Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

[jlinder]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Additional thought - what about insurance? <br /><br />Use an out of original spec tire, even for a spare, and if you have a problem will it void the insurance?

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Personally-and this is what I've done too- I'd go to the junkyard and get a full set of ally wheels with good tyres including spare that fit your trailer, and make a note of what car they came off. That way you'll always have the right spare, and if you blow a tyre you've only gotta go to the junkyard again...

 

[rwidman]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Originally posted by Nos4r2:<br /> Personally-and this is what I've done too- I'd go to the junkyard and get a full set of ally wheels with good tyres

You should be using special trailer (ST) tires on the trailer, not car or truck tires.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Any particular reason? i've got ford Transit wheels and tyres on mine- rated to about a ton each. Is this not enough? Advice appreciated!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Nos4r2,<br />You're the Only post in this thread that I agree with,........To a Point...........<br /><br />A 5 bolt Ford,"Rear wheel drive" wheel is the Same bolt pattern,+ the back spacing will fit Most trailers.........<br />They can be found in 14",+ 15" quite easily,.... I've seen 13" that fit, but back spacing wasn't Optimal.....<br />Ayuh, That's what I use.....<br /><br />If the tires are Weight Rated for above the Max. loads I think they'll see,... I'll run them....<br /><br />I'm cleaning up a set of "Mag" wheels for My trailer now.........15X8"........<br />Difference is, I'm buying New Tires......

 

[rwidman]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Check the technical article on trailer tires at:<br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/tire_art.html <br /><br />It's not just load capacity, it's sidewall stiffness and other construction issues. Unless you are just trailering a jon boat to the neighborhood ramp you should use the recommended trailer tires for the safety of you, your boat, and people around you.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

I check my trailer hubs/tires often. At one rest area, as I was checking them I heard a hisss. One of the trailer tires had split in the tread area. I didn't have a spare. An onlooker suggested I try the car spare - it was a Crown Vic spacesaver spare...the skinny type.<br /><br />To my surprise, it fit and got me home. So I decided I'd go to the boneyard and get a Ford full sized rim/wheel/tire to use as a spare on either the car or trailer, but the standard Ford rim wouldn't fit the trailer because the offset was wrong.<br /><br />If you do go with an automotive rim, make sure it fits before you need it.<br /><br />Nick in Spartanburg, SC

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

I haven't put new tyres on simply because the ones that were already on the wheels appeared nearly new- the van I took them from had only just come off the road due to rust.<br /><br />One question I did wonder about thats not covered in the trailers website- There used to be a big fuss made about not mixing crossply and radial tyres. Over here they said don't mix them on the same axle but it wasn't really advisable to mix them on a car at all. Does it apply to not having xplys on trailers and radials on towing vehicle? (I should know this coz I tow 50 foot trailers every day but we all use the same tyres regardless!)

 

[rwidman]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

If I understand your question - You don't have to have the same type of tires on the tow vehicle and trailer. Most of us have P or LT radials on the tow vehicle and many have bias ply ST tires on the trailer.

 

[islandboat]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

It looks like you will be carrying 1500lbs on each tire. If you can find a spare wheel that has a 5 x 4.5 lug pattern, a decent tire of the same diameter that can handle 1500lbs with the correct backspacing, go for it. I paid $50 for a galvanized trailer wheel and mounted one of my old trailer tires on it (and I bought 4 new tires). I now have 5 wheels that match and use the same lug nuts. Remember to try the used spare on the trailer before you need it. Make sure the lug nuts will work, as some aluminum wheels use different style lugs. It's only a spare. It may likely rot before it is used. It is only to get you down the road for a day or two. The important thing is to have 4 good wheels and tires, a jack that works (your trailer will set lower to the ground with a flat), proper removal tool, and a spare with air in it. If looks are important, get a matching spare and mount it to your trailer. That can take care of your tire problems, now how about your wheel bearings?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

Trailers with heavy loads, high vertical sideloads (like camper trailers), or trailers with inadequate tongue weight can be affected by trailer sway problems. Automotive bias or radial tires with their more flexible sidewalls can accentuate trailer sway problems, whereas the stiffer sidewalls of the ST (special trailer) bias ply tires help to control and reduce sway problems. For this reason it is not recommended that (P) Passenger or (LT) Light Truck tires be used on trailers. Best trailer control will be achieved with (ST) Special Trailer tires. <br />

This would suggest that you can't use ST radials either.

 

[JohnRuff]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

And since the lug nuts on your boat trailer are rarely the same size as those on your hauling vehicle -- how many of you carry a matching lug wrench for your trailers bolts?<br /><br />

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need thoughts on spare tire plan-sort of

There is only one plan for a trailer spare. Don't leave home without one. That plan should also include a check of tire pressure and tire condition before the trip whether it's to the local ramp or 200 miles up the road. And don't forget a lug wrench and suitable jack.