8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

[lakelover]

My boat trailer has 8" wheels on it and my utility trailer has 12". I was wondering if there's any reason I can't use 12" wheels on the boat trailer. I'm pretty sure I have clearance under the fenders, have to check for sure. Both have 5 lug bolts.

Is there any disadvantage to using the 12" wheels? Another benefit would be that I rarely if ever use both trailers at the same time, so I could switch wheels around in I had a flat or emergency, carry an extra spare etc.

Thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

Should be no problem as long as you have the clearance.
8" tires are about 15 inches high,480 X 12 are 19",520 X 12, 22"
The 12" tires will run much cooler both the bearings and the tires ,they turn slower.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

Shouldn't be any problem if you have the clearance. It will raise the center of gravity a little and you will need to go a little deeper when launching.

 

[mars bar]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

The only thing I can think of is if you use a shallow launch ramp, other than that, it's better. I changed mine to the tire/ rim combo from walmart for about $75.00 each. Available all over the place!

 

[steelespike]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

The only thing I can think of is if you use a shallow launch ramp, other than that, it's better. I changed mine to the tire/ rim combo from walmart for about $75.00 each. Available all over the place!

Yes and the quality is a 100 times better than the cheapo rims and tires at
Harbor Freight.Not an exageration.

 

[clarkbre]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

With the bigger diameter wheels and tires, your bearing rotations in the same distance will go down by about 20%. This in turn creates less heat and less wear on the bearings and spindles. You'll have a better piece of mind with the larger set up. And as for clearance, you'd have to be launching in some vry shallow water for it to make any real impact. The overall height of the trailer will raise up approximately 2".

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

If you have clearance under the fenders then no reason why not to change.

Just today I changed out my 570 x 8 LRC with 530 x 12 LRC tires to gain more carrying capacity. New tires only 2" larger in diameter so I increased ground clearance by 1". Had lots of room under the fenders.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

Just a note though, not all 12" tires have the same overall diamiter. If you want true interchangability, get the same size that's on your utility trailer now.

 

[lakelover]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

Should be no problem as long as you have the clearance.
8" tires are about 15 inches high,480 X 12 are 19",520 X 12, 22"
The 12" tires will run much cooler both the bearings and the tires ,they turn slower.

Thanks for the info.

I just measured 3 mounted 480x12 and they are 20.5" diameter. I'll just be careful to match them all up.

Not too worried about bearings, after 100 miles the hubs are barely warm with the 8" ones.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: 8" wheels now, can I use 12"?

Be Careful that your 12" have the same load range capacity as your 8". Although, this might not be necessary, as 12" load range B has about the same capacity as an 8" load range C. (760+ lbs.) But be sure that your new wheels can easily handle your complete load.

Dave