need new tires

7

78-seanymph

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My current tires are 155 R 12's can't seem to find trailer rated tire in that size. Any ideas or alternate sizes that would fit my rims without spending an arm and a leg.<br /> 16' alum sea nymph with console and 40hp :confused:
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: need new tires

The tires you have should have their max load capacity listed on the sidewall. Shop for a 12" tire that has at least the same rating. The most common 12 inchers are:<br /><br />4.80x12 "B" Load Range (780 lbs each) <br />5.30x12 "B" Load Range (780 lbs each) <br />5.30x12 "C" Load Range (1045 lbs each)<br /> <br />The 4.80 is about 20.5" diameter, the 5.30's are about 21.8" diameter. Note that the 5.30 C range takes about 90 PSI! WOW! That will give you a workout with a bicycle pump. <br /><br />One of those three sizes should fit your needs.<br /><br />Edit:<br /><br />On second thought, check to be sure the tires you have are really trailer tires. The "R" designation indicates that it is a Radial tire. Seeing as I have never come across a 12" trailer tire in a radial, it makes me think the tires you have may be automobile tires. I did a quick search on yahoo for your tire size and found it made by companies like ChengShan for small cars. It has a listed load rating of only 485lbs, much less than the 4.80x12 trailer tire.<br /><br />Calculate your load and buy a pair of trailer tires that their combined load rating exceedes the weight of your boat, trailer, motor, and all accessories. Also, your trailer may have a plate/sticker/label on it listing the GVW. The tires you buy need to meet or exceed that number.<br /><br />Mark.
 
7

78-seanymph

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Re: need new tires

The 155R12 I am currently running have a max load of 865lbs at 32psi.<br /><br />The tires are radials, but they came with the trailer when I bought it. When it comes to the spec's plate it was painted over by previous owner. The only info on the trailer I have is that it is a 1983 E-Z Loader, mod- SPU-16-1350. <br /><br />Thank you, :)
 
D

DJ

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Re: need new tires

78,<br /><br />Those are car tires.<br /><br />You wnat a tire that caries an "ST" (special trailer) rating. There is a diffeence, namely in the sidewalls.
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: need new tires

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise! <br /><br />I was looking at trailer tires today and came across RADIAL trailer tires in that exact size without the ST rating. So, it appears that they did put those car tires on trailers. <br /><br />I don't believe you need to replace radials with radials. A good set of bias ply trailer tires will do just fine. And maybe even sway less, due to the inherently stiffer side wall of bias ply tires.<br /><br />I learn something new every time I log on here.<br /><br />Mark
 
Realgun

Realgun

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Re: need new tires

OK mark where are the 12 inch radial tires at?
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: need new tires

Check out these sites:<br /><br />Trailer parts UK:<br /> http://www.trailerpartswarehouse.co.uk/trailer_caravan_tyres/12_tyres.html <br /><br />Trailer parts UK<br /> http://www.banburytrailers.co.uk/wheels&tyres.htm <br /><br /><br /> http://www.gearworksmfg.com/pages/516508/ <br /><br />Lists 145 r12 as optional tire upgrade.<br /> http://www.cruiserlift.com/Swivelwheel.htm <br /><br />This site has a utility trailer with 155 r12 tires.<br /> http://www.mzrainbowtrailers.com/medium_light_duty.htm <br /><br />This site has a boat trailer with 155 r12 tires:<br /> http://www.roadrunnerltd.com/specs.html <br /><br />Another boat PWC trailer site with 155 r12 tires:<br /> http://www.debisco.com/trailers/trailers.html
 
7

78-seanymph

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Re: need new tires

I like the sound of the 5.30x12, but I was thinking about the rims. The dia. 12, but is the width standard on a trailer rim. :rolleyes:
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: need new tires

12" trailer rims are usually 4" wide. The 5.30x12 will fit that size. Do a search on trailer tires, there are lots of places that sell them online. <br /><br />Just avoid the Carlisle brand, they had a bad run of tires in 2002 or so and lots of complaints. You don't know how old the stock is your buying, and they didn't recall the tires. <br /><br />Loadstar is a more expensive brand, around $50 each, Carlisle is inexpensive at around $30 each.
 
Realgun

Realgun

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Re: need new tires

Mark those tyres are not ST tires they fit the Ford Festiva. I had 1 of those great milage and actually quite nice. I recognize the sizing. 155R12 and 165/70R12.
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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Re: need new tires

2005 EZloader trailers spec @ 14-17ft 1250lb - 480x12B and 14-17ft 1400lb 530x12C
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: need new tires

Realgun,<br /><br />Why do you think those companies put car tires on boat trailers? I think it may be because they 1) are low weight applications and 2) might want the extra cushion that the radials provide on such a light load so it doesn't hop and bounce it's way down the road over every tiny imperfection in the road surface.<br /><br />Ya think?
 
M

mbische

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Re: need new tires

Hey all, new guy here. A few weeks back I posted pics of my new "hole in the water" restoration project, a 1965 Sea Ray 900. The trailer it's sitting on is old and large. I might get rid of it altogether but need to make it mobile for now and that means new tires. <br /><br />The current tires are G78-15 Amoco Sno-Go (very attractive). From my research these are roughly the same size as a metric 225/75-15. Sound right? After reading this thread I'm confused if I'm able to use a car or light truck tire on the trailer? (The state of MN sticker is for this trailer is 3000lbs.)<br /><br />thanks all<br />Matt
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: need new tires

Hi Matt,<br /><br />Welcome to iBoats! Sounds like those are old auto tires. Your conversion to 225 sounds right. Look up the trailer tire sales sites and get some ST rated trailer tires. Regular auto radials will make the trailer sway all over on the soft sidewalls. Trailer tires have a much stiffer sidewall and other attributes that are specific to towing that auto tires don't have. Get the GWV rating off the trailer if possable and get tires that will exceede that weight. <br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Mark.
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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Re: need new tires

225/75 R15 was the same as HR78 15 and 215/75 R15 is pretty much the same as G78 15 were. the old LR78 are pretty much like 235/75.
 
jimr

jimr

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Re: need new tires

I put cheap car tires on this summer to save a few bucks and while they work I can tell a big difference in the way it tows(swaying bouncing). I saved money but will be spending more this year to do it right
 
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HeadHunt

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Re: need new tires

Sorry Realgun, you are correct. My second choice would be Duro's. www.durotires.com. I am pretty sure they have 12 inch, they specialize in ST tires and they have great reviews.<br /><br />HeadHunt
 
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