Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

d_saum

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
80
Hey All, I've got a hella old trailer with ancient wheels on it. They are actually 2 piece rims that bolt together and an odd size bolt pattern. Add to that the fact I have axles with very large hubs (which does not allow me to go buy new tires/rims from local sources with ease). The tires are a rare size and not easily attainable as are the inner tubes (I have only found one place in town that can get the tires and tubes for me). Anywho... last year I spent a lot of money on 4 tires and tubes and didnt really use the boat all that much, but lo and behold, I had a small leak in one of the tires and made it worse so now I need a new tube. With the rims being 2 piece bolt together, I can swap out tubes and whatnot myself fairly easily.

Short version... where is the best online to order odd tires and tubes?

Thanks!
 

d_saum

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
80
Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

anyone??? Hello? (hello... hello ..... hello ....)

Im having a really hard time finding the stupid tubes for these weird sizes. I just looked at the tire and it's a load star 6.96 / 6.00 - 9 and I dont see those anywhere online! Im almost tempted to just go and swap out the axles and be done with it!!!! :mad:
 

AZMinyard

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2008
Messages
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Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

You might look at changing out the hub rather than the whole axle. Switch to a 5 bolt on 4.5 hub (should be able to find for $50 or less) and the tires should be a lot less expensive than the specialty size. You may even be able to go up to a 12, depending on your clearance. If not, 8 inch tires are cheap too.
 
Joined
Mar 1, 2005
Messages
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Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

For the cost of making these changes (and aggrevation), why don't you just go find a cheap old trailer with a normal sized axle and hubs?
 

d_saum

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
80
Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

You might look at changing out the hub rather than the whole axle. Switch to a 5 bolt on 4.5 hub (should be able to find for $50 or less) and the tires should be a lot less expensive than the specialty size. You may even be able to go up to a 12, depending on your clearance. If not, 8 inch tires are cheap too.


That is an outstanding idea!!!! I'll definitely look into that option! Thanks!


And to Captain Caveman... well... I would but I dont think I could find a trailer as big as I need for what it would cost me for tires/hubs or even axles and tires.
 

redfury

Commander
Joined
Jul 16, 2006
Messages
2,657
Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

I'm trying to imagine a 25ft crestliner on 9 inch tires... What are they, like snowmobile trailer tires?

I think that I'd probably opt for the route of changing the hubs to more conventional bolt patterns if you plan to keep the trailer...it sounds like it just simply needs an updating. For tires and hubs, I think you'd be better served, especially in an emergency, not to mention be in a better position to help someone else in one too.

www.northerntool.com carries axles and hubs of various sizes and types fairly cheap. You'd be surprised at what you can find at your big box hardware store though for tire/rim combo's...
 

AZMinyard

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2008
Messages
165
Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

Another good online source is www.etrailer.com, free shipping with orders over $150. Discount tire is also a good source for tires and rims.

If you don't currently have trailer brakes, you might also consider upgrading at this time. A 5 on 4 1/2 drum kit is $50/hub (3500 lb) with brakes, $35 without.

Good luck, take pictures and let us know what you decide!
 

d_saum

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
80
Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

Nice! You guys are really awesome! I have to look at my trailer, and figure out how to get the hub off. After that, I'll either take it with me to Northern, or figure out exactly what it is and order a replacement from etrailers. Thanks so much for all your help!
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: Best place for trailer tires and tubes?

Need any help with it i live about 3 miles from Northern Tool on 74...
 
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