Trailer tire question...

[2stroke1971]

Ive had small trailers before, and they had trailer tires on them, small ones.

My current trailer is an '84 load rite which carries my 20 foot bayliner cuddy. When the previous owner renovated the trailer, he had put some wheels on it from a ford ranger pickup. I assume the original wheels were rusted out or something.

Of course, these wheels have truck tires, 205 70 15s on there right now. Is this safe? Are there trailer specific tires at this size? If so where do I buy them? Wally world sells the smaller ones, complete with wheels, but nothing large enough.
Im sure its all about sidewall strength... after all theres alot of weight on only two tires here. (Single axle trailer)
Thanks in advance,
Neil

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Trailer tire question...

that size tire is a very small truck tire, its the same size as my winter tires on my car! I'm guessing it is WELL past its load rating for that boat.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer tire question...

Trailer tires have an ST205-75 x 15 for example. The ST stands for "Special Trailer". You need to look for a tag on the trailer that indicates 1) its load capacity or 2) its GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) which is the load capacity plus the weight of the trailer itself. Then check the load capacity on the sidewall of the tire. If the load capacity on the tire is less than the label says for its maximum load, those tires are improper. If the load capacity on the tires is higher than the label, they should be ok. The next question is what is the actual weight of the boat, gas, gear and the trailer. Until you know that, and what the trailer capacity is you don't know if the trailer is overloaded or not.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Trailer tire question...

Trailer tires have stiffer side walls which help reduce sway.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Trailer tire question...

just looked, and those tires are most likely rated at 1500# each. I can 100% assure you your boat/trailer is more than 3000#! So yep, overloaded. (obviously, like others said, check the sidewall of the tire)

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: Trailer tire question...

Ok, right I AM overloaded, ...where do I buy these tires? Does a tire shop like NTB sell them, or do I have to go to a "trailer shop"?

Thanks!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Trailer tire question...

Any tire store can put you on some real trailer tires. You'll note also that they run a higher PSI than a car tire, and they have a heavier sidewall and load bearing capacity. A pair of them, put on and balanced may run you about $200. A couple of tire tread seperations/blowouts on the interstate cured me of trying to "go cheap" on my trailer tires! Good Luck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer tire question...

Within a given tire size, there are also several load ratings (C, D, E etc.) You will note that those load ratings are visible in the information on the sidewall of the tire. Do not buy tires until you know for certain what your rig weighs -- and that includes the trailer, boat, full of fuel, and all the stuff you pile into the boat. That single axle trailer is probably rated for 3500# max which is limited by the axle itself. So even if you put tires on that are rated for more than 1750# each that does not make the trailer safe if the rig weighs over 3500#. Tires, axle, and springs determine load capacity of a trailer.