Hobie Single Kayak Trailer Review

It's hard to know what to do when you have two "experts" saying the opposite thing! In a case like that it's best to go to a higher source, the tire manufacturers.

Goodyear publishes a load inflation table for their ST and LT trailer tires. They list pressures down to 15 PSI for reduced loads.

Trailex also gets their PSI information from their tire manufacturer.

Greenball and Carlisle publish no such inflation data and therefore have no official recommendations other than what the label says. However, both reps conceded that somewhat less than full pressure would "probably be OK" subject to common sense.

My own (non-expert) opinion is that the pneumatic tire is part of the suspension system. Why revert back to the solid rubber days by making it hard as a rock? Having operated vehicles and equipment with rated tire pressures from 8 PSI to 400 PSI , tire pressure always seemed highly correlated with load supported.

SkiPro makes a good point with his truck tires. Vehicle recommendations depend on application, not not max ratings (which are set by the tire industry for safety reasons). So while the opinion expressed by Triton Trailers' is appreciated and respected with regard to their trailers, I otherwise concur with Trailex (and SkiPro).

Go with what the trailer manufacterer says for tire pressure...........but I would also recommend monitoring the tire and wheel hub temperature. You can get a inexpensive infra-red thermometer to keep tabs on the tire and hub temps.

As a Trailex SUT-200 owner for the past 2 years, I have never had any issues with the tires or the trailer for that matter. Travel over all different types of roads to get to my fishing holes. Crossing over railroad tracks, unpaved roads and very rocky terrain.

Anyone that fishes Shearon-Harris, knows exactly what I am talking about.

When I purchased the trailer…I did my own due diligence and researched the tire pressure, as I too was not sure I read or understood the recommendations. Did my own testing and feel pretty comfortable with my findings. When I increased the tire pressure, the trailer did not bounce all over the place like a basketball…but did in fact have an extra bounce when hitting a bigger bump or raised object in the road. Tested again with less pressure and it seemed to react much better.

Even had a friend follow me on the way to the lake one day, making sure this little trailer was not all over the place.

I always make it a point to check the tires, bearing buddies and lights the night before a trip. Also carry 2 spares and an air compressor just in case. Not paranoid…just never want to miss a tournament because of a malfunction. So try to be prepared.

I am in no way a tire expert, trailer expert, Hobie or Trailex salesman…nor do I play one on this site.

Just a guy that has a passion to get out on the water and enjoy Mother Nature, as much as possible.

Safe travels and good fishing folks...no matter how you get your ride there! ; )

Not to be a wise acre or anything but wouldn't the same logic go for the vehicle manufacturer? To modify your quote just a bit..."How could any [vehicle] manufacturer know [what kind of tire is going to be used?]

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One moment you're flying South for the the winter, then - BANG - gravy.

Tires and pressures are all subjective.

Hey dude...we're talkin kayaks and maybe an ice chest with some cold ones...it's all good--8", 12"...Let's go fish.

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One moment you're flying South for the the winter, then - BANG - gravy.

After reading all the posts here, i was a little apprehensive about interstate speeds with my trailex SUT-200. I traveled from Virginia Beach to Hilton Head, SC. The trip down, i stopped every 2 hours and checked the trailer and the hubs and they were not even warm!! No issues for over 800 miles at 70+ mph!!

I have the same set up. I don't think there is a better way to store it than on the craddles on the trailer.