High Speed Pulling Empty Trailer=Tire Damage ?
 

I have a tandem axle for a 3700+ pound 25 foot boat that I would like to pull empty about 500 miles total @ ~70 mph. I am concerned that the the tires may suffer uneven wear from tire hop / bounce with the trailer unloaded which could produce uneven tire wear / cupping.

Anyone had any experience pulling an empty boat trailer under these conditions? Any tire issues as a result?

The trailer should have enough weight to keep that from happening. You could always have the tires balanced, which is uncommon on a trailer.

You can always leave an hour early and drive 60 and probably have way less chance of any issue.

That's a pretty heavy trailer...I wouldn't think hopping, scuffing would be that much of a problem. Like Chris said - driving a little slower and being aware of bumps (okay, every bridge/pavement joint) is helpful.

If the tires are balanced, they won't have the tendency to hop and set up an irregular wear pattern.

Lower the air pressure in the tires. Don't run them flat but maybe @ 25-30lbs. If they are high pressure tires (@50-60lbs) this will help. Just remember to reair them before you reload the boat.

Hook on to it and hammer down. You'll be fine.

virtually ALL *trailer service only* tires are advertised speed limited to 65 mph

Rut roe. US1 hasn't read his tires. :)

Yes they are at 55 psi for the load so 30 psi should help a lot running empty.

::D:grinser010::D:

exactly right!! Lowering the air pressure will do more harm than good. lower rolling resistace, huge heat build up in the tires, it's still going to bounce except the sidewalls will be taking the load. just hook it up and pull it!!

Mitch

I know it's not the same, but when I had a pair of sea-doos, I routinely pulled them around at 80mph. Never had a prolem but the two of them weighed half of what you empty trailer weighs.