Trophy King II
8" vs 12" trailer tires
Am presently running 570 x 8, 6 p/r tires on my fishing boat trailer (gross wt. approx 1100 lbs.) Most of my pulls are 50 miles or less one way. This spring I am planning several trips that would exceed 200 miles one way. I plan to install new tires(new bearings and seals replaced recently) before fishing season starts and am considering going to 12" rims and tires. Would going to the larger size tires be very much of an advantage over the 8" regarding safety, less danger of bearing failure, lower tire rpm etc.??? There is room to install the larger tires and cost of the 12" would be approx. 40% more mainly due to the cost of new rims.
Comments!!!
Slabmaster II
Calculation of tire rpm at 60 mph: 8" = 1,681, 12" - 1,447. Personally, I don't think that is great enough difference to justify the expense of up sizing. Which ever way you decide, having a spare tire and spare hub assembly would be good insurance. I towed a utility trailer with 8" tires from Key West to Seattle and back with no tire or bearing issues.
Kevin
in YorktownSpeckledSlab LIKED above post
Crappie Wall Hanger
I switched to 12" mainly because you can find the 12" with rims for $50 at any Walmart. I struggled to find the smaller tires any cheaper and readily available.
Crappie.com Legend
One thing that would sway my decision is if the make a radial tire in 12" and don't in 8"
I don't know if they make a radial in either size but if they do make one in 12 and don't in 8 then I definitely think upsizing would be worth it, especially for road trips.
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Well I just pulled a 12' boat I had been leaving in PA back to FL a few weeks back.
8" wheels at speeds of over 60 mph for 1200 miles with 0 issues.
Main issue would be keeping the overall trailer load within the limits.
Would I rather have 12", yes, would I go to the expence or replacing them, no.
Trophy King
My trailer has 12" tires, but I've towed many trailers all over the USA with 8" wheels, and never a problem.
What causes problems are dry, cracked tires and very little grease in the hubs.
Simple maintenance...
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Although not a great amount but the 12's will also probably raise the trailer by 2". Not a big deal but will change water depth needed to load/unload.
On the road, no difference imo.
Trophy King II
From all the comments , it seems what I have been doing for the past number of years has worked and would not see a big difference going to 12" tires. I guess I will just stick to the old adage, "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT". Thanks for the replys and hope everyone has a good fishing year!!!!!
Crappie.com Legend
My preference would be 12”, as several members have already made the case for. Spare tire, bearings, and straps, the only way to travel.
Pass the "Sportsman Baton" on before you're gone, promote values for others to hunt and fish upon.
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Well don't just run off, what about the Polarcraft? Not exactly a popular name but apparently all welded?Originally Posted by polarcrafter
What size, what power, and would you buy another?
Thanks: 
HaHa: 
Reply With Quote