Trailer speed...........

[bigskydrift]

I just purchased a new 14 ft. Alumacraft and a new Carnai trailer. Question: the sticker on the tongue of the trailer says maximum recomended speed = 45 MPH. These are 12" tires / rims. Now, I do not want to be a speed demon, but I would like to travel at the posted speed limit, or, 65 - 70 max. Is this really unsafe? It just seems senseless for a manufacturer to build a trailer for highway use with a 45 max. speed rating. Most of our highways here in Montana are 75 MPH. Any thoughts on this, anyone? Would appreciate your input.....

 

[bigskydrift]

Re: Trailer speed...........

Also wanted to mention, trailer is a bolt together, not welded, and after reading some other posts am wondering, would it be a good thing to weld this up?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer speed...........

welding it would not be a bad thing, give you peace of mind it's not going to vibrate apart. 45MPH the manufacturer is just covering his A$$. correct load distribution, tire inflation, good bearing. 65 70 is no problem. if you are 1500 Lbs or over i highly recommend trailer brakes. always use tied downs.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer speed...........

Welded or Bolted Doesn't Really Matter......<br /><br />Bolts are Just as, or Stronger than Some welding jobs.....<br /><br />And,.... I Agree,.. That 45mph sticker is there for the Corporate Lawyers......<br /><br />Every U-Haul trailer I've Ever seen has the Same sticker on them,.....<br />And,.... I've been Passed by 1000s of them doing Well Over 70mph......

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Trailer speed...........

I have a 4x8' bolt-together kit trailer with 12" tires. I've driven it all over the place at 80-85 MPH without issues. The bolts are held by Nylock nuts, so they are secure, and I go check them every now and then.

 

[bigskydrift]

Re: Trailer speed...........

Thanks guys, I know I see trailers like mine cruising at highway speeds frequently, what you are all saying makes good sense to me, thanks for your input!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Trailer speed...........

Do you have any Idea how fast a 12" tire is spinning at 70 MPH????????????????? <br />Personally I would limit my speed to 65 of lower for any extended periods. Also, 12" tires are Bias ply. Make sure you have plenty of air in them at all times also. Low tires creat heat and you wont have a tire if they get hot.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer speed...........

Originally posted by Bassin' Fever AKA LubeDude:<br /> Do you have any Idea how fast a 12" tire is spinning at 70 MPH????????????????? <br />Personally I would limit my speed to 65 of lower for any extended periods. Also, 12" tires are Bias ply. Make sure you have plenty of air in them at all times also. Low tires creat heat and you wont have a tire if they get hot.

The tires are the limiting factor here. Consider larger tires (and wheels) if practical. Also, be sure to maintain your bearings.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Trailer speed...........

What speed are the tires rated for. That is the max speed you should go at. Correctly inflated running at the correct weight you should not have any problems going upto the rated speed. Exceed it at your peril.

 

[John_S]

Re: Trailer speed...........

Yellowstone,<br /><br />I have a mail order galv boat trailer from Cabelas. Don't think they sell them anymore. I use it with a lite 14' aluminum and an old 14' alum starcraft. Purchased about 8 years ago, and bolted together myself. Never had a bolt come loose. I replaced the 8" wheels w/12C when it was new. The furthest I've towed it in one shot, is 3 hours. I periodicly check the hubs for excessive heat, during those trips. Never been an issue.<br /><br />Same disclaimer on a 5'x8' utility trailer I have.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer speed...........

A 12-inch wheel and tire at 80 MPH is running at roughtly 1268 RPM. Way too fast for safe travel. At 60 MPH its around 1015 RPM. Thats a little less than one-half engine speed.

 

[bigskydrift]

Re: Trailer speed...........

These little wheels are eally spinnin'! Most of the lakes I frequeny are within 2 hours drive, but I will definately take heed from everyones suggestions / recomendations. We'll see how it goes, and, maybe go to a larger size later on....<br />Thanks all!