Trailer Wheel/tire replacement Questions? - The Hull Truth

Corona Nights · 10-13-2009, 01:26 PM

The wheels on my dual axle trailer need to be replaced, one of the rims is leaking air through the rust, and the others are not in much better shape. I have a question about the set up I have, I bought the boat motor and trailer a few years back, both axles have been redone due to rot. The back wheels of the trailer are 13" 185/85/R13, and the fronts are 175/70/R13

is there a reason why the backs are bigger than the front? Should they be the same size? When the boat(22ft cuddy,w/302fordmercruiser)sits on the rollers the wheels are almost flat with full psi. Should I go to a bigger wheel, say a 14"? I should also replace wheel bearings while the wheels are off too,How do I know what size bearings to replace with? THanks for the help guys...

reelapeelin · 10-13-2009, 02:57 PM

All the wheels and tires (including spares) on a multi-axle trailer should be the same size...somebody apparently used what they could afford or what was readily available in a pinch...

As far as going up to 14s, the only thing you gotta worry about is clearance under the fenders...what is the outside diameter of the largest tire you currently run?...what is the outside diameter of the 14" tires you're considering...will the larger 14s fit under the fenders...if they will fit, it'll be a good move...

That size trailer tire's max pressure is 50 psi...if they are nearly flat at that pressure under a 22' boat, then something's wrong somewhere...

Bamaskeetshooter · 10-13-2009, 03:00 PM

You have a lot of boat sitting on 13" wheels, I would go to 14" wheels if they fit under the fenders.

Bigger Hammer · 10-13-2009, 06:06 PM

Ought to make sure that the tire to tire clearance will work also, as well as the fenders.
Might want to weigh it to see what you really need.
Bill

epanzella · 10-13-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

As far as going up to 14s, the only thing you gotta worry about is clearance under the fenders...what is the outside diameter of the largest tire you currently run?...what is the outside diameter of the 14" tires you're considering...will the larger 14s fit under the fenders...if they will fit, it'll be a good move...

...

Unless your fenders are attached to the axles and go up and down with them, you also have to consider suspension travel. A tire could fit fine under the fender then smash right into it at the first big bump as the suspension compresses.

Corona Nights · 10-14-2009, 12:58 PM

The clearance should be ok, But I am glad that "Epanzella" said that about the suspension..Thanks alot, I didn't even consider that...