Trailer Tire Size

[John Stevens]

My 1981 Highlander Trailer came with 4.80-12 tires. They seem kind of big. I was thinking of going smaller to get the boat a little lower to the water when launching. Any thoughts?

John

[Bob Hunkins]

I've got 4.80-12. Never had a problem with them. Unless there's some overriding reason to switch down in size, I'd keep the larger wheels, because they will spin slower at the same speed over the ground.
for example, An 8" wheel will spin at 1155 rpm at 55mph, while a 12" wheel will spin at 770 rpm at the same speed.

[Sean McGuire]

I have 8's on my trailer and would go to 12's if I could. I can't really since it would involve removing the fenders, etc. 12's seem to be easier to find and your bearings will last longer. Just my 2 cents.

Sean McGuire

[John Stevens]

I haven't launched the boat yet, replacing the wood at the gudgeons first.

Anyway, I drive an Accord, pretty low to the ground. I noticed that the springs sit on top of the axle, plus the tires at 12" seems like the boat was a little high but maybe it won't be a problem.

I just changed the hubs, bearings and seals. There isnt' a spare tire and I was thinking of going smaller to launch easier before I spent the money on another 12.

However, it sounds like you guys don't have a problem so I'll give it a shot.

John

[algonquin]

If you are going to travel long distance with high speed cruising very often the 12s will outlast the 8s. If you are towing local with stop and go type traffic and only occasional high speeds the 8s are fine. As long as you maintain the bearings either will be fine. Given the shallow ramps that I use to launch Feather I prefer the 8s.

[Roger]

if launching at shallow ramps is a problem you could also flip your springs so that they are below the axel. This will drop your boat about 3 or 4 inches. I have also heard of people that carry a set of launching wheels, (8 inch wheels that are changed for the 12" highway wheels). A bit expensive, but if that is all your local ramp offers, then you gotta do what you gotta do. The other option is a tongue extender, but that only works if the ramp extends well into the water.

[John Stevens]

Roger,

I flipped that axle on my Precision 18 but I was replacing it at the time. This axle is in good shape and I really didn't want to get into cutting the "U" brackets off and changing things around, thus the 8 inch wheels.

I'll see how this launches next week, should have the gudeons done by then.

Thanks,

John

[John Stevens]

launched the boat today and the 12 inch tires were just fine.

John