Boat Trailer Tire mod

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Pugetsound

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
1,824
Re: Boat Trailer Tire mod

Sounds doable except you will still have a light load AXEL If you have a boat of any size. It will run smoother with the added heght but not much safer withouit new H D AXEL I suggest pull the boat sell the trailer then find a larger one . Now is the time to shop.
 
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Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: Boat Trailer Tire mod

Nice looking boat and trailer--correct vintage for the time it was purchased. As mentioned above, you could look for a more substantial trailer. It all comes down to how heavy the boat is, and if the trailer, axles and tires are rated for the weight. I'm with you on getting larger tires, however. I assume the trailer pulls straight?

To go to a 13" or 14" tire, you'd probably have to go to a 3500 lb. axle, which is more than this trailer frame needs.

When I have questions about trailers, I go to ChampionTrailers.com. Their website has great information and they sell all the parts, axles, etc. I would think you have 2000 pound axles, but you almost need to measure them to figure out where you're at.

You might could get away with 5 lug 12" ST tires and wheels (like my jet ski trailer has) and not have to change the hubs/bearings or fenders. See what Champion has to offer for your situation.
 
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loose rivet

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
151
Re: Boat Trailer Tire mod

The added height may make the boat harder to launch at some shallower ramps. I've got a 13" tire trailer which is a bit heavier than needed under my 14' and its more than once been an issue getting the boat off the trailer.

I'm most likely going to drop down to a 12" tire or smaller.
I do like how much nicer the 13" tires ride though compared to say an 8 or 10" tire, especially on some of the long washboard roads leading back to a few boat ramps around here.
 
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Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: Boat Trailer Tire mod

Don't forget that the boat salvage yards are a great source for trailers of all ages and sizes. Every boat that's junked
has a trailer--most of which are not ready to junk.

They're also good to turn into utility trailers, if you're handy with your hands and/or a welder.
 
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