I just noticed a serious problem with my previous post - if you want
to drive faster than the rated speed limit on a tire, for each 10 mph
above the rated speed limit you need to simultaneously (1) reduce
the maximum load limit on the tire sidewall by 10%, and (2) increase
the tire pressure by 10%, but not to more than the limit on the
sidewall.

Also, while sway is a function of the tow vehicle and tire design,
there are other things that cause sway. Some are distance from hitch
ball to tow vehicle rear axle, amount of weight on the trailer tongue,
aerodynamic effects cause by the tail housing fin, and rear suspension
of the tow vehicle.

Sorry for the errors - I wish I could edit the previous post.

-John

On Feb 23, 9:51 am, jcarlyle wrote:
Robin,

The greatest enemy of tires is heat. Heat comes from over loading,
under inflation, high speed, and tire design. To help yourself out,
first select a radial tire, because its design inherently creates less
heat than a bias ply tire. Second, regularly check the tire pressure
before and during the trip. It also doesn't hurt to feel the tire and
the hub for heat after the first 50 miles and at each stop, just to be
proactive about any developing problems.

Sway is a function of tow vehicle, but it also has to do with the tire
design. My Cobra came with P radial tires (for cars), and it became
much more stable (with the same car and load) when I put on ST radial
tires (for trailers). As Eric pointed out, ST tires have a speed limit
of 65 mph. But manufacturers say that you can bump that to 75 mph by
(1) running 10% less than the maximum tire pressure stamped on the
side of the tire and (2) derating the maximum load on the side of the
tire by 10%.

I would guess your Komet and glider probably weigh about 1800 pounds.
A load range C tire handles 1800 pounds, so it has double the load
capacity you need - thus a 10% reduction in pressure and load should
work at 75 mph just fine. I personally wouldn't drive that fast,
although I too have a lead foot. The handling and braking of the car/
trailer combination isn't what you're used to, and you can get into
trouble very quickly because of it.

As to tire make, I found that Duro, Maxxis and Denman were recommended
(in that order) most highly by owners. Goodyear Marathons were
variable. Carlisle and Titan were not recommended. The recommendations
came from multiple internet chat groups on boats and travel trailers.
I certainly have been happy with the Duro tires that I've put on both
my Cobra trailers. By the way, I had the 165/80R13 tire size, too, and
the 175/80R13 fit under/inside my Cobra fenders just fine.