14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

[natemoore]

Hey guys,
Well, I worked my way through a complete boat engine/bell housing/outdrive rebuild, now it's time to get the trailer safe and serviceable.

First off, the tires that are on them seem way too big. The boat is a Four Winns Horizon 170, but 14" tires?

This of course makes it harder to launch the boat from shallow ramps, plus it looks like the tires will hit the fender if I hit a big enough bump.

Any ideas based on your experience?

Secondly, anyone know a good trailer parts website to buy galvanized u-bolts, brackets, leaf springs, etc?

Thanks.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

in 87 it probably came with them. my 74 had 12" tires, but remember that only drops the trl 1" in height. and the 14's will tow better and are alot eaiser on the bearings.

 

[natemoore]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

in 87 it probably came with them. my 74 had 12" tires, but remember that only drops the trl 1" in height. and the 14's will tow better and are alot eaiser on the bearings.

The height of the trailer would be related to rim diameter and the aspect ratio. The tire size is 205/75R14. I think these are passenger car tires, not the original tire size.

Don't they look oddly big?

 

[Titanium48]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

They do look like they are bigger than the trailer was designed for. If your total weight is under ~3000 lb you could go with ST175/80-13. They would be 2 inches smaller of overall diameter, lowering your trailer by 1 inch and giving you an inch of additional fender clearance. Make sure you get the STs though - the P205/75R15 that are on there might have a high enough load rating, but P175/80R13 will not.

 

[109jb]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

The previous owner probably put the larger tires/wheels on because he kept forgetting to raise the motor.outdrive and kept dragging the skeg up the ramp.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

Those do appear to be too big. You could maybe raise the fenders to stay in 14" but if the current rubber doesn't say ST205/14, they aren't trailer tires and you might as well just get the 13" tire and wheel assy and be done with it.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com

 

[sethjon]

Re: 14" wheels on a trailer for 17' boat?

14" tires are perfect!!