Trailer tire and rim question

[Williamsbell]

I have to replace the tires on a 15+ yr old boat trailer. The current units are A78 x 13 with a 5 bolt pattern. Can these be replaced with a 5 bolt pattern 12" rim? The boat is a 1973 Winner 16' with a gross weight of less than 1000lbs

Thanks Folks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

Why would you want to replace larger diameter wheels and tires with smaller? Larger wheels roll easier, can carry a heavier load, and provide a fuel economy advantage. Yes -- I understand you have a light load. But why buy new rims AND tires, when you already have 13 inch rims. If you insist on the swap, yes, five bolt 12-inch rims will fit, unless of course the axle and hubs were not standard.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

Have to remember, the smaller the wheel, the faster it turns.
More chances for overheat on the tire and bearings.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

If the hub's are 5 [studs] on 4.5" [center to center] than any bias radial that is sold over the counter.

Measure your hubs and then go shopping...

If you are replacing the tires, now might be a good time to redo the bearings and races.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

I would keep the rims and replace the tires with top quality trailer tires for all the reasons mentioned above. Less rotations with the larger diameter wheels therefore less bearing wear and longer lasting tires.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

I agree that a larger diameter tire would be better, but if the guy's tires are 15 years old there is a good chance the rims are rusted.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

i run 13 in on most of my trailers, but get a ST trailer rated tire.

 

[wire2]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

I agree that a larger diameter tire would be better, but if the guy's tires are 15 years old there is a good chance the rims are rusted.

In a salt environment, possibly.
Mine is an '84 and not a speck of rust anywhere. Wheels are wet only a few minutes at a time on a ramp.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

I agree that a larger diameter tire would be better, but if the guy's tires are 15 years old there is a good chance the rims are rusted.

My rims are 22 years old and still in great shape. Without a photo or seeing them it would be the owners or tire fitters judgement call.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

Man, the painted rims on my trailer were whiped out by rust... It must all be in the maintenance of the trailer. (Hence my overhaul thread)

 

[wire2]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

Man, the painted rims on my trailer were whiped out by rust... It must all be in the maintenance of the trailer. (Hence my overhaul thread)

Are yours painted white? They seem to rust much faster than black ones. I expect the black may be a heavier primer/finish combination. I've even had ss wheel discs on it that scraped some paint off and they still didn't rust much in the bare spots.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

Yup, They are the white one's (4.80x12)

The white rims were swapped onto the trailer by the previous owner at some point in history but I can't tell you when. All I know is that the rims look almost eaten through in some spots so this winter I'll just be switching over to a galvanized rim with new tires to hopefully eliminate the need for replacement rims in the future.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Trailer tire and rim question

galvinized is the way to go.mine are 26 years old with not a speck of rust.my last trailer had new painted rims and they started rusting in less than a year.