Tire size matters?

[lso254]

I need new tires and rims on my rig. One tire says B78-13, the other says 6.5 X 135T. I measured the rims and they appear to be 13" diamater. Suggestions on replacement sizes, will it matter if I go with smaller wheels and tires (rims need replaced also)

 

[Ross J]

Re: Tire size matters?

You don't say what size your boat is. The different size tyre would make a drastic difference if you went with a smaller diameter. ie; less ground clearance, more chance of the outboard/stern leg touching down under way, faster rotation of the hubs/bearings, slight loss of absorbtion of road shock, less mileage per tread, lower stance of the trailer leading to possible change in towing style.<br />In short I would stay with 13" if thats what its run on thus far. Tyre width is down to personal choise. Thicker tyres can give much better rides although need slightly mopre horsepower to pull. I would strongly suggest talking with your local supplier of tyres and checking his/her advise.<br />Ross

 

[JB]

Re: Tire size matters?

Howdy, BB. <br /><br />Tire size matters a great deal, for all of the reasons listed by our friend, Ross and because different types of tires in similar sizes have different load capacities.<br /><br />The total weight of your rig is crucial. Just tires that fit your 13" rims vary in capacity from about 900# each to over 1350#.<br /><br />Your tire dealer can get you tire/wheel combinations suitable for you load. Be sure that the tires are Load Rated for the weight of your rig and designed for trailers.<br /><br />You can also mail order tire/wheel packages from Cabelas.<br /><br />Expect to pay $60 to $90 per wheel.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[SeaRay245]

Re: Tire size matters?

from what it sounds like u have mixed tires bias and radial best thing is like they said go to your local boat dealer and find out whats the best i found that radials tow and handle much better then bias plies ......load rating is a big factor and never put car tiers on a boat trailer they cant handle the weight ive seen some guys do it and usually push the tire right off the bead and when it comes to tires safty is key for you your family and all of us others out there

 

[DJ]

Re: Tire size matters?

boat begginer,<br /><br />Your tires are a 13" diameter. As others have pointed out.<br /><br />The "T" on one of your tires means-trailer. THere is a difference in tires designated for automotive and trailer use. Stick with tires that have a trailer rating. They're a little more expensive yet they're worth it.<br /><br />Basically, trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls (important for sway control) and are a little more resistant to abuse. The tread patterns are also different. Trailer tires are available in bias and radial designs.

 

[lso254]

Re: Tire size matters?

Thanks for all the posts, looks like I better stay with the "13 rims.

 

[lso254]

Re: Tire size matters?

I have about 3" of fender clearance, would there be any advantage of going to a larger diamater tire? and bias ply VS Radial ?

 

[lso254]

Re: Tire size matters?

I just bought my new tires and wheels-great place www.northerntool.com <br />saved $50 on each wheel....

 

[lso254]

Re: Tire size matters?

Got the new tires and wheels from Northerntool.com, very happy with them. I would recommend them for your purchases.

 

[Baylinercapriclassic]

Re: Tire size matters?

How Ironic! I just replaced my a78-13 tires after having avery hard time finding any at all.Sure my local boat trailer dealer had the tires I needed but they were attached to a rim,that is included because they only cost 4-5 dollars more to get the whole set up.When he told me they were 96.00 each, I said wow,a $92.00 13" tire. Sorry. A regular tire garage crossed the bias ply size with a metric radial size, for 26.00 each. I never needed the wheels to begin with. The load rating went UP 250 lbs. each tire. In other words, unless your carrying a house trailer, radials that are load rated properly, are fine. It is a very common practice.

 

[lso254]

Re: Tire size matters?

Glad it worked out for you, the tire enterprise is a ripoff.