trailer wheel question

[jdsgrog]

I bought an older escort trailer that had 13 inch wheels with 185/80 r-13 tires. The tires are starting to rot, so I need new tires. I was planning on getting new tires, but I found an incredible deal for wheels with 175/80 r-13 tires. Would these wheels work with the trailer?

 

[90stingray]

Re: trailer wheel question

The tires will be a little narrower and shorter... also the load rating might be a little less as well. As long as the wheels bolt up and you don't need the extra capacity of the original tires. I say you're good to go!

 

[Gun Dog]

Re: trailer wheel question

Going down in size = going down in load capacity. What's the load?

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: trailer wheel question

Thanks for the replies. I'm not really too worried about load capacity. The trailer originally held a fiberglass 17.5 foot bayliner (I believe it was an i/0). It will now hold a 16 foot starcraft supersport. With boat, motor, and trailer, weight will be close to 1500 pounds. With gear and gas, add another 200 lbs.

Stingray, what do you mean by "shorter"?

 

[90stingray]

Re: trailer wheel question

The tire will be slightly shorter. 185/80 to 175/80. The 80 is not a set height... it means 80% of the width. So if its narrower... then its going to be slightly shorter. I can get more specific if this doesn't make sense.

 

[bigdee]

Re: trailer wheel question

Won't hurt a thing, go for it. Roughly 3/8" less in tread width and trailer height

 

[H20Rat]

Re: trailer wheel question

Going down in size = going down in load capacity. What's the load?

Not always... Tire construction (# of plys, bias/radial) affects the load rating just as much as tire size. Entirely possible to have a smaller tire rated for a higher load rating than a larger one.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: trailer wheel question

Thanks, everyone. Being "shorter" makes sense.