Tire size, again

[Greg Barrick]

Hi everyone,
I asked this once before with no response. I'll try this again.
My build is using an old pop up camper frame with 20.5x10-8 (E) tires that need replacing before using. I dislike trying to get a tire off & on due to it lodges between the axel and outside frame due to it's extreme tire width. Should I just replace my tires or should I consider a 12 or 13 inch D rated tire on 4x4 bolt rims? About the same load rating, a tad taller but narrower, netting easier replacement.

[Shadow Catcher]

To a certain extent the taller the better, taller = less revolutions per mile. Our tear has 14 rims and quite frankly I would prefer 15 at least as the selection of tires is very poor.

[les45]

To a certain extent the taller the better, taller = less revolutions per mile. Our tear has 14 rims and quite frankly I would prefer 15 at least as the selection of tires is very poor.

I agree with ShadowCatcher. I am also looking at going to taller tires. A picture of your tire setup would help generate discussion.

[Vedette]

Taller the better if you plan to tow any distance!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Kody]

I have used 14 inch tires on my TD. This tire size is very common where I live and also very cheap. They are available in a good range of styles but I choose to go with 8 inch wide. I certainly wouldn't go any bigger/wider than this. The important thing is not to go too big and never use low profile tires like we see on the ute's here. Low profile tires are very dangerous on trailers and should not even be given consideration. Check out the availability of 14 inch tires as they may be available for you. I can buy them anywhere in any State or town that I visit. A wide tire is apt to slide sideways as it has less load on it. It's a combination of area of tire on the road and load carried on each wheel. The more area of tire on the road, the less load (down force) per square inch to hold the road surface and the tire will slip/slide sideways at the wrong moment on time. This is very noticeable on a wet road.

Kody

[Shadow Catcher]

One of the reasons I would prefer 15" is the availability of tires not meant for trailers, universally ST tires are made in China. I was able to find Micheline passenger tires with a load rating that is the weight of the trailer each.

[91kuhndog]

Greg,
I'm building using an old utility trailer and the wider tires like you have. I'm a firm believer in them albiet not the ideal set up to run at 75mph (if you dare anyway)... You can run the smaller tires but I'd recommend a set of bearing buddies on the ends of the axles. You can find them on line or at most marina's. I have bearing buddies on all of my trailers, whether BBQ cooker trailers, utility trailers and boat trailers. I even had them on my 5th wheel for insurance.

If your not satisfied with that idea, you can pick up a set of oil bath hubs. I've ran a set of these on a 5x12 utility trailer (golf cart toter) for about 6 years without problems. I used the ones listed below...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200332367

Just my $.02

Good luck, hope this helps.

[Wolffarmer]

While I do not know just how you are building your trailer. The larger diameter tire you use the better it is, ( generally ). Not really because of reducing the revolution of the bearings but because the taller tire will fall less into holes and be a softer ride and easier to tow. Properly lubed good quality bearings will take a whole lot more rpms than you are likely to subject it to, ever, even for a short time. Also in my opinion bearing buddies are only needed on boat trailers. They are a waste of money on any other hub. Just lube the bearing properly and they will last 200,000-500,000 miles. And the bearings need to be lubed properly even before you put a bearing buddy on anyway.

Randy

[Greg Barrick]

Thanx for everyones input. Much appreciated. I went looking at axels the other day, (at a trailer salvage, new & used shop) too exspensive and they didn't have anything I could use. On the way home, I stopped at TSC to see if they had any of their spring trailer stuff in. They had replacement hub kits on the shelf. (not my size ) I went home and looked on the 'puter for trailer hubs. At e-trailer.com, they had 5 bolt hub kits with brgs, nuts studs etc. to fit my 1" axel, converting my 4 bolt to a 5 bolt. Like $35 each. I ordered 2 and they arrived today. (2 days) All I have to do is change hubs and I can used any 13", 14" 15" 16 " 5 on 4-1/2 bolt rims.(old ford rims) (I have a pair of brand new 13" rims with radial tires just sitting.) So I guess I'm good to go.
Slow, glad you're back. Love to read your stuff wether pissed off or in a good mood. Guess you're too much like me.

[Wolffarmer]

Good beans. Just remember to clean the inside of the hub good and grease the bearings properly.

Randy