Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

[ba_50]

I have one similiar to Northern Tools boat trailer. It has a 14' wide and deep open aluminum or steel hulled boat on it. We might put a 46" riding mower or other stuff in it too. Are the bearings and wheels good enough to go 1400 miles in 3 days? Thanks.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

I dont see why not. as long as the tires and bearings are well cared for and you keep the speeds down.

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

For under $100.oo you could get two extra tires on rims and an extra set of bearings. Its better to have and not need than to need and not have. Keep the bearing greased and check them every time you stop and check the air in the tires. Also remember those tires work harder than the ones on your car so keep the speed down.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

When i was young and dumb I drove about 4000 miles in a weeks time pulling a 12' aluminum boat loaded down with stuff on a trailer with 8" tires.

You will be ok just have a spare tire, bearings, grease, etc.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

Don't forget a jack.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

I put my utility trailer to the test over the last three years, hauling cable to job sites. Some trips were 700 miles one way. NO PROBLEMS. The bearings were my biggest concern. I made sure they were well greased and adjusted before heading out. Bring along a spare bearing and wheel just in case. Keep your speed in check. Those bearings and small wheels are really spinning at highway speeds.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

On the other hand: If the tires are old and dry, they might not go 100 miles if you are towing at high speeds. Replace them before the trip.

I towed for years about 20 miles each way with no problems. Speed was about 40 average.

I took the same trailer out on the turnpike and at 60 I blew two tires and threw the tread on another one within 100 miles. I had the foresight to take along two spares but they were not enough. Good thing there was a K Mart with close-out tires on rims at the next exit. limped in on one good tire and one treadless with the cord showing.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

i have towed jet ski's to the Keys many times. one trip we had to make an emergency trip home, that little trailer, ran just fine at 90 mph. for 700 miles.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

8" wheels on a trailer are just fine, tens of thousands of trailers out there have them. As do just about every snowmobile trailer.

If properly maintained, and can make it the first 100 miles, it should go 3000 miles.

 

[john from md]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

My 8 inch tires on my Coleman camper lasted coast to coast and then some. I always checked the pressure every other day or so on the road. Those things seem to be pretty porous.

John

 

[clarkbre]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

Properly maintained and greased, that set up should last a long time by not overloading it.

However, for a good piece of mind, you could always switch up to the 12" wheels with 4.80 tires. These will stand about 4" taller than the 4.80's on the 8" rims. The larger diameter of the bigger wheel/tire will slow down the turning of the bearings.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

Make sure the lug nuts/bolts aren't real tight.

Just think what it's like trying to keep one of those wheels from spinning as you try to loosen the lugs with a bare rim on gravel, or even just a broken bead.

 

[willieboy]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

Just like above, I have towed my jet ski all over Texas at highway speed with no problem. Make sure you have good tires, make sure they are aired to the maximum rating, and make sure your bearings are in good shape and well lubricated.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

In the past when I towed a lot, I welded an old spindle to the frame of the trailer. On it I mounted a complete hub with the spare. I found it was quicker and easier to pop off the grease cap, remove the cotter key, and spin off the retaining nut. This helps as mentioned above on over tightened lug nuts. Don't forget to take some handiwipes or some kind of hand cleaner. Many carry the stuff to fix, but nothing to clean those greasey hands when getting back in to your vehicle.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

I've ran my 4x8 kit trailer for 17 years now with the origional 8IN tires. They are old as heck and semi bald but I keep the PSI at max and also wash them and put tireshine on them to prevent cracking when it sits in the sun. I have to have at least 10K on these tires. Never a blow out once. Origional bearings too.

 

[John_S]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

Don't forget a jack.

or the lug wrench for the trailer wheels. The "emergency" lug wrench in the vehicle could be different than the trailer.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Will 8" wheels last for 1400 miles?

tire quality and wheel bearing maintenance are important. An 8" wheel can be travelling 3- 4 times as many revolutions as your tow vehicle's wheel.