8 inch tires- newbie questions

[AZcamperguy]

I have been trying to look up info on 8 inch tires and have been having a heck of a time understanding what I am finding. It seems that 4.80 x 8 comes in different ratings? How do I know which is which and which is better? Also, is there a tire that is recommended in 8 inch? It seems like they are rated at 55 mph or so but is it going to be a problem to travel at 65 regularly and hit maybe 70? I will be hauling an old Mirro Craft 12' aluminum v-hull. I'd have to guess that after the motors, batteries, gear, and extras are in it that it might weigh 600 lbs but probably less. I purchased the trailer used and have never had a boat or trailer before so this is all new to me. Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

the 55nph is a cover your ***** thing for the tire company. the ratings are for the load weight. class A,B,C,D,E this will give you and idea. http://www.championtrailers.com/tire.html

 

[Titanium48]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

Load range B 4.80-8 tires are rated for 585 lb each, so they should be fine carrying half of that.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

Thanks tashasdaddy. So the load weight is not including the weight of the trailer itself? BTW, after rethinking it. My boat weight is probably more like 500 pounds max. Is there a particular tire that is better than others in a 4.80-8? I picked up two 8" tires with the wheel for 29.99 each at Harbour Freight yesterday thinking they would be fine but I have a 170 mile trip coming up and I want to be confident that my tires are not going to give me problems on the way.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

Load range B 4.80-8 tires are rated for 585 lb each, so they should be fine carrying half of that.

Ok, that helps. What about tires as far as one to the next? Are they all basically the same then? My 30 dollar tire is going to work as well as a 40 dollar tire?

Also, would there be any great advantage to switching to 12" tires?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

I use the inexpensive 8" tires from the farm supply store, and they've held up very well with my 12' aluminum boat. I keep them fully inflated and have a brand new spare all the time, but have never had to use it.

I don't run over about 60 mph, though, and wouldn't. If you're going to do that, you might want to go to the 12' wheels and tires. They'll fit your current hubs, but you'd probably have to buy new fenders. The plastic ones are cheap enough, though.

It'll raise the height of your trailer a couple of inches, of course, but that shouldn't be a problem for a lightweight boat.

 

[Titanium48]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

Thanks tashasdaddy. So the load weight is not including the weight of the trailer itself? BTW, after rethinking it. My boat weight is probably more like 500 pounds max. Is there a particular tire that is better than others in a 4.80-8? I picked up two 8" tires with the wheel for 29.99 each at Harbour Freight yesterday thinking they would be fine but I have a 170 mile trip coming up and I want to be confident that my tires are not going to give me problems on the way.

Yes, you do need to include the trailer. That will probably add 2-300 lb. You should still be fine with the 4.80-8 though. Go get another one of those $29.99 assemblies and then you'll have a good spare. Take one of the old ones as a backup spare. You're unlikely to need either, but having them will give you some peace of mind.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

Thanks for the good advice fellas. I appreciate it. Sounds like it is going to work out though I may check into switching to 12" tires in the future. I'm going to make this first trip on the 8s though to see how it does.

 

[you can try mine]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

get some spare wheel bearings also if your going to go 70 think how fast those tires will spin compared to the ones on you tow rig

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

The tire can only support the maximum weight indicated on the sidewall when it is inflated to the maximum pressure also indicated on the sidewall. The biggest cause of tire failure is underinflation. Check it before every trip. Low pressure causes heat. Heat kills tire.

 

[C-worthy]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

I've made many 275 mile (each way) trips with my 14 footer loaded with outboard, swivel seats, anchor, fuel and all the boating/fishing gear for three people on 8" tires with no problems. Tires and bearings don't even get warm. With the bearings greased and tires properly inflated like you'd do with any trailer you'll be fine.

Like everything around us, the bearings and tires are designed with a safety factor in mind, probably a generous one at that.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: 8 inch tires- newbie questions

C-worthy, thanks for the fisrt hand experience info. Much appreciated.