel without the spare. Butch
jimh	posted 02-25-2014 12:51 AM ET (US) Tom--Why bias belted tires?
Tom W Clark	posted 02-25-2014 01:14 AM ET (US) My 25 year old trailer has always had bias ply tires and they have always provided excellent service. There is a significant cost savings by using bias ply tires.
TransAm	posted 02-25-2014 08:39 AM ET (US) When considering tire replacement, tread should not be the only component of the tire to consider. At the end of last boating season, I pulled my boat, loaded it on to my tandem axle trailer, and headed for the gas station to adjust my tire pressures. While inflating one of the tires, I noticed a very small, pimple-like formation on the valve stem of one of the tires. I didn't think much of it at the time. About a half hour into my trip home, while on one of the busiest roads in the US, it became clear what that pimple-like formation was when the tire had all but vanished from the rim. Since I do not trailer my boat long distances, I did not have a spare tire handy either. Fortunately, I one of my local West Marine stores had TWO identical tires and rims inflated and ready to go. I uncoupled my truck and snuck in just before closing Sunday afternoon.
TransAm	posted 02-25-2014 08:52 AM ET (US) Coincidentally, the tires were in their 6th year of service.
jimh	posted 02-26-2014 12:42 AM ET (US) It took some searching, but I think I found the tire Tom bought. It is a KENDA LOADSTAR K550, from what I can find at the retailer's site. Here is the manufacturer's data from the manufacturer's site: http://www.kendatire.com/en/specialty/trailer/loadstar-k550/ Tom--Does that look like the right tire? It looks like it is indeed a non-belted tire, but a 6-ply.
Tom W Clark	posted 02-26-2014 04:34 PM ET (US) I'm down at my shop now and just checked the spare which is in storage here. Yes, it is a LOADSTAR K550, part # 095501537D1, 2535 Pound Load Capacity at 65 PSI.
TransAm	posted 02-26-2014 04:43 PM ET (US) The Loadstar K550 is precisely the tire that failed on my trailer. West Marine sells these tires mounted and ready to go, albeit at an extreme premium over what other retailers sell the same product.
Tom W Clark	posted 02-27-2014 12:01 PM ET (US) Jim -- Thanks for the website URL. It reminded me to register my five tires online for warranty purposes, which I did last night. The registration form was odd in that after I filled in all the required information and submitted it, the page reloaded with the same information still in place but no acknowledgment the information had been sent. After trying a few more times I sent an email inquiring about this. I just received a phone call from a very nice Kendra Customer Service Rep in Ohio assuring me the information had been received. I was also amused to note that cast into the sidewalls of each tire is the 1-800 number to call for any Warranty Claim!