Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

[treebound]

I'm thinking of changing the wheels on the boat trailer (14' aluminum row boat w/20hp outboard) from the tiny doughnut 8" wheels to maybe 12" diameter wheels. This would match the tires to the ones on our utility trailer, and I'm thinking they would hold up better on the boat trailer for longer road trips. Maybe a non-issue, but it makes me nervous humming down the freeway at 65mph when the trailer only has those tiny 8" wheels on it.

I know I'd have to re-mount or replace the fenders, but I'm planning on doing some work on the trailer anyway once winter leaves the region.

So, don't worry about it and keep the 8"ers, or is it a good idea to go to the 12"ers?????

Thanks for any input or thoughts.

Mike

 

[Bondo]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... So long as you put on tires rated as high as the originals, 'n they don't hit nothin',...

I can't see any sorta problem...

So long as the Wheel fits the hub, you could throw on 15"ers if ya want....

 

[agallant80]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

I think if anything it would be better. The bearings will be spinning less and slower with bigger wheels.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

The advantage would be a lower workload on the wheel bearings(larger diameter wheels run at lower rpms).

Disadvantage may be that you will have to back in the water just a touch farther when launching.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

actually, as long as your tires aren't overloaded not there won't be any huge advantage.... the bearings would be fine at 100 plus mph with the 8's... there will be a slight improvement in tire life and the larger diameter will ride slightly smoother on sharp bumps such as potholes.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

If it is time to replace them anyway, I would go to the 12s if for no other reason than to be compatible with your utility trailer.

 

[lrak]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

Absolutely no problem with the 8" wheels at highway speeds, BUT if they make you nervous...its cheap and easy to swap them out.

 

[treebound]

Re: Changing from 8" to 12" wheels, any reason not to?

Thanks all, I wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something. The trailer needs re-painting so I think I'll watch for fenders and might do the switch when I get around to the paint.

Thanks