Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

[Al Kungel]

I would like to change the tires and wheels from 175-80-13 to a 205-75-14 on my shoreland?r trailer. I know that the tires on the 14? rims are approx. 2 inches taller than the tires on the 13? rims and clearance between the fender and tires may be a bit of a problem, but I think I can compensate for that by putting spacers between the axle and the springpack. Do any of you see a problem with what I am trying to do?

Here is a picture of the axle set-up on my trailer.

 

[djvan]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

How much clearance is there above the fernders now? If there is an overall increase of two inches that only puts the tire one inch closer to the fender. I did this very thing you are doing, only with a different brand trailer. My fender clearance is like 3/4" and I get no rub. I was surprised. I thought I would have to do something to gain some clearnace. If I were you I would try to space the fenders up instead of messing with the spring pad spacers. I realize some situations won't allow you to move the fenders up, but that would be your best option IMO.

DougV>

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

I'm with Doug, move the fenders if needed, but leave the springs and such alone.

(BTW, I had the same size tires on my Shorelander trailer. If you are unhappy that 80 series are hard to find or way more expensive, just buy the readily available 175-75-13s.)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

what is your purpose of going to a larger tire and wheel? what's on the trailer.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

Raising the height of the trailer means it has to be backed farther into the water to float the boat. Lower is usually better for launching.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

TD: I made the shift from 13" to 14" wheels on one of my trailers because 14" tires are much easier to find in my area of the country. It is only important if a replacement is needed on the road, but I worry when the spare is put on because I won't have a backup if needed. I guess it comes from driving some abysmally poor roads here and loosing more than one tire on a trip.

In addition, my small tow vehicle uses 14" LT tires on the same rim providing an additional spare if needed.

Mark: The raised height can easily be overcome by lengthening the tounge a bit. You can then carry the spare further forward. If the spare is stowed laying down, it becomes a handy platform to stand on while operating the winch. Sometimes you don't even have to get your feet wet!

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

There are a number of reasons that I want to go to the larger tires. First is that with the 13" tires I am pushing the upper limit of the carrying capacity of the 13" tires. The combined weight of the trailer and fully equipped boat is between 3100 -3200 lbs. Second we travel quite a distance on the highway and the 14" tirres would probably run a little cooler. Third 14" tires are more available than the 13".
I agree the simplest would be to raise the fenders, but on this trailer they are mounted to a metal plate that is welded to the spring bracket. Also the fenders are made out a vinyl/plastic material.
The 1" difference in trailer height should not be a major impediment to launching or retrieving the boat. I

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

Since the fenders are plastic I bet they are somewhat bendable.
I would slap on the taller tire and run them as is.
If you ever get the tire to touch the fender, the tire will win as long as the tire is not rubbing on an edge and just the flat area of fender.
The tire would most likely make its own clearence.
Mine did on my pontoon trailer when I had to move the trailer with only one tire on one side one time.

You could get tricky with a heat lamp over the area of the fender that might touch the tire on full compression and make a bubble in that area of the fender.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Question on going to larger tires & wheels?

Al Kungel: While you are at it hang some brakes on that axle. You are pushing other people's luck without them. I don't know about B.C., but they are required at that weight in almost all of the states.