Looking for Smaller Diameter Replacement Tire for Bass Boat Trailer

Published 01/07/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2218)

$156.01

Kenda Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(2761)

$141.10

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" White Mini Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2761)

$144.89

Question:

I am towing a 186inch bass boat on t205/75r14 tires. The boat weighs about 2500-3000lbs. I have been having a problem with my current tires coming apart. I wanted to replace them with a d range tire but i know my options are limited. The other issue i have is there is a clearance issue on the rear of the fender. I can out my hand between the tire and the fender on the front side but can only run it around halfway. I was looking to see if i can downsize but still be able to get a load d tire. I have attached a picture to help understand what i am talking about. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Chris W

Helpful Expert Reply:

By looking at the photo you provided, I can see that you do indeed have a clearance problem with the fender. Going to a 13 inch wheel/tire combo like the Kenda Wheel/Tire Combo part # AM31990 for a black mod wheel or # AM31991 for a white mod wheel would improve your clearance issue to a degree. Both wheels have a 5 on 4-1/2 wheel bolt pattern, and both feature a ST175/80-13 Load Range D tire that has a 1650 lb weight rating per tire/ 3300 lbs per axle when properly inflated to the maximum 70 psi air pressure. This will provide an additional inch of clearance between the tire and trailer fender.

The fact that your tires have been coming apart could mean several things. The trailer fender could be damaging the tires when the trailer tire bottoms out against the underside of the fender. The tire could be overloaded beyond its weight capacity. The tire should be kept fully inflated to the full pressure listed on the sidewall. The tire's speed rating should be observed. Overloading, underinflating and exceeding the speed ratings of a trailer tire can all shorten its lifespan, sometimes dramatically. Heat is the number one enemy of trailer tires, and overloading, underinflating and traveling faster than the tire's rated for all prevent trailer tires from shedding excessive heat. To see our Trailer Tire FAQ article, click the provided link.

If the smaller wheel/tire combo won't leave enough capacity, then removing the existing fenders and going with a larger fender would be a good solution. I've linked you to our selection of trailer fenders intended for 14 inch and larger tires. Usually, we like to see at least three inches of clearance between the top of the tire and the underside of the fender when the trailer is under load. Since decreasing your wheel/tire size enough would leave you with tires that have an insufficient load rating, I'm wondering if you might possibly be overloading the trailer. Trailers are commonly designed so that all its elements work together.

expert reply by: Mike L