trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

[danray35e]

I have two trailers Both I got for free. One came with a boat, the other did not. The one with the boat is the perfect size for the boat that is on it. The other trailer is a foot too wide and someone cut four feet off the the length of it. So the ("other") trailer is a no go for the boat. However, the trailer with the boat on it (perfectly sized for the the boat) has what appears to me to be large diameter tires, and wheels.

(For ease of understanding, trailer 1 is perfect for the boat. Trailer 2 is not)

Trailer 1 has large tires and wheels, trailer 2 has tires, and wheels I would call normal boat trailer size tires, and wheels.

My dilemma. Trailer 1 sits too high off the ground to launch a boat easily, because of the large tires and wheels. Trailer 2 has the right size tires and wheels. My first thought was to simply swap the axles from trailer 2 to trailer 1. However trailer 2 is a foot wider than trailer 1. The tire size on trailer 1 is 235/75/r15. The tire size on trailer2 is st175/80d13.

The hub on trailer 1 is offset from the axle and bolted on. The hub for trailer 2 is inline with the axle.

I have pics attached. I am looking for advice to get trailer 1 to accept tires and wheels the size of the ones on trailer 2, so that launching of boat will be easier. I know the condition of leaf springs, and everything is not good. I will repair at time and money permits, but for now I simply want the right size tire and wheel on trailer 1, so i can launch my boat without having to back my truck half way into the lake.

 

[Davem3]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

things to consider before swapping tires/axles.

1) how big and heavy is the boat?
2) you have to nail the rust and such off the axles,frame and springs before it gets out of control.
3) what are the condition of the tires?

even though it might be more of a pain loading and unloading, the bigger tires will handle a much bigger payload.

up here in New England , we are a massive drought right now.

EVERYONE is backing their cars/trucks half way in the lake to launch at the moment ............

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

things to consider before swapping tires/axles.

1) how big and heavy is the boat?
2) you have to nail the rust and such off the axles,frame and springs before it gets out of control.
3) what are the condition of the tires?

even though it might be more of a pain loading and unloading, the bigger tires will handle a much bigger payload.

up here in New England , we are a massive drought right now.

EVERYONE is backing their cars/trucks half way in the lake to launch at the moment ............

Sorry I tried to include all info. It is a 1969 14 ft Mckee craft fibergalss boat with a 55hp johnson on it. I am aware that I will have to take care of rust, and buy new tires but I want to have right size on trailer. If the wheel size is normal for this trailer and boat then no worries. but it doesn't look right to me. I have never launched this boat. I found it in the weeds in the woods. Spend 4 months restoring it. So I have no idea how hard or easy it may be. but the height at the top of the roller at rear of trailer is like 20 inches off the ground.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

The first thing you need to do is figure out the wieght of the boat gear and trailer and see what the load capacity of the small tires are. I would guess that they will be inadequate to hadle the job.

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

The first thing you need to do is figure out the wieght of the boat gear and trailer and see what the load capacity of the small tires are. I would guess that they will be inadequate to hadle the job.

I will tell you what I know for sure. Trailer 2 was originally 20 ft long and is 6 ft 3 inches wide, designed for a v hull, because the frame is shaped to accept a v hull. Four feet of frame was cut off that trailer. ( the one with the smaller wheels).

Trailer one is a magic tilt which no longer tilts. total length is eighteen feet. total width of frame is 5 ft. The frame is straight like it was designed for a tri hull boat. So my thinking is that trailer 1 was designed to carry a smaller boat.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

I could be wrong than those may be the wrong wheels and tires on there. I would still start by getting a wieght on the rig and checking capacity. If your good than swap them out.

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

I could be wrong than those may be the wrong wheels and tires on there. I would still start by getting a wieght on the rig and checking capacity. If your good than swap them out.

It is obvious to me that the wheels and tires are of the wrong size on trailer 1. The advice I am looking for he how to change it. here look at this picture and tell me these are the right size for a boat trailer.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

Ok now I see your point lol. I'm assuming your small wheels don't fit on trailer 1 hubs or you would have just swaped them. You may be able to find different small wheels to fit on those hubs. Either that or you can swap out the hubs to get the different bolt pattern for the small wheels. Sorry I didn't get your question right away but that last pic certainly cleared it up for me.

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

Ok now I see your point lol. I'm assuming your small wheels don't fit on trailer 1 hubs or you would have just swaped them. You may be able to find different small wheels to fit on those hubs. Either that or you can swap out the hubs to get the different bolt pattern for the small wheels. Sorry I didn't get your question right away but that last pic certainly cleared it up for me.

Thanks for understanding, I guess I should have posted that pic first. I guess I am hoping someone on here will have had experience with trailers enough to tell me what I need, and how to accomplish it. I know I need to do something just not sure how.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

I would start by taking a piece of cardboard and pushing it over the studs of the trailer you use than go to the local el'cheapo boat trailer supply place such as farm and fleet and see if you can find a cheap set of small wheels that match the bolt pattern. That would be the easiest solution. If you can't find wheels that fit than you will have to either replace the hubs or the whole axle. Either of those solutions wouldn't be terribly expensive but more work. Good luck with your efforts.

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

I would start by taking a piece of cardboard and pushing it over the studs of the trailer you use than go to the local el'cheapo boat trailer supply place such as farm and fleet and see if you can find a cheap set of small wheels that match the bolt pattern. That would be the easiest solution. If you can't find wheels that fit than you will have to either replace the hubs or the whole axle. Either of those solutions wouldn't be terribly expensive but more work. Good luck with your efforts.

Thats an idea, thanks

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

It looks to me like you could remove #1's axle, have springs perches welded on the bottom of the axle and remove the old perches. Then mount the axle on top of the springs w/ proper U-bolts, etc. This would drop the tlr about 4 inches is my guess. And if you stay w/ the drop axle, go thru those hubs and make sure the brgs are OK and new seals.
Mike

 

[Bondo]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

Thanks for understanding, I guess I should have posted that pic first. I guess I am hoping someone on here will have had experience with trailers enough to tell me what I need, and how to accomplish it. I know I need to do something just not sure how.

Ayuh,.... If both trailers have real Trailer axles, just Swap the tires....

They should both be 5 lugs on 4, 1/2" centers...

 

[bonz_d]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

Bond-o is correct about the wheels or more importantly the hubs. That setup could be better suited to 5:30x12 tires if there will be enough clearance to lower the axle that much. 15" tires are overkill big time for the pictured rig, as would be 13". Another solution would be to repair the tilt function.

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

ahh if only it were as easy as changing the wheels from one to another. I would have already done that. Prob is the 13 inch hub is like 5 on 3 1/2 the 15 inch hub is like 5 on 5 3/4. I have considered restoring tilt function, but I am not all together certain all the parts are there for that. It has been welded down as well.

 

[Josh P]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

ok, pull one hub off both trailers and see if the bearings are the same size, check front and rear bearing if so you can swap hubs and use what tire/wheel combo you want.

But do not mix match hubs to bearings,they wear to each other.

if it was me and they were the same i would go buy 2 new hubs and bearing kits and install so i knew everything was new..just get the lug pattern to match the wheels you want to run

that would be cheaper than swapping axle plus you will want to check bearings and replace seals anyway

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

Trailer #1 has standard automotive wheels and the axle appears to be rather heavy duty, if not home made. The wheels nor the hubs from trailer #1 will likely not fit on trailer #2. But as was mentioned, you need to figure out what the all up weight of the trailer you intend to use is before determing what wheels and tires are needed. It is called GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). That's the weight of the trailer, boat, gas, gear, motor, batteries and adult beverages. Untill you make that calculation (and you will guess light if thats the process you use) you have no idea what you need. You cannot "look" at a tire and determine if it is right for the job.

 

[danray35e]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

Trailer #1 has standard automotive wheels and the axle appears to be rather heavy duty, if not home made. The wheels nor the hubs from trailer #1 will likely not fit on trailer #2. But as was mentioned, you need to figure out what the all up weight of the trailer you intend to use is before determing what wheels and tires are needed. It is called GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). That's the weight of the trailer, boat, gas, gear, motor, batteries and adult beverages. Untill you make that calculation (and you will guess light if thats the process you use) you have no idea what you need. You cannot "look" at a tire and determine if it is right for the job.

Ok trailer number two is the one with the smaller tires and hubs. Trailer number 1 is the one with the standard automotive tire. Trailer number one is the one I want to use for the boat, it is the one with the boat already on it. Someone obviously beefed up the suspension on trailer number 1 for reasons unknown. Thru research I have found out that the empty shell weight of my boat is around 6 to 8 hundred pounds, add the 55hp johnson, and I am averaging high on it at 250. What the hell, Im gonna say the boat weighs in at 1000 and the engine at 250. I know those numbers are high. I think actual weight of engine is 175. So that is 1250 lbs. I have no clue for trailer weight but it cant be more than trailer number two weighs as trailer number 2 (that the smaller tires were on was one foot wider, and two foot longer than trailer number 1. So 1250 for boat and engine minus trailer weight. The smaller tire/wheel is rated at 1360 lbs each. I think it can handle it. The axle on trailer 2 is 2 inch heavy gauge square tube, and if I remember right is rated at over 3600 lbs. Considering the fact that trailer number 2 with the smaller tires was bigger and designed to carry a larger heavier boat. Then I think it should hold up fine to the boat I have. I have decided to take the axle off and trailer number 2. cut out the extra length from the axle and weld back together, to fit trailer number 1. I have been a welder for over fifteen years and I think I can handle the job.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

As a welder I'm sure you are capable of deciding if it's safe for you to do such a job. Of course just be careful to to get enough durability to hold up to the stress.

 

[bucket of rivets]

Re: trailer with wrong size tires and wheels

I owned basically the same boat years ago, it sat atop a trailer with 4.80x8" tires, I ran a 33hp Evinrude, which was a bit lighter than your 55hp, but I also carried a ton of gear and used mine for crabbing. The trailer carried the boat about 40 miles each way to and from the water for 10 or more years with no issues. It was a bit heavy on the trailer but it did the job for years. I felt the ideal fix would have been heavier tires as I wouldn't have wanted to add any height for launch purposes. My trailer was so low I had to fully tilt and support the motor when towing. Those boats are light, unless the foam core gets water logged, then at that point their just scrap.
Mine was abused and battered when I got it, I treated it pretty rough myself but it kept going. I sold mine after getting tired of fixing cracks around the corners of the deck and transom. The boat was getting heavy with water weight as time went on.

If it were me I'd slap a set of 5.70x8" tires on there and give it a try. Chances are they will do just fine.