Selecting Trailer Wheels, Tires and Brakes for Off-Road Teardrop Trailer

Updated 03/31/2016 | Published 03/28/2016

Question:

I want to build an off-road tear trailer and was planning on using the 10inch electric brakes for it. The tires Im using are on 17inch rims from a Jeep. I noticed that these brakes are only for up to 15inch wheels. Is there any reason I couldnt use them with 17inch wheels. The rims have the 5 x 5inch bolt pattern.

asked by: Dale

Helpful Expert Reply:

Vehicle wheels can have different offset than trailer wheels. Offset is any difference between a wheel's center line and the mounting surface. Positive offset moves the tire closer to the trailer frame and negative offset moves it away.

This is why only special trailer wheels are recommended for use on a trailer. Similarly, only special trailer (ST) tires are recommended for use on trailers; passenger vehicle tires should not be used on a trailer, or vice versa.

I linked for you our main page for trailer wheels with the 5-on-5 bolt pattern. These are all 15-inch rims with either a 5- or 6-inch width.

I also linked all 15-inch trailer tires which include both radial and bias ply types in several different load ranges.

Trailer brakes should be selected to match the axle capacity. Your axle should have a sticker or plate on it that indicates its weight rating; choose brakes that match. A link to electric drum brakes for trailers is included.

expert reply by: Adam R