Recommended Trailer Wheel Size for Carrying 88-lb Kayak and Other Items Totalling 300-lbs or Less

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Question:

I am looking for a trailer to tow my kayak. Most of the trailers I have been looking at have 8inch wheels. I am a travelling nurse so it will be pulled long distances at highway speeds. Since the kayak weighs 88lbs and the extras will keep the weight to well below 300lbs will the 8inch wheels be safe or should I be looking at 12wheels?

asked by: Jeff

0

Expert Reply:

Tire size in itself does not mean that a tire is unsuitable for use on your kayak trailer which you'll be pulling long distances at highways speeds. Trailer tires are all rated for a maximum speed of 65-mph unless specified otherwise by their manufacturer, but they can vary significantly in how much of a weight load they can carry. Trailer tire load ranges are referred to by a letter code. Load range D tires can carry more weight than C tires, which in turn can carry more weight than Load range B tires.

For instance, a B-rated 8-inch bias ply tire like Kenda # AM10002 can carry 590-lbs at its rated pressure of 60-psi. Kenda load range C tire # AM10004 can handle up to 745-lbs at 90-psi inflation. And load range D tire # AM10013 can support 1075-lbs at its rated pressure of 100-psi.

The real threat to trailer tires is heat. If a tire is not inflated to its rated pressure (as noted on the tire sidewall) or if it is overloaded beyond its rated weight capacity then it will build up heat that will be the most likely reason for failure. A smaller tire that is properly inflated and operated within its specified load limits and up to its rated speed will serve you well. In general, if you use a tire rated for more weight than you're actually loading on it the tire will tend to run cooler and last longer.

If the nature of your trailer's design allows you to use larger diameter wheels and tires, then this is of course fine to do as well. You need to consider clearance at the fenders with a larger diameter tire, and clearance between the tires' inside walls and trailer frame for a wider tire. You also need new wheels (rims) that have the same bolt pattern as your current wheels so that they will fit your hubs.

I have linked several articles related to trailer tires that may be of interest to you. You may also want to consult the manufacturer of the trailer for their input about changing tire size.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

If you prefer to just replace your tires we do offer your tire size 4.80/4.00-8. You can see both such bias ply tire options by clicking on the link provided. We offer both Load Range B and Load Range C tires, parts #AM10002 and #AM10004. If you…

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Answer 2

I can end this debate for you real fast! Trailer tires, which will have an ST in front of the size, should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. Trailer tires usually do not have a recommended and maximum psi indication so I am…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 7

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 8

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 9

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 10

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 11

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Recommended Trailer Wheel Size for Carrying 88-lb Kayak and Other Items Totalling 300-lbs or Less

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