I was repacking bearings and adjusting breaks on my trailer, and noticed that I had one tire on my trailer that is much older than the others. This tire looks fine, still has plenty of tread left, no signs of dryrotting or anything - but it is approaching ten years of age. The boat and trailer only make a few out of town trips per year, generally at distances of less than 500 miles round trip. Other than that, it is several 15 minute trips per season to the river.

Like I said, boat is always stored inside in a garage. Does not sit out in the sun where UV radiation and ozone could be a big factor for the tires. So why do tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires within 6 years, even if they look fine? It's hard to imagine that the rubber and other materials could just spontaneously decompose, especially if protected from the elements.

Is this a real thing, or just hype to keep selling more tires? I realize that a lot of people have been having trouble with trailer tires since many of the manufacturers have started making them overseas. That's why I kind of hate to replace this one - it is actually stamped that it's made in the USA. Which is better - an older tire that was made in the USA, or something new that was made god knows where?

other then getting flat spots from sitting too long in one spot i dont see why you would need to replace them if they are not being used that often and not in the sun where the UV can deteriorate them...i got a set of tire on my "boat project" same as yours dont see much road use at all....good 5yrs old right now since new...and still look good as new....

For lack of a better term, tires have a moisture content and begin drying out the minute they leave the mold. Several tire companys consider a tire done if it is 3 years old even if it has zero miles.

Yes dry rot almost learned a hard lesson being cheap!Over 10 years or less scrap them even with low miles!

The tire companies would be in hog heaven if they could get everyone to replace their tires every 3 years, no matter what.

I have to wonder how many vehicles are driving around out there with tires that are 8-10 years old on them. Especially boat trailers. I have a couple of classic cars that have modern radials on them that are probably that old. I check them regularly for pressure, wear, dry-rotting, etc. They don't get driven far most of the time, but I guess all it takes is one blowout at 70 MPH.

I work in a resort area where most trailers only get used 1/2 mile or less. Many, just used for dropping in or out.

Can't get any less use then that.

Sitting outside harms them....the more sun the worse of course.

Garage is way better - as your is.

But......how much more time does that give you ? Impossible to say.

Guess you'll find out....lol.

Total personal opnion...6-8 yrs I would think would be a reasonable amt of time.

I know valve stems don't usually last as long as the tire when mileage isn't a factor.

Went ahead and replaced it, as much as it aggravates me. At least the Towmaster that I replaced it with was also made in USA, like the original Carlisle that was on there. I never actually had much trouble out of the Carlisles, as much bad press as I have read on them, but I have always run the bias ply USA Trail version. I hear many of the issues are with the radial versions that are made in China.

I had a spare on my trailer that had never touched the road and was kept coated in tire dressing, looked like new at 8 years old. It blew the tread out one night. Cant tell much by appearance I'm thinking.

I have wondered this same thing and then I think,

How much will the fender cost to replace?

Blew the tread out when it was installed, or still mounted as a spare?