Going from larger to smaller tires

W

Wbs416

Recruit
Joined
Oct 17, 2012
Messages
1
I have 13"tires on my trailer for a 17'Whaler. The problem is when I back the trailer into the water the bunks are still out of the water, witch makes it a pain getting the boat on and off. If I put smaller tires on it would it help??? I would make sure they are rated to the weight and all.
 
U

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: Going from larger to smaller tires

With my 18 ft Bowrider I do not put the bunks in the water to launch.
The end of the bunks are right at water level; A health shove starts the boat sliding off the bunks and in it goes.

To recover the last 6-12 inches get wet.
I pull it as far as I can by hand and winch it the rest of the way.

Loosing an inch in diameter is only going to lower the axle a half inch. (That Radius thing!)
Raising the Ball will lower the stern.

Let's see an overall picture or 2 from broadsides.
 
roscoe

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,665
Re: Going from larger to smaller tires

Smaller tires will do very little for you.


Things that may help you a lot:

A longer trailer tongue.

Lower bunks or rollers on the trailer.

Moving the axle above the springs if it is currently below the springs.

A different trailer that carries the boat lower.
 
jestor68

jestor68

Commander
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
2,308
Re: Going from larger to smaller tires

Google " Extend a Hitch". Problem solved. :)
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,762
Re: Going from larger to smaller tires

Smaller tires will also alter the capacity of the trailer so you solve one problem and create another by potentially overloading the tires. You can go as small as 10 inch, wide profile load range "E" and have about 3000# GVWR. That would include the weight of the boat, the trailer, and everything inside the boat including fuel, batteries, engine, etc
 
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