Can Bigger Tires and Wheels be Used on a Aluminum Jet Ski Trailer with 145/12 Tires

Updated 06/11/2015 | Published 06/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7223)

$92.77

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2391)

$153.14

Question:

Got a double aluminum tráiler that holds 2 jet skies. It got 5 bolds rim and the tire is 145/12. Should i use a bigger tire for more stability? thanks

asked by: Hector

Expert Reply:

You might be able to use a larger tire as long as there is space all around the existing tires for the larger size. The next size up from your 145/12 size is going to be 175/80-13. This tire size will be 1.3 inches wider and 2.8 inches taller.

What this means is you will need more than 0.65 inches between the sides of the tires closest to the trailer and the trailer itself. And you will need more than 1.4 inches from the tops of the tires to anything above them, such as fenders.

If you have the space I recommend going with a 175/80-13 mounted on either a galvanized wheel, such as # AM31994, or mounted on an aluminum wheel such as # AM32001HWTB. Galvanized or aluminum is going to be the most corrosion resistant for marine applications.

expert reply by: Michael H