Aluminum Trailer wheels?

[seaboat]

Hello, This is my first time so be easy, I recently bought a 1982 searay sundancer 260 that needs work. To begin with I need to replace the tires and wheels on the trailer, I bought 4 really nice aluminum wheels (Rebel Outlaws) and was wandering if I could use these to replace the steel ones of the same size because of the weight of this boat? Thanks.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

I am sure you are ok.
But wheels will have weight ratings and if you know the weight of the boat on the trailer axles you can decide.
Of course you need a tire that is rated for the load also.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

If you look at the back of the wheel, usually near the hub face you should see a gross weight per wheel rating. Your Sea Ray dry is listed at 5000 lbs, plus another 2000 for trailer, fuel, etc. That given, the wheel should be rated at least at 1750lbs each with a dual axle trailer.

 

[seaboat]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Thanks , would you suggest a load range E tire? The boat weighs about 6500 pounds.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Probably E. Depends on the tire manufacturer. NADA lists your boat at 5000 lbs. Where did you get the 6500#? Is that boat and trailer?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Thanks , would you suggest a load range E tire? The boat weighs about 6500 pounds.

Ayuh,... I buy the Highest rating in whatever size I need, but you only Need 1/4 the sum of your Total weight...

I'd try those wheels before you get tires on 'em....
Many don't have the proper back-spacing, 'n hit the springs/ frame...

 

[seaboat]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Yes that is boat and trailer, Thanks.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Wheels have a maximum air pressure rating. It should be on the wheel. Putting a tire on it that is higher rated and inflating it above the wheel rating is dangerous.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Aluminum wheels on a car are a poor investment because they tend to leak air in short order due to corrosion. I have 2 cars with them on, and I have to have at least 2 or 3 of the rims demounted every year so they can be resealed. My third car has chrome plated steel wheels and they don't need maintenance until I get new tires.

For a trailer wheel that gets submerged in water every week, I would not buy aluminum.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

Interesting, Jim. All our vehicles (5) have factory alloy wheels, and there isn't a leaker among them. The oldest is my '87 Porsche.

But I wouldn't want alloy wheels on my boat trailer either.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Aluminum Trailer wheels?

There's nothing wrong with an aluminum wheel of the proper application. I've sold literally tens of thousands of them with probably less failure concerns than steel. Any wheel can leak, steel wheels typically at the seam in the outer. All wheels are clearly marked as to their capacity as part of their DOT certification. Some are rated higher than others. Just because it bolts up doesn't make it right and that goes for steel and aluminum. Check the specs on the back against your intended load. Just because it's steel means nothing as far as capacity or air pressure. If I'm wrong about any of this, so are 10 million truckers running Alcoas. Just be careful to get the appropriate wheel.