how far is a safe distance for small trailer

[gregs]

i'm moving from dayton, ohio to lagrange, georgia. distance is exactly 600 miles. i have a small 14ft fishing boat on a trailer that has small rims and tires. i dont know the exact size of rim but it measures 9 inches.thats just the rim itself. the tires look new. they say titan st on them.the only #s on them say 4.8-8. i'm assuming this may be a 13 inch. were im going, there is a lake and i could probably not get another boat like this one for the price i payed for it. i'm just wondering if this little trailer would ever make it 600 miles. i have taken it on 1 1/2 hour trips and felt the bearings and they felt fine. so i'm looking for either someone to tell me not to even try it, or no dont even bother.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

gregs,<br /><br />Have made 10 hour trips on that type of tire and rim. Make sure they are inflated properly and the wheel bearings are properly lubricated. Carry a spare tire and wheel and if you can a spare set of wheel bearings and inner seal, with the tools required to change if need be. I have never had to change mine on atrip but really felt saver having them.

 

[gregs]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

rickrick1 at what speed did you travel? i normally run at 60 to 65 on a 1 1/2 hour trip.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

my neighbour just towed a 16' tin boat from Ontario to BC on one of those itty bitty tire setups. That's about 3500 miles. Says he never went over 60. Make sure there's not too much weight in the boat and cross your fingers.

 

[JB]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

Hello, Gregs.<br /><br />4.8X8 is the tire size. 8" diameter rims with 4.8 tires. They are fine for their rated load.<br /><br />If your bearings are in good shape and well lubricated and your tires are inflated to correct pressure, you can tow your boat coast to coast at 70-75 without worry.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

I disagree with JB on the speed issue. I had a small 14' CC with a trailer that had 8" wheels like yours. I always carried two spare wheels for a annual 650 mile trip to Maine, and used a bunch of the spares. This was travelling never over 65 mph. At 65mph, those little wheels are turning at very high surface velocity and a lot of heat is generated. I would suggest keeping the speed down to 55 to 60 mph and check the sidewalls at stops, until you're confident the temps are OK.

 

[Rinker]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

rePack the bearing, even with bearing buddies they need removed cleaned a repacked,also Check your leaf springs,look for cracks they break alot!

 

[rolmops]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

Hello.<br />I do not see any reason why you cannot take your boat along.If your boat will become part luggage carrier as so often happens in these moves,you should make sure you have everything properly greased and maybe you take a slightly wider tire,say 5.70-8. This will carry the heavier load with a bit more ease.<br />The real secret is stopping every hour to check if the bearrings are heating up or the wheels start to wobble.<br />It is a good idea to have the second car (if there is such a thing) behind you so they can warn you if anything looks suspicious.<br />It is probably completely unnessecary,but as they say:"Murphy was an optimist" so you better not take any chances.<br />Good travels!

 

[ghind]

Re: how far is a safe distance for small trailer

Make sure the tyres are inflated properly. Most people that blow out small tyres find have overloaded the trailer and not put enough air in the tyres. If you are near maximum load, you need the maximum air the tyres say they are able to take (read it on the sidewall). Typically they need a lot more air than your car. <br /><br />I've killed a couple myself due to underinflation.<br /><br />Read the air specifications, read the maximum speed, work out the maximum rated weight and stay within. Carry 1 or 2 spares. You'll be fine.