Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

[magillacuddy]

Last summer was my first trailering the boat, but as I plan to bring the boat further distances this summer, I am trying to cover myself a little bit (without getting crazy). My trailer didn't come with a spare tire. Should I get one? Has anyone had to change a flat on their way to or from an outing?

Thanks.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

I'll put this is a manner which allows you to answer your own question:

IF you were sitting on the side of the highway, your trailer with a flat, and you had to leave your fully loaded boat alone for hours while you hunted down an open store which sells your trailer tire and waited for them to mount and balance it, risking your boat getting stolen (or at least what is inside of it), what would you be willing to spend to avoid that situation entirely?

My answer:

Spend the $50, get the spare, keep it inflated, enjoy your outings.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Absolutely. It rides in my tow vehicle, since unlocked spares seem to disappear here at the ramp parking lot.

I also have a spare hub, all greased and ready to install, in a big ziploc bag, along with the tools needed to install it.

And I don't drive more than 30 miles to any of the lakes I fish.

Why would anyone tow a trailer without a spare? That could spoil your whole day.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

mine did not come with a spare and I only tow it 5 miles one way to water. I have every intention of having a spare on it this year.

I have needed spares twice on trailers. Out of state, on a highway, no idea where stores would be. Very glad I had a spare. They don't get used much but they sure are nice to have when you need them.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Get a spare for sure. Even though my trailer has a tandem axel I can't really tow if one of the tires is flat. I maybe could if I removed a tire from the other side and just went on two but there is no way I would want to mess with all of that on the side of the freeway. Only takes 10-15 min to change a trailer tire and your on your way. Like the above post I also keep spare axle parts, it only takes being stranded once or a good trip ruined to appreciate having the stuff to repair and be on your way if something fails. I don't know about the "spend 50 and get a spare" but whatever you end up spending its worth it. Even if you get a steel rim with a decent car/truck tire on it at least you would have something. Around here you can go to a pick and pull and get a tire/rim for around 20 bucks. Yes it is used and a car tire but if it gets you home its worth it. If you do get something that isn't a trailer tire make sure you measure it fairly close because a 14" trailer tire is more like a 15" car tire in overall height..

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

A few years ago I borrowed a boat and towed it to the keys. Told the wife we needed a spare tire and rim as the boat didn't have one. Also made sure we had a jack and tire iron. Sure enough, on the way home we had a flat. Since we had been camping, the boat was loaded with tons of gear and personal stuff. We broke down outside of Miami. Nothing would have been left when we returned.
I could not imagine towing a boat out of my driveway without a spare. And get a locking bracket to mount it.

 

[FLWakeRider]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Although I have yet to have a flat while towing, I carry a spare. My trailer come with a full size spare (Same tires that are on the trailer), so I lucked out there. I inspect the mounted tires every month and make sure the spare is still inflated. And, I have a 3 ton floor jack I always carry in the back of the SUV anyways, so if I needed it, that would be there.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

I sure do have a spare.. I would hate to think of leaving my boat alongside of the road while I went to get the flat fixed. There are too many locking devices for a spare tire now. Spend the money and save the fun.

 

[nlain]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

You need a spare and a jack. I had not towed much until the last few years and I have made several road trips from 3 to 7 hours one way. Before I hit the road the first time had a spare and jack, I had also removed all of the wheel lugs and put antisieze on them so I knew they would come loose if I needed to change a tire side the road, I boat in salt water so I wanted to be sure rust had not got to them.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Only a very dumb person would go out without a spare

 

[woosterken]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

not to be smart,but do you have a spare tire for you truck.
why?

woosterken

 

[synergy141]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

On long trips a spare tire is a must, It will save time and stress if you have one .The only time I dont bring one is when I go to the local ramp which is like a mile away.

 

[jkust]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

First thing I did when I bought my boat was buy a spare tire and spare keys. The apparently heavy duty spare tire/unusual 6 lug rim and common trailer mount combo was north of $150 but literally only one place in MN had the tire/rim. Even Shorelandr themselves could not help. I felt totally ripped off but like everyone else said...it really is just common sense to carry one.
I learned four things from that experience:
1: Trailer tires and rims are exceptionally difficult to locate (after spending several hours on the phone).
2: I can not find a tire pressure gauge that goes high enough for my trailer tires.
3. You have to get rid of the idea of 'ripped off' from your thought process with boating.
4. Don't tell your wife how much your boating hobby actually costs.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

"4. Don't tell your wife how much your boating hobby actually costs."

True, but do be sure to tell her how great she looks in that new bathing suit.

 

[magillacuddy]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Well that was easy. Looks like I have a few more items to add to this year's list.

 

[magillacuddy]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Just did a quick search and it looks like West Marine should have what I need:
(but I'll shop around a little)

 

[MrPhotographer06]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

i personally havent had a flat on the trailer.. but i do have a new spare..i took the best rim. cleaned the edge and put a new tire on it..

then the trailer got new tires and rims

8" tires..so they werent too bad.. like 35 bucks for a tire and rim at Agri-Supply

oh.. and while your there throw some grease at the wheel bearings..

 

[rndn]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

A spare tire is like insurance, you better have it but really hope you never use it!!

 

[cbavier]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

One of the first things I did when I got my boat was put a spare on the trailer. Make sure the wheel fits! The only way you know is to jack up the boat. HOOKED TO THE TRUCK or TOW VEHICLE. and try it. It took me two wheels before I found the right one. I wouldn't have know though if I hadn't tried it to make sure it was the correct one. Better to know before you need it than to find out somewhere on the expressway or a lonely back road.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Well, I guess you figured out the answer by now. I have several trailers. The larger ones don't go far (200 yards). The smaller ones go over the road once in a while. I have at least two spares that I can think of at the moment. The 12" tires on two small trailers are also the same for the front of my 2 Farmall Cubs and the log splitter. Have we got spares!!!