• You don’t want to be driving anywhere on wheels you can’t trust. Saylor Wheel’s quality and dedication to safety cannot be matched.

  • To read the load rating on a steel trailer wheel, look for the stamped load capacity, which is usually listed in pounds. This number indicates the maximum weight the wheel can safely support. Make sure the wheel’s load rating meets or exceeds the trailer’s weight requirements and matches the tire’s load rating, since the overall capacity is limited by the lowest-rated component.

  • To inspect a steel trailer wheel for size, first check the wheel itself for any stamped or embossed markings, usually on the inside of the rim, which list the diameter, width, bolt pattern, and load rating. If the markings aren’t visible, measure the wheel by checking the diameter across the bead seat (not the outer edge), the width between the bead seats, and the bolt pattern by measuring the distance between lug holes. Also verify the tire size on the sidewall, which helps confirm the correct wheel size.

  • The stamps on steel trailer wheels provide key identification and safety information. They usually include the wheel diameter and width, bolt pattern, load rating, and sometimes the manufacturer or DOT approval. These markings tell me what tire size the wheel is designed for, how much weight it can safely carry, and whether it meets required standards for trailer use.

    Saylor Wheel also has a ‘Made in USA’ stamp

  • The weakest component defines your trailer’s ability to haul. See your placard on the trailer.

  • Wheel nut torque retention is essential to keeping the wheel–hub joint secure, preventing component damage, extending service life, and most importantly, ensuring safe operation.

  • Surface rust: Mostly cosmetic

    Flaking/pitting: Inspect closely, plan replacement

    Structural rust or bead-seat rust: Replace the wheel

  • 1. Don’t tow it as-is

    A low trailer tire can overheat quickly and fail. Even a short drive can cause sidewall damage.

    2. Find a safe place to stop

    Pull off the road or into a parking lot where the trailer is level and out of traffic. Set your tow vehicle’s parking brake.

    3. Check the tire pressure

    • Look at the sidewall of the trailer tire for the recommended PSI (not your tow vehicle’s tire pressure).

    • Trailer tires usually run much higher PSI than car tires.

    4. Inflate the tire

    • Use an air compressor and inflate it to the rated PSI on the tire sidewall.

    • If it won’t hold air or you hear hissing, don’t tow—move to step 5.

    5. Inspect the tire

    Look for:

    • Nails, screws, or punctures

    • Cracks or dry rot

    • Bulges in the sidewall

    If you see any of these, replace the tire. Trailer tires often can’t be safely repaired, especially in the sidewall.

    6. Use the spare if needed

    If the tire is damaged or keeps losing air, put on the spare before moving the trailer.

    7. Check the other tires

    If one trailer tire is low, the others may be too. Check all trailer tires, including the spare.

    8. After inflation, recheck soon

Safe Wheels