Are 20 inch Wheel Too Big for a 10 foot Trailer

Updated 09/08/2017 | Published 09/06/2017

Question:

I am looking to buy a 6 X 10 Wells Cargo style trailer. It will be used to haul lightweight sports equipment. Call it a 500-800 lb payload max, so GVW at about 2000 lbs. The used trailer I am considering has 20 inch wheels. Almost all others I have looked into have 15 inch or 16 inch wheels. The seller is calling out the wheel size as a plus. Is there an advantage to having bigger wheels - or more importantly, a disadvantage I am overlooking? Thanks

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

When you are looking at tires and wheels for a trailer the most important things are that the bolt pattern matches up with the hub and that the tire/wheel combination has the proper weight rating for the trailer.

For example, the Karrier # TA54VR is a ST225/75R15 Radial Tire that is mounted on a 15-inch wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. It has a Load Range of D which means it can carry 2,540 lbs at 65 psi. As long as you have your tires inflated to the recommended psi by the manufacturer and the tire/wheel combination (you will add all of your tires together) is rated a little over the GVWR of your trailer (can be found on the frame somewhere), and has the proper clearance to the trailer, you are good to go.

I have attached a review video and some helpful articles for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G