New wheels and tires

[boxterbloor]

I have a 1989 Stingray SVB 176 on a two wheel trailer. I bought the boat a couple of years ago and have only ever been trailering it locally to put in. I bought it from a person who put on one 14" car rim and one 15" car rim with car tires. I am moving from SC to FL in about two weeks and want to buy new rims and tires for it but do not know what to buy. I think they are 205's but I am already in FL so will have to call my wife (stil in SC) to get the lug pattern and current tire size. Do I get a 14" or a 15"? What tire size do I get? I know nothing about trailer tires at all and thought all was ok on what I was running but it seems like most boat trailers have a different looking tire? I am looking on northern tool and equipment and have seen some ST205/75/D15 here is the link.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200330248_200330248

It is a 5 lug hub and I am pretty sure the lug pattern is the standard 4.5" but will also get it checked. One thing I noticed about the ones on northern tool was that they did not show the lug pattern, is 4.5" generally the standard?

A lot of questions I know, thanks for any info,

Austin.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New wheels and tires

4.5 is usually the standard on single axle trailers of that type. just get the same size tires that are on it now.And the same load range,C or D whatever is on it. I run wheels and tires from Northern Tool and have had good service out of them.After you put the new wheels on run them a few miles and recheck the lugs.
I would think the 14 may be the original size rim. Probably the 205-75-14 tires,just caught the CAR tire part.Go with the higher load range tires,just a few bucks more.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New wheels and tires

this is the 1 st time i have disagreed with Gary H. Get back to SC, take the trailer to a reputable tire dealer. You want a class C atleast tire, but the size is the total diameter and width, that will fit in the fender well. i do quite a few long hauls with boats. never use a car tire,

 

[boxterbloor]

Re: New wheels and tires

This boat weighs a lot as it is an I/O, so I think I would be better doing as you say tashasdaddy.

Just for interests sake, what is the difference between a car tire and a trailer tire, is it the load rating?

We have quite a drive, so I am going to get it done right. Would you also recommend bearing buddies?

thanks

Austin.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New wheels and tires

Before you set off on your trip, check the bearings and the operation of the brakes(if equipped).

 

[boxterbloor]

Re: New wheels and tires

thanks, will probably repack bearings,

no trailer brakes, but monster Excursion V10 power and brakes, hardly know it is on the back when towing!

thanks,

A

 

[jmoorepghpa]

Re: New wheels and tires

Get the combined weight of your boat and trailer, add weight for fuel and equipment, divide by two and that is what each trailer tire must be safely rated for. Like Tash said find a good local tire guy and they will help you out and knowing your combined weight for the trailer and boat will help them help you. Dont worry about subtracting the tounge weight carried by the tow vehicle---you can add that to your safety margin.

 

[Pony]

Re: New wheels and tires

This boat weighs a lot as it is an I/O, so I think I would be better doing as you say tashasdaddy.

Just for interests sake, what is the difference between a car tire and a trailer tire, is it the load rating?

We have quite a drive, so I am going to get it done right. Would you also recommend bearing buddies?

thanks

Austin.

Its not just the load rating, the side wall technology is also completely different. Trailer tire sidewalls are much stiffer and provide for more stability. Automotive tires need to have their tread remain in contact witht he pavement at all times and as a result have a more flexible sidewall......that same quality can and will lead to trailer sway problems.

Bearing buddies are really a personal choice. I have them and love them, but they arent necessary by any means to have a safe trailer. If you do get them, don't overfill them.....easy to blow the rear seal.

 

[boxterbloor]

Re: New wheels and tires

Thanks to all for the posts, I have learned a lot. Looks like new wheels and tires from a reputable shop!.

Thanks,

Austin

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New wheels and tires

I still think the Northern Tool 1760 lb rated TRAILER tires and wheels are a good deal and will work fine. They are LoadMaster tires and wear very good.
Just my opinion..

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: New wheels and tires

If you need trailer tires and rims quick Lowes usually stock them in 14" rims at a reasonable price - not sure about the load rating on them though. Be sure to get lots of grease in between the bearings when repacking them and you might as well replace the seals while you have it all apart. Nothing sucks worse than sitting on the side of the highway with trailer that broke - except leaving it behind - and fixing it on the side of the highway.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: New wheels and tires

Pony nailed it. I bought a boat with car tires and ran it for a year until I got them replaced. BIG BIG difference. As it was a tandum axle trailer, I watched the sidewalls flex on the car tires when I was backing it up. CREEPY. Trailer tires seem to help the trailer track better.

I did some research, and we all have our favorites, but I found Titan tires to be "the least complained about". Have had them for a couple of years and they are wearing and rolling very well. Carlisles seem to be the worst.

Bearing buddies -- I love them. And again Pony tags it -- don't overfill. Compress the spring about half the way and let er go.