Trailer Axle Spacer

[mchstein]

I am looking for a couple of spacers for my pontoon boat trailer. The tires are rubbing on the frame. The tires are 20.5 x 8.0 x 10 with a load range of 1,620. The rims are 5-lug. The studs are 1-5/8" on center. The axle has a 1-5/8" diameter as well. The offset is 3". I have been unable to find another rim and tire that will drop the 8.0 to a 7.0. Apparently they don't exist. My next option is to find some spaces that will give me 1/2" to 3/4" more clearance so that the tires don't rub on the frame. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

Pressure treated wood?....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

ditch the fat low tires and get some normal 12" or 13" rims/tires..... spacers can be SCARY

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

ditch the fat low tires and get some normal 12" or 13" rims/tires..... spacers can be SCARY

Ayuh,... Agreed....

Those are the wrong tires for that axle...

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

well thats a sort of odd problem , and i dont think spacers would help and it would add a lot of extra stress on the lugs and that in its self is a bad idea, you may be able to find a off set rim, how ever I own toons myself and thats a standatd type of tire, how about, and the questions I have is this a recent problem, like from adding new tires or tires that have ben on awhile and this just poped up, was thier a axle change. It could be one of several problems , a worn spring eye bushing, bent axle, bent hanger. How about a picture or two . Right off hand a spacer is more like a band aid to a problem, but more information would help and a picture or two.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

well thats a sort of odd problem , and i dont think spacers would help and it would add a lot of extra stress on the lugs and that in its self is a bad idea, you may be able to find a off set rim, how ever I own toons myself and thats a standatd type of tire, how about, and the questions I have is this a recent problem, like from adding new tires or tires that have ben on awhile and this just poped up, was thier a axle change. It could be one of several problems , a worn spring eye bushing, bent axle, bent hanger. How about a picture or two . Right off hand a spacer is more like a band aid to a problem, but more information would help and a picture or two.

 

[Titanium48]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

It will be hard to find an equivalent load rating in anything smaller that a 14" tire, and that would be a huge increase in diameter. Check for broken suspension compenents or a bent axle and replace as necessary. You could also get a longer axle beam.

I understand the reasoning behind using lower diameter tires to lower the trailer for easier loading and unloading, so it seems odd there are no ST145/R10 tires with a 1000 lb load rating. These would be very useful on small boat trailers with 2000 lb axles. On the other hand, I don't understand the 10 inch tires with 1600+ lb load ratings. 10 inch wheels won't fit over the 10 inch brake drums used on 3500 lb axles, so what do you do for trailer brakes?

Edit: I just reread the first post. A 1 5/8 axle beam is a 2000 lb axle, so ST145R12 LRD tires would work fine and only be 2 inches larger in overall diameter.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

I spose the figure a toon is a rolling parachute so it doesn't need brakes LOL

 

[109jb]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

You could put 7" brakes on both axles which are good for 2000 lbs per axle, 4000 for the loaded trailer. They will fit inside the 10" wheels. The 1650# rated tires are popular for single axle snowmobile trailers and many states don't require brakes on a 3300 pound trailer. This doesn't answer the OP's question though.

I agree that there must be something else going on. Like worn parts or the axle was replaced with one just a bit too narrow. Or it is a design that just cuts it too close.

 

[109jb]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

Pressure treated wood?....

For wheel spacers?? That would be very unsafe.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Trailer Axle Spacer

What part of the tire is rubbing what exactly?
Changing to the tires and wheels are a common size.
Like you have found out, your not going to find a 20.5 x 7.0 x 10 tire.
I am guessing that the tire side wall is rubbing on the side of the trailer frame?
And you think you only need 1/2" of space to solve the problem?
Is this a single axle trailer?
Did someone install the 20.5 x 8.0 x 10's to lower the trailer?
i.e. if nothing is broke and the axle is original, the trailer might have been built with "conventional" (and narrower) trailer tires and rims.