Matanzas River

gpage3 · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 1:09 pm Post subject:

Current trailer is a Float On dual axel with 175r13 tires. I am thinking of getting 15" but that will require all new rims and tires. Also Any clearances need to be con firmed.
I wonder if there is any an advantage to the larger tire to justify the cost.

hardee · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 1:56 pm Post subject:

The 15 will rotate fewer times per mile, but will be tighter under the wheel well or fender. It will increase your depth to launch by 1 inch, and raise your step up to the fender to board the boat on the trailer by that same 1 inch.

Things to consider.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 4:56 pm Post subject:

gulfcoast john · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:51 pm Post subject:

Gary,

Check your trailers capacity plate. If you only have the serial number, Float-On can give you the numbers.

As long as the trailer is not overloaded based on a truck scale weight, tires larger than needed have those disadvantages as above. Tongue weight should be about 7-10% (not 15% like RV’s). If you don’t have swaying or fishtailing at speed or when being passed, it’s likely OK. If not, measure it. You want the transom to be supported, not hanging off the end of bunk. If it is, you can move the winch stand forward a bit, but this will increase the tongue weight.

Colby has had amazing performance with those Carlisle tires. I had a set that all delaminated (including the unused spare) at 13 months and 2,000 miles, no warranty. Two cases of N of 1. My R-16 Endurance tires out of the shop with tax and balancing were about $180 each. In 15 years of towing the Regal 2665 and TC 255 boat rigs over 11,000 lbs on Chinese tires, we’ve had 6 scary explosive blowouts in the six-lane portions of I-10 @ 60 MPH not counting routine flats. None since switching. It’s an individual decision.

Hope this is helpful.

Happy towing!
John

journey on · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:19 pm Post subject:

I had a sailboat on a trailer. I put 15" wheels and the corresponding tyre in order to prevent blowouts and have more weight margin.

It was a bad idea. The ride was a lot rougher, though the increased height didn't bother me. The ride was so much rougher that I went back to the 14" wheels/tyres. The side walls on the 15" were a lot stiffer to carry more weight. The trailer and boat would really shake going down the freeway. Fortunately it was a single axle trailer so I only wasted 2 wheels and 2 tyres.

Boris

hardee · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:42 pm Post subject:

Boris, the single axel trailer would also contribute to the rougher ride. I agree, there is a point where the tires size relates to increased side wall stiffness and that will be noticed by the boat. Tandem axle will dampen that bump by about half though.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

gpage3 · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2020 10:24 am Post subject:

Great information, thanks