NT 5x8 trailer question

[BobBash]

Hello folks ,
I've read many articles in this section but I am still looking for a piece of info . I know I want to use either 14" or 15" tires/wheels on my trailer . Has anyone used the 5'x8' NT trailer & existing axle/hubs & found a way to use larger tires/wheels ? Have you done this with either factory made or shop built wheel adapters ? If so , how has it worked out for you ? It seems that if the axle/hubs need to be replaced that it's probably not worth it to use the NT trailer & that a custom welded trailer would be money better spent .
Thank you in advance for any insight ....

Bob

[les45]

Bob, I don't have any direct experience with changing out the wheels on an NT trailer, but I have done a lot of research which led me to stick with my 12 inchers. The problem with changing to the larger tires is that you have less than 2" of clearance between the 12" tires and the frame. Larger tires get taller and wider in a hurry when you go above 12" so you have to be very careful to find a narrow profile tire if you try to use the stock axle. However, you can find longer axle beams generally for under $100 at NT or HF that will take the same hubs that come on a stock trailer. When you start using adapters or car wheels to gain the clearance you are introducing an offset situation that causes unbalanced loading on your wheel bearings and the chance of premature failure. The stock trailer wheel has zero offset which means that the center of the tire is at the center of the wheel and the face of the hub causing an equal loading on the inner and outer bearings. I was looking at moving up to 13" but I decided to stay with my 12 inchers because they didn't look that bad and the extra height would have caused a major re-work of my fenders. Specially fabricated frames can get expensive depending on the shop that you use. I would run the numbers both ways before making a decision. Also, consider the re-sale value of the stock axle, wheels, and tires that you wouldn't be using if you modify the stock NT trailer.
Larry S.

[Pizzaguy]

I used the NT 5X8 trailer (not the bolt together one) and ran into the same problem, couldn't use the existing axle with bigger tires. Had Dexter custom make one to my specs for $130 w/ shipping.

[Woodbutcher]

I used 1" wheel spacers to get 15" tires on the "Slowmobile" . But you need to shop for wheels with the right backspacing. Mine had zero backspacing and the 1" made them fit.

Here is how it worked out without the spacers. I still needed to add about an inch of wood. So once the spacres went on I ended up with the same clearance as the picture.

[TPMcGinty]

I put some 13" tires and rims on mine and I still had 1" between the tires and frame. They don't look too bad.


Take a look at my gallery for more images.

[BobBash]

Thanks for the reply's folks ! Tim , you are right , those 13" tires with the round fenders do look good . Larry , I know the 12" tires & wheels will get the job done but I just can't get around some things about them . One concern is that with that 45 mile per hour warning on them ( even though it may just be for the purpose of covering the manufacturer ) , I'm concerned that my insurance company might not cover me if there was an accident at over 45 miles per hour . The idea of having a 13", 14" or 15" passenger car tire with less air pressure & what might be a smoother ride ( especially over rough ground or pot-holes )is appealing to me as well, along with the fact that they just look better to me . I may be way offline but this makes sense to me . Woodbutcher , where did you get your 1" spacers ? Tim , did your wheels bolt right on to your NT 5x8 trailer without any mods ? What wheels did you use ?
Again , thanks for all of the info , I appreciate it .............

Bob

[les45]

Bob, you've got me re-thinking about changing to 13 inchers. I like the looks of Tim's wheels although my fenders are not round and will not cover the entire area of the larger tires. A 13" tire will be within 1" of my fender the way it is currently installed, but I may just have to raise it or go to a different fender. Like Tim says, I would still have 1" of clearance between the tire and frame. Definitely going to look at it again.
Thanks,
Larry S.

[TPMcGinty]

My 13" wheels bolted right up to my trailer without spacers or mods. I picked the wheels up on ebay. Honestly, I'm not sure what brand they are. I just made sure I purchased the right bolt pattern.

[les45]

My 13" wheels bolted right up to my trailer without spacers or mods. I picked the wheels up on ebay. Honestly, I'm not sure what brand they are. I just made sure I purchased the right bolt pattern.

Tim, do you know if your wheels have zero offset like the 12 inchers?
Larry S.

[TPMcGinty]

My 13" wheels bolted right up to my trailer without spacers or mods. I picked the wheels up on ebay. Honestly, I'm not sure what brand they are. I just made sure I purchased the right bolt pattern.

Tim, do you know if your wheels have zero offset like the 12 inchers?
Larry S.

I think they had more offset than the stock white 12" rims. I'm not sure exactly how much. I would have to measure the offset on both wheels to compare. I saved the 12" wheels for spare ties. I figured they were good enough to get somewhere to fix a flat on the 13" tires.

[BobBash]

Tim , Larry , Pizzaguy , Woodbutcher ,
Thanks , this is just the info I have been looking for . Larry , if you find 13" tires/wheels for your NT trailer I would be very interested in where you got them , offset , price , if you are using a passenger car tire , etc ...........

Thanks again ,
Bob
PS - Pizzaguy ,
Did the Dexter axle for $130 include the hubs ?

[Pizzaguy]

PS - Pizzaguy ,
Did the Dexter axle for $130 include the hubs ?

Yes they did!

[les45]

Tim , Larry , Pizzaguy , Woodbutcher ,
Larry , if you find 13" tires/wheels for your NT trailer I would be very interested in where you got them , offset , price , if you are using a passenger car tire , etc .....

Bob, I started looking today and had a little sticker shock on my wheels. The only local store that has them, Discount Tire, is asking $50 for 13" white spokers. None of the major tire stores carry a 13 that isn't made in China. I am definitely looking for an American made passenger car tire. I see some promising stuff online. I'll let you know what I end up with.
Larry

[TPMcGinty]

Tim , Larry , Pizzaguy , Woodbutcher ,
Larry , if you find 13" tires/wheels for your NT trailer I would be very interested in where you got them , offset , price , if you are using a passenger car tire , etc .....

Bob, I started looking today and had a little sticker shock on my wheels. The only local store that has them, Discount Tire, is asking $50 for 13" white spokers. None of the major tire stores carry a 13 that isn't made in China. I am definitely looking for an American made passenger car tire. I see some promising stuff online. I'll let you know what I end up with.
Larry

Check Ebay. That's where I got mine.

[Sonoma ZR2]

As far as getting wheels and tires I've been looking at http://recstuff.com/ they have a wide selection of rims and tire combinations. From a basic steel to fancy aluminum.