Jetski Trailer wheel upgrade?

[mstevens]

Ok I went on borrowed time and drove my trailer without a spare. It has 5.3x12 on it. It's a 2 ski trailer. Well I blew a tire the other night and now have had to get smart. I bought two tires of the same size but got C rating vs the B rating that was on it. However, i was wondering if I'd be better served by putting 13" tires on. I tried a 13" trailer tire I had and it fit albeit tightly. Fender wells gave about 1" clearance and the tire had about 3/4 to 1" from the sidewall to the trailer. I am concerned about long hauls and 12" tires. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Jetski Trailer wheel upgrade?

The sidewall clearance wouldn't bother me...but the fender well would.

Properly maintained (inflated) 12" tires should do just fine. I would leave it that way.... The only thing that would change my mind, would be if you have modified your trailer to carry any substantial amount of extra fuel load (jerry cans, etc.)!

 

[mstevens]

Re: Jetski Trailer wheel upgrade?

Thanks Rocky Road. I will only be putting a box on it for life vests and I just mounted the spare. I travel sometimes 400 miles to camp and I am just nervous about overheating the tires. I am considering a 1000 mile trek too. If you think the C rating and keep'em inflated properly will work, I'll leave it alone.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Jetski Trailer wheel upgrade?

Thanks Rocky Road. I will only be putting a box on it for life vests and I just mounted the spare. I travel sometimes 400 miles to camp and I am just nervous about overheating the tires. I am considering a 1000 mile trek too. If you think the C rating and keep'em inflated properly will work, I'll leave it alone.

Keep them at the max psi (cold), and you will be fine!

What skis do you ride? Here's mine....

 

[mstevens]

Re: Jetski Trailer wheel upgrade?

I have 2 2001 Yamaha xl800's. Not nearly nice as yours. The long and short of it was we were camping last year for about a month and the wife says it sure would be nice if we had a jetski. Vowing to never ever to go in debt again, I stumbled across the 2 waverunners around the corner from our campsite. They only had 40 hours on them and I bought them for just slightly more than I was looking to spend on one. I have since ridden my friend's Yama 4 stroke and I feel that it is a better ride than mine, but as I said, No Payments! I did have to put some money into one. It was a hard starter (almost impossible). I put in a new fuel diaphragm and the tech said there was a needle float valve that was sticking. He repaired that and now I am business. Sorry no picture but a quick Google scan and you'll see'em.

 

[willieboy]

Re: Jetski Trailer wheel upgrade?

I had a popup camping trailer that rode pone those same c rated 12" tires for several years with no problems. At least two of trips that were 1000+ miles. And lots of 400 mile round trips. That popup weighed in at 1950 lbs on the trailer tires, and 210 on the tongue. Needless to say I was real close to max on those tires, and never had a problem. I did keep them aired to max inflation, and checked them before EVERY trip to make sure.