Trailer tires

[ColoradoKid]

I've noticed in catalogs that there is wide range of tread types for trailers. There are knobby tires of all sizes and shapes and at the other side, deep lug types. Do tread types on a bicycle trailer tires make any difference in performance or wear of the tire?

[waynemyer]

Sure, rolling resistance will be affected by tread, and tread blocks will wear faster than a smooth tread of similar durometer.

Performance wise, unless the trailer is going to be used over loose surfaces, anything other than smooth tread is a waste of energy.  And it is questionable how useful aggressive tread would be on most bikable off-road surfaces anyway.  There will not be large moments of force on the trailer during turns.  However, if the trailer breaks from the ground in a turn (any turn, any surface), it can potentially drastically upset the bicycle.