[rickdb1boat]

Hey GuysMy pontoon boat, with a single axle trailer, currently has the small 10" tires(20.5-8.0-10). My question is, what affect would going up to a 13" rim and tire have on towing? I realize that launching may be a little different(No Problem), but I am wondering if it would make it easier to tow and how it might affect handling. Any comments would be appreciated.

[JB]

Hi, Rick.I made the change from those baloons to 175X13s on my trailer a couple of years ago.It's hard to say what other effects it may have had, but my highway towing mileage jumped from around 13 to around 15-16mpg.I have found no difference in launching/loading on hard ramps but have not tried launching at unimproved sites.

[6MISFITZ]

It would raise the ceter of gravity a little which might be felt a little more in cross winds and you will have to submerge the trailer a little further to load or float the boat. It might be just a little more tippy in the corners too but as long as you slow down for curves, I do not see a down side. While the wheels are off the ground, chech the run out on the bearings by moving the drum/hub up & down or side to side (just a small deflection is O.K.) and spin the hub to make sure it turns free.Mike.

[rickdb1boat]

Thanks JB And Mike. That's what I was lookin' for. The mileage deal(With a F-150) and pulling ease is really what I was after. I plan on pulling farther than usual this year(About 350 Miles one way) to seek out new boating areas, so mileage is important. I figured the center of gravity will be a bit higher, but being mostly highway where I'm going, that shouldn't present a big problem. I check the bearings often, so they should be fine. Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I'm going to try out the 13" tires and see how she does.

[howster]

i work on tires for a livin you should make the change way better on your bearings (dont forget to check those)go with the st series or lt this will make it posible to put at least 50 psi always go 5 pounds under max inflation youll gain that much in road heat...THE HOWSTER

[rickdb1boat]

Thanks HowsterWill look into the ST series tires.

[Bond-o]

Make Sure you've got the Clearance for the Taller Tires....Be a Shame to rub a Hole in your Pontoons....

[rickdb1boat]

Thanks Bondo, Plenty of clearence, once I get the fenders off. I'm still working on how to reattach the fenders after I get the tires on there. Any suggestions???

[Bond-o]

Are the fenders Welded to the sub-frame ??? Cut them off,+ weld em back on higher...If not, Clamp them to the top of the tube...