Hey everyone, currently the boat trailer uses 4.8/4.00-8 tires. I am thinking of changing them to a larger size, i just dont like these small donuts. any comments are appreciated
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Hey everyone, currently the boat trailer uses 4.8/4.00-8 tires. I am thinking of changing them to a larger size, i just dont like these small donuts. any comments are appreciated
Check the fender clearance I wanted to up size the tires but couldn't due the fender suports would rub the tires.
Depending on the material the trailer is made from, a good welding shop could always fabricate and attach new fenders. Just make sure you have the clearance between any fenders, the tire, and the boat. One thing about taller tires, it also means deeper water to launch the boat.
As the others have said, be sure you have the proper clearance. But yes, by all means using a larger tire/rim will be easier on the wheel bearings in the long run.
Not just the wheel bearings but they will also roll over the bumps easier with the potential of increasing gas mileage.
If you go to a larger tire they normally have a higher weight rating giving a greater safety margin when loaded at highway speeds. A lot of us carry gear/gas in the boat without being aware of the total weight.
That larger tire may also let you run at a lower air pressure which means the boat will ride smoother over rough roads as well. This can mean tighter rivets a few years/miles down the road....
I always opt for the largest tires I can on any trailer....
You can also lengthen the spacer straps on the springs. I did this on a snowmobile trailer. does sit a bit higher. but worked out well. also less tire problems. Old 243
Don't get too into the idea of carrying more weight. Tire size is generally married to the axle weight.
Agreed, but I'll take an extra margin of safety anywhere I can get it. Larger, softer tires also mean less shock load transmitted to the axle.Quote:
Originally Posted by woody1948
Be aware that the launch-depth will increase. if you find that you are right on the edge of being able to launch your boat, then an extra inch or two more height on the trailer may make it much more difficult to launch the boat. Generally trailers with the larger tires have the boat sit between the fenders, but older trailers with very small tires may tuck the tires under the boat.
The lakes where I launch can vary in dept depending on the season. Most get gradually deeper as I back farther out....as long as the bottom doesn't get softer as well...
Going up in tire/wheel size saved me a lot of blown hubs and tires. Had issues for years with my 10s, then went up to 12s and have not had a failure in years. Does make it a little harder to launch (trailer raised 1-2 inches), but it is worth it.
I would highly recommend upgrading to a 12” tire. One that will work is 4.80X12. This is a 5 bolt pattern but I think you can find it in a 4 bolt pattern. With the previous comments you might need to raise your fender to get the tires to clear but that shouldn’t take much effort to do. I would also replace your bearing and add bearing buddies to the mix as well. Your gonna extend the life of your trailer and the bearing will love you for it!
Henry Nguyen
Hi I'm new to the site and catching up on a lot of excellent reading and thought I could add to this post. I went through this process this past summer. I bought a project boat and trailer. The trailer was old with 8" rims and the tires were rotten. What I did was keep an eye for a sale at Princess Auto and picked up a new axle and hubs. That way I got a heavier axle new bearings etc. Paid under $75. A little more height yes but I feel worth it. Fenders are an easy fix. But then if you do your tire checks and bearing maitenence regularly this will eliminate most road side repairs no matter what size of rims you get..
I noticed a little while ago that CT in Simcoe had 12 inch trailer tires and rims , some 4 bolt some 5 on clearance for 50% off.
Hope this helps
Don