Determining If Larger Tires Can Be Installed On Karavan USM-2200 Boat Trailer

Updated 06/16/2021 | Published 06/15/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7665)

$66.96

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(820)

$86.07

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(820)

$96.69

Question:

We have a Karavan USM-2200 boat trailer, single axle for our 16 ft Bayliner Element. The wheels are small and we are pulling the boat every week, 2 hours away. My husband thinks larger wheels would be safer - we already had one blow out this year only the 2nd summer since we bought it new. Can we upsize the wheels or will we need a different trailer?

asked by: Jean M

Expert Reply:

You can absolutely go to larger wheels on your Karavan USM-2200 boat trailer, but based on the clearance between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender you will need to raise the trailer first.

To raise the trailer I recommend an over-under kit which moves the axle from on top of the leaf springs to underneath the springs. This raises the trailer by the diameter of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring stack.

There are two different kits but they are dependent on the diameter of your axle. For 2-3/8" diameter axles your will need the # K71-384-00, and for 3" diameter axles you will need the # K71-385-00.

Once you have the trailer raised you will have plenty of room for larger tires. If you can tell me the size of the tires currently on your trailer I would be happy to recommend a larger replacement for you.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C