Losing Air Out of Boat Trailer Tires

Updated 10/17/2018 | Published 10/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(7551)

$113.11

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7549)

$109.70

Question:

We have a 2015 Tennessee Trailer Tritoon Trailer that we got new and have had 6 flat tires. When the gentlemen was driving the trailer and boat to CO from GA... he had a flat. We are wondering if the tires used are just not enough for the weight of our Tri-Toon or what else could be going on. It came with 20.5 x 8.0 x 10 4-ply. The weight of our boat is 3353# w/o the motor. We have a 150HP on it. Should we raise our trailer and put 13inch tires on it?? Or try to go to a better quality trailer tire?? Im reading radial tires are better than bias but hear different recommendations depending on who were talking to. Boat dealer vs. Trailer dealer. Thank you for your expertise!

asked by: Shila

Expert Reply:

I would almost be willing to bet you are losing air around the bead seats. The wheels on a boat trailer are subjected to much harsher conditions than the wheels on a standard trailer. If the wheels do not have the proper coating or are not maintained properly, they can rust/corrode around the bead where the tires seats which then causes small leaks.

There could be an issue with the weight capacity of your tires in relation to the weight of the boat/trailer but this would cause blowouts, not flat tires. In addition to replacing the tires, I also recommend replacing the wheels. We have galvanized trailer wheels which are specifically designed for boat trailers and will last far longer than a standard steel wheel.

I am assuming you have a tandem axle trailer and if that is the case I would recommend a galvanized tire/wheel combo like part # AM3H400 if you have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern or part # AM3H380 if you have a 4 on 4" bolt pattern. This will be the modem equivalent to a 20.5x8.0-10 tire and will provide you with a 1,100 lb per tire weight capacity. They have a bias ply but we do not offer this size in a radial ply.

I have attached review videos for you.

expert reply by: Conner L