Trailer Tire Question

[DeaconBlues]

I just bought a 18' Larson open bow on a single axel trailer without breaks. The tires are auto tires and are dry rotted so I am about to replace them.

Questions.....

1. How much clearance to I need from tire to well? 205/175/14 on one side with about 1.5" clearance, 185/75/14 on the other with about 3" clearance?

2. Can I run auto tires like the previous owner did. Guessing the boat ways 2500 or so. With the exception of one 300 mile trip a year, I only take the boat to a ramp about a half a mile from my driveway.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[RanchDweller]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

On all of my trailers I run radial car tires in the largest size I can fit in the well. Most of my trailers only have an inch or less of clearance in the well. The trailer well will move at the same time as the tire unless it has independent suspension which I have not seen on a boat trailer. The larger the tire the cooler it will run. BUT if you only trailer 1/2 mile, you could save some cash with a smaller tire. Your savings would be small, so get the better larger tire. Cooler running tires will last longer. It always sucks to see someones boat on the side of the highway with a blown tire and no spare. Don't forget the spare.

 

[DeaconBlues]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

Thanks. I looked and it didn't look like the well would move with the tire, but maybe I was seeing it wrong. And you are right, the 205 was only $4 more when I priced them. I have a solid spare, so I am good there.

 

[rokrau]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

Don't run car tires on a trailer - They are not made for the weight.

I also have a Larson 180, just shopped for tires. Americas Tire has Greenball Towmaster. They will put them on for $200. Another good one is the Goodyear Trailer Tire, I think it's the Marathon.

They are all made in China... It sucks. I'd gladly pay 10% more if it weren't so.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

If your boat weighs 2500 and with the added weight of the trailer it will be hard to find car tires that can handle that weight.

The sidewalls will tell you.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

The trailer well will move at the same time as the tire unless it has independent suspension which I have not seen on a boat trailer.

Not true. The tire needs clearance to allow for full suspension travel.
You must have at least 2750 lbs GVW.


What does the trailer call for? An ST205/75D14 load range C will carry 1760 lbs per tire.

 

[DeaconBlues]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

I have no idea what the tire calls for. Nothing on the information sticker is visible anymore. I had to have the state issue a new ID number just so I could register the darn thing. I was guessing entirely at the boat weight as well. I just thought that I remembered 18' open bow I/O's usually weighting in around 2500-3000.

 

[DeaconBlues]

Re: Trailer Tire Question

The sidewalls will tell you.

The sidewalls are cracked everywhere and a mess. But the trailer was not used or stored properly for a few seasons. I would expect them to be a mess regardless of weight.