Home › Forum › Ask A Member › trailer tires and rims › Re: trailer tires and rims
My first year back as a member (2013) I towed a trailer everywhere I went. That’s how I Ended up with a couple of 100 engines! HA! HA! I always run the biggest tire (5.30 X 12") in this case. I only run Class C 6 ply tires. I’m running the same cheap tires you are. I buy tires & rims together for almost the same price as tires alone? I put 20,000 miles on the first year. I only run max pressure (calls for 80 lbs on side wall) so the tires run cool. The ride you get is due to your spring set up. I just replaced those tires this year due to dry rot/UV cracking. The trailer just sits outside at my house. One side doesn’t even have a fender. I have had the trailer for 40 yrs. She ain’t nothing to look at, but will haul 16 motors. Now that means I am hauling a load vs lighter boats which you guys are hauling most of the time.
My new boat rig has 4.80 X 12" tires. Hope I don’t regret that? Those tires also call for 80 lbs & are load C 6 ply. I drive 75 cruise control everywhere I can. Mostly interstate. Pot holes & all. I hope I don’t jinx myself, but in a million & one half miles with OMC & in the last 35 yrs I haven’t had a flat much less a blowout! With OMC I towed everything from a boat to a 36′ triaxle trailer of 33,000 lbs. I don’t go anywhere without max pressure in my tires. My new boat has independent suspension with an adjustable spring rate (like a shock). Once I get that dialed in I am hoping for more trouble free miles. That is just my experience, yours may differ.
My advice is do not let your air pressure down. Tires run hot, blow out, & adds to tire wear. Don’t run the 8" tires if you’re going to run over 50 mph.
Dan in TN