long distance on small hubs/wheels

[billy-bobby]

I just bought a new 12 foot aluminum and trailer. Trailer has 12 inch tires (4,80). There isn't going to be much weight on this but I am wondering if I am okay trailering this set up for long distances, about 150 miles. I used to trailer my old boat with 13 inch tires and no problem, but now with the smaller wheels and hubs , is there a distance limit I should be concerned about?

 

[22WRF]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

The 12 are fine. Keep the correct pressure in them.<br />Most 12x4.80 run about 50# of air.<br /><br />Its little 8" that become a problem. When your going 60 and the little trailer wheels are turn 120 to keep up

 

[JB]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Ahoy, Billy-Bobby.<br /><br />Ditto LCM-8.<br /><br />I trailered my 13' Whaler to and from Canada several times (over 3,000 miles round trip) on 5.20X12 tires. 4.80s will do as well.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[billy-bobby]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

thanks, guys. I thought as much but I wanted to hear from those who have actually done some distance on these size wheels.

 

[Floyd]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

I just pulled my 14' boat on a trailer with 4.80x12 tires from FL to Maine at 75mph with no problems, other than a blowout the first hour. I don't know why the blowout, since the trailer and tires were only a couple of years old. Maybe there wasn't enough air in that tire.<br /><br />Check your tire pressure, and carry a spare.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

also stop about halfway to make sure your bearings aren't melting down.... i usually do this about every 100 miles regardless of whether it's on my big tandem trailer or my trailer for my 13' whaler (which has 4,80s)

 

[adam246]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

I just bought a lt. alum. 14'boat w/ 18 hp motor and want to do some longer distance trailering around MN too. The trailer's got those little 8" tires - and I'm worried about the bearing situation on it as well. How do I know if they're "melting down" - and what would I do about it!?!? I've heard of "repacking bearings" but have no idea how to do it or whether to just take it to a shop to have it done (I'm not a wealthy man and do have some modicum of mech. ability). Any more info would be greatly appreciated - thanks

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Adam why not just invest in a set of 12" tires/wheels.They work on the same hub. I have done this on every trailer I have gotten that had 8". You should be able to pick them up for $45 to $55 each and sell the 8"ers as spares to someone.

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

I forgot to mention. You may have to replace or move the fenders, though I have not had to do that yet.

 

[jpbaker]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Just picked up a 24' 95 Monark Pontoon in<br /> Atlanta (or was that Hot-lanta?). The trailer<br /> was a single axel W/those small fat little tires<br /> and trailered it back here to Denver with no<br /> trouble at all. Although I would have preferred <br /> a dual axel trailer, but it did just fine.

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

I've towed a jet ski and trailer (4.8x8") 400 miles each way.<br /><br /> A double ski trailer with 2 skis ( then again with a single ski and a motorcycle, then again with 2 motorcycles) the same distance. It will tow fine..bouncy but fine (might want to service the bearings first just to make sure you are in great towing shape).

 

[duck-n-pond]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

8" tires suck. They are hard on bearings because they really turn over RPM to keep up. 12" tires will be fine, BUT as mentioned above watch the pressure!!! I can't stress this enough. I think that the second biggest reason for tire blow-out (after rot) is incorrect pressure. Half of the people around think 35lb will be fine because its good for the car - wrong. Most trailer tires are 50lb - 80lb pressure. Also, you can get differant weight ratings and plys - get the correct or better one for your load and you won't be sorry.

 

[adam246]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Good point about just buying 2 12" rims/tires - I didn't realize you could just bolt 'em on the same hub set-up as the 8". But...I just got back last nite after trailering over 400 mi. over the long wknd. and everything trailer-wise seemed to come out just fine. Stopped several times to see if things were heating up and tho the tire rubber itself was just barely warm & everything metal was hunky-dory. I just might follow the advice about getting 12"er's tho - seems worth it - and yes, I'd have to be getting new fenders too - cheap piece of mind in the long run though. Thanks gentlemen!

 

[gstanton]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Since no one has specifically answered the question - "How do you know if your bearings are overheating" - every time you stop, feel the outside of the hubs with your hand. If its hot you are about to have a problem. If it "goes", you'll know it by all the smoke coming from the axle/tire as it is dragged down the road.

 

[lakelover]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Glad to see this post. I just trailered 160 miles home yesterday, 14' aluminum boat with 20 hp. The Shoreline trailer is about 37 years old with 8"-ers and I was concerned about the trip because of reading something about smaller wheels in the past.<br /><br />I was a bit surprised when I stopped to check about halfway and the rubber was just warm and the metal hub was actually cool. However, I will definitely replace rims with 12", I have to repaint and spruce up anyway. Probably will be a little less bouncy too.<br /><br />I also had to shorten and redrill the iboats transom saver to make it fit my setup, lucky I had my trusty hack saw and cordless drill at camp!

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

Just a note; Make sure you get the 12" rims designed for trailers. 12" auto rims will not fit, I tried. Another hint: Feel both hubs when checking and if there is any temperature differential keep close track and check your bearings as soon as possible. One hub slightly warmer than the other can be an indicator of an impending but not necessarily immediate, problem.

 

[Dave Tollefson]

Re: long distance on small hubs/wheels

The 12in trailer wheels will also fit 12in radial car tires. These are often sold as loss leaders by tire chains. I have read that trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls than auto radials, but I have put more than 10,000 miles on auto radials with no problems. I have not had good experience with bias ply trailer tires when run on long trips. I should also mention that if you are checking for a warm bearing, the hub on the sunny side of the trailer is apt to feel warmer than the hub on the shady side. Dave