Tire size

[gasman24]

Newbie again,

The new trailer that came with my 1448 alumacraft is a LONG 817 with 8 inch tires on it. Heres the qeustion , since I have to buy a spare tire any way would it be worth my wild to buy 2 4 lug 12inch tires to run on that trailer instead. And use the 8's that are on it now as the spares? Also has any body heard of this company LONG Trailer Co. are the any good?

Thanks again

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tire size

there are so many trailer companies. using 12 or 13 inch which ever will fit, without hitting the fender, will extend the life of the bearings, and tire wear.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Tire size

Long brand trailers have been around many years.They are good trailers.

 

[Mike722]

Re: Tire size

Taller tires will require you to back down the ramp more. Something to think about. I am also assuming that you weren't going to use one 8" and one 12" at the same time.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Tire size

Taller tires will require you to back down the ramp more. Something to think about.........

Yes, that is very important. The difference in trailer height is affected. If you have the smaller 480x8 tire, its about 16.25" tall. If you switch to a 530x12 its about 21" tall. That means 4.75" difference in diameter, and the boat will be riding about 2.37" higher. So with 12" rims, the trailer will have to be backed into the water farther to get the boat to float than with the 8" rims.

If you don't do a lot of long haul trips, I would stay with the 8" rims for ease of loading and unloading on the boat ramp. If you tow the boat long distances, then the larger tire will make the boat tow better.

But don't expect to increase the GVW of the trailer by putting larger load tires on it. Its the lower rating of the tire or spring that determines the GVW.

Hope this helps,

Mark.