Can I Upgrade From 8 Inch to 15 Inch Wheels On a Boat Trailer
Updated 03/12/2019 | Published 03/11/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I never have liked the small 8inch boat trailer wheels. Other than a fender problem, can 15inch wheels be used?
asked by: Jon R
Helpful Expert Reply:
It is possible to switch from 8" wheels to 15" wheels yes but, in addition to fender clearance issues you will also run into not having enough surface area on the hub for the larger wheel size. For example, the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly part # AKIHUB-545-2-1K which is common on 2,000 lb axles and what I suspect you have only has enough surface area to work with 12" wheels max. Therefore, in order to upgrade to 15" wheels you will also likely need to upgrade hubs as well as fenders.
In order to recommend a new set of hubs that are compatible with 15" wheels I would need to know both your bearing and seal numbers. However, if you have a 2,000 lb axle then you won't be able to safely upgrade to 15" wheels because there is not a hub that will fit them with a large enough surface area to accommodate 15" wheels. Therefore, your best option would be a 12" wheel/tire combo like the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel part # AM30790 which has a galvanized wheel for maximum protection and load range c tire rated for use up to 1,045 lbs each.
Then for a new fender that will work the above wheels/tires, I recommend the Fulton Single Axle Trailer Fender part # F008550 for black or part # F008540 for white along with the Mounting Brackets for Trailer Fenders part # CE26065PGA.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 5.30-12
- 12 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Mastering Tire Maintenance: Does Tire Pressure REALLY Matter?
- Q&A: Replacement for Hub to Fit with Shorelander SS734 Bearing Kit
- Q&A: Replacement Shorelander Hub Kit SS734 for a Trailer
- Q&A: Diagnosing Trailer Vibration From 65-75mph.
- Q&A: Changing Out 205/75-14 Tires for Larger 215/75-14 Tires with Greater Weight Capacity
- Shop: Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Search Results: strap
- Search Results: bearing buddy
- Search Results: st175/80d13
- Search Results: 44649
- Search Results: hubs
- Q&A: Which is Better for Highway Use 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer TIres
- Q&A: Need Taskmaster 5.30R12 Tire With Galvanized 5 on 4-1/2 Wheel
- Q&A: Can a 5.30-12 Size Tire be Replaced with a ST145/R12 Size Tire
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Article: How to Measure a Trailer Axle
- Article: How To Read A Tire Sidewall
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)